Subject-specific geometry affects acetabular contact pressure during gait more than subject-specific loading patterns

Abstract

Finite element modeling (FEM) can predict hip cartilage contact mechanics. This study investigated how subject-specific boundary conditions and joint geometry affect acetabular cartilage contact mechanics using a multi-scale workflow. For two healthy subjects, musculoskeletal models calculated subject-specific hip kinematics and loading, which were used as boundary conditions for FEM. Cartilage contact mechanics were predicted using either generic or subject-specific FEM and boundary conditions. A subject-specific mesh resulted in a more lateral contact. Effects of subject-specific boundary conditions varied between both subjects. Results highlight the complex interplay between loading and kinematics and their effect on cartilage contact mechanics.

Keywords:

• Multi-scale modeling
• hip contact mechanics
• musculoskeletal modeling
• finite element modeling

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by funding of the onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven under Grant OT/13/083; and Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek travel grant under Grant V441017N. The funding sources had no involvement in the study.