Subject-specific musculoskeletal model of the lower limb in a lying and standing position

Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2014 Apr;17(5):480-7. doi: 10.1080/10255842.2012.693173. Epub 2012 Jun 26.

Abstract

Accurate estimation of joint loads implies using subject-specific musculoskeletal models. Moreover, as the lines of action of the muscles are dictated by the soft tissues, which are in turn influenced by gravitational forces, we developed a method to build subject-specific models of the lower limb in a functional standing position. Bones and skin envelope were obtained in a standing position, whereas muscles and a set of bony landmarks were obtained from conventional magnetic resonance images in a lying position. These muscles were merged with the subject-specific skeletal model using a nonlinear transformation, taking into account soft tissue movements and gravitational effects. Seven asymptomatic lower limbs were modelled using this method, and results showed realistic deformations. Comparing the subject-specific skeletal model to a scaled reference model rendered differences in terms of muscle length up to 4% and in terms of moment arm for adductor muscles up to 30%. These preliminary findings enlightened the importance of subject-specific modelling in a functional position.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone and Bones / anatomy & histology*
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone and Bones / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / anatomy & histology*
  • Lower Extremity / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Movement
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Posture*
  • Radiography