Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to measure surface pressures and force distribution on
radius and ulna in healthy and dysplastic elbow joints in different positions using
the finite element analysis (FEA).
Study Design FEA was performed on computed tomographic data of healthy and fragmented coronoid
process diseased elbow joints of Labrador Retrievers. It considered the articular
cartilage, collateral ligaments, triceps and biceps muscle. The analysis of each joint
was performed in four positions (standing position: 145 degrees and three positions
of the stance phase of gait: beginning: 115 degrees, middle: 110 degrees, end: 145 degrees
joint angle) in consideration of different ground reaction forces (standing: 88.3 N;
stance phase of gait: 182.5 N).
Results Mean values of total force of 317.5 N (standing), 590.7 N (beginning), 330.9 N (middle)
and 730.9 N (end) were measured. The percentual force distribution resulted in a total
of 49.56 ± 26.58% on the ulna with a very inhomogeneous distribution. A significant
difference was detected between the positions ‘standing’ and ‘end’ (p = 0.0497) regardless of the joint condition. In some FEA results, visual assessment
of the surface pressures indicated an increase in pressure in the region of the medial
compartment without a uniform pattern. An increase in pressure resulted in an area
increase in the pressure marks on the joint surface and measurable pressure was increased
at a larger joint angle.
Clinical Significance FEA can provide information about the transmission of force in the joint. Prior to
the use of FEA in scientific clinical research for the simulation of force, further
model improvements are necessary.
Keywords
finite element analysis - elbow dysplasia - canine elbow dysplasia - dogs - contact
pressures
