Development of a more biofidelic musculoskeletal model with humeral head translation and glenohumeral ligaments

Abstract

Computational musculoskeletal modeling is useful for understanding upper extremity biomechanics, especially when in vivo tests are unfeasible. A musculoskeletal model of the upper limb with increased biofidelity was developed by including humeral head translation (HHT) and ligaments. The model was validated and ligament contribution and effect of shoulder (thoracohumeral) elevation on HHT was evaluated. Humerus translated superiorly with increased elevation, with translations closely matching (avg. difference 2.83 mm) previous in vitro studies. HHT and ligament inclusion in the model will improve biomechanical predictions of upper extremity movements and study of conditions, like subacromial impingement, rotator cuff tear, or shoulder instability.

Keywords:

• Musculoskeletal
• shoulder
• humeral head translation
• glenohumeral
• ligaments
• computational model

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Joshua Pataky, Zoe Moore, and other members of the Movement of the Upper limb and Shoulder Laboratory (MUSL) at Pennsylvania State University for their support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the National Science Foundation – Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (2103440).