Abstract
A three-dimensional developmental finite element model has been created to analyze load transmission pathways in the constrained carpus during static compressive loading. The bone geometry was extracted from an in vivo computed tomography scan using a combination of commercial and proprietary software. The complete geometry, including bone, cartilage, and ligament tissues, was compiled using a commercial finite element program. This model extends the state of biomechanical modeling by being the first to incorporate all eight carpal bones of the wrist and the related soft tissues in three dimensions. The model results indicate that cartilage material modulus and unconstrained carpal rotation have substantial impacts on the articular contact patterns and pressures. © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society.
PAC2003: 8719Rr, 8710+e
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson, D. D., and T. E. Daniel. A contact-coupled finite element analysis of the radiocarpal joint. Semin. Arthro.6:30–36, 1995.
Berger, R. A.The ligaments of the wrist. Biomech. Hand Wrist.13:63–82, 1997.
Bettinger, P. C., W. P. Smutz, R. L. Linscheid, W. P. Cooney, and K. N. An. Material properties of the trapezial and trapeziometacarpal ligaments. J. Hand Surg.25A:1085–1095, 2000.
Donzelli, P. S., R. L. Spilker, G. A. Ateshian, and V. C. Mow. Contact analysis of biphasic transversely isotropic cartilage layers and correlations with tissue failure. J. Biomech.32:1037–1047, 1999.
Feipel, V., and M. Rooze. Three-dimensional motion patterns of the carpal bones: An study using three-dimensional computed tomography and clinical applications. Surg.-Radiol. Anat.21:125–131, 1999.
Iwasaki, N., E. Genda, P. J. Barrance, A. Minami, K. Kaneda, and E. Y. Chao. Biomechanical analysis of limited intercarpal fusion for the treatment of Kienbock's disease: A three-dimensional theoretical study. J. Orthop. Res.16:256–263, 1998.
Ledoux, P., D. Lamblin, and R. Targowski. Modifications to the mechanical behavior of the wrist after fracture of the scaphoid. Modeling by finite element analysis. Acta Orthop. Belg.67:236–241, 2001.
Lewis, G., and S. R. Vannappagari. Finite element stress analysis of the wrist joint without and with an endoprosthesis. Semin. Arthro.6:20–29, 1995.
Li, G., J. Gil, A. Kanamori, and S. L. Woo. A validated three-dimensional computational model of a human knee joint. J. Biomech. Eng.121:657–662, 1999.
Li, G., O. Lopez, and H. Rubash. Variability of a three-dimensional finite element model constructed using magnetic resonance images of a knee for joint contact stress analysis. J. Biomech. Eng.123:341–346, 2001.
Oda, M., H. Hashizume, T. Miyake, H. Inoue, and N. Nagayama. A stress distribution analysis of a ceramic lunate replacement for Kienbock's disease. J. Hand Surg.25B:492–498, 2000.
Patterson, R., and S. F. Viegas. Biomechanics of the wrist. J. Hand Ther.8:97–105, 1995.
Savelberg, H. H., J. G. Kooloos, R. Huiskes, and J. M. Kauer. Stiffness of the ligaments of the human wrist joint. J. Biomech.25:369–376, 1992.
Schuind, F., W. P. Cooney, R. L. Linscheid, K. N. An, and E. Y. Chao. Force and pressure transmission through the normal wrist. A theoretical two-dimensional study in the posteroanterior plane. J. Biomech.28:587–601, 1995.
Sebastian, T. B., H. Tek, J. J. Crisco, S. W. Wolfe, and B. B. Kimia. Segmentation of carpal bones from 3D CT images using skeletally coupled deformable models. In: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, edited by A. Colchester and S. Delp. Cambridge: Springer, 1998, Vol. 1496, pp. 1184–1194.
Short, W. H., F. W. Werner, M. D. Fortino, and K. A. Mann. Analysis of the kinematics of the scaphoid and lunate in the intact wrist joint. Biomech. Hand Wrist.13:93–108, 1997.
Snel, J. G., H. W. Venema, T. M. Moojen, J. P. Ritt, C. A. Grimbergen, and G. J. den Heeten. Quantitative analysis of the kinematics of carpal bones from three-dimensional CT images using a deformable surface model and a three-dimensional matching technique. Med. Phys.27:2037–2047, 2000.
Werner, F. W. Principles of musculoskeletal biomechanics-wrist. In: Surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity, edited by C. A. Peimer. Toronto: McGraw-Hill, 1995, pp. 31–42.
Wolfe, S. W., C. Neu, and J. J. Crisco. scaphoid, lunate, and capitate kinematics in flexion and in extension. J. Hand Surg.25A:860–869, 2000.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Carrigan, S.D., Whiteside, R.A., Pichora, D.R. et al. Development of a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model for Carpal Load Transmission in a Static Neutral Posture. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 31, 718–725 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1114/1.1574027
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1114/1.1574027