Objective: The aim: To determine the anatomical and biomechanical significance of the static stabilizers of the acromioclavicular joint by conducting numerical modeling using the finite element method and experimental investigation.
Patients and methods: Materials and methods: To ensure the study, modeling of the deformation processes of the clavicle and scapula systems with various combinations of ligament damage was conducted. The COMPAS-3D software package was used to build the simulation model, which allowed obtaining models that are closest to reality. To verify the results of the numerical modeling, corresponding studies of the mechanical characteristics and determination of the stiffness of the investigated systems were carried out using the upgraded TIRAtest-2151 testing stand.
Results: Results: The stiffest system is the system in which all ligaments are intact, and the sequence of decreasing stiffness of the system is presented in the following order: damage to lig. trapezoideum; lig. conoideum; lig. claviculo-acoacromiale inferior; lig. claviculo-acoacromiale superior; the coracoclavicular ligament complex; the acromioclavicular ligament complex.
Conclusion: Conclusions: Static stabilizers in general, and their components in particular, are characterized by significant anatomical and functional features. The natural stabilization of the acromioclavicular joint is provided by their synergistic interaction, which is the basis for the development and implementation of surgical interventions, the scope of which includes the restoration of both ligament complexes. The loss of stiffness in the «clavicle-scapula» system is significantly more pronounced when lig. acromioclaviculare superior and inferior are damaged (8.5 N/mm) than when lig. conoideum and lig. trapezoideum are damaged (11.6 N/mm).
Keywords: Acromioclavicular joint; biomechanical; static stabilizers.