Performing a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis to Simulate and Quantify the Contact Pressure in the Canine Elbow Joint: A Pilot Study.

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.