Clinical Applications of Biomechanics

Clinical Applications of Biomechanics

Clinical Applications of Biomechanics

On this page

Clinical Applications of Biomechanics - Bones & Bolts

  • Fracture Stability Principles:
    • Absolute Stability: No motion at fracture site. Goal: Primary bone healing (interfragmentary strain, $\epsilon = \Delta L / L_0$, < 2%). Achieved via compression (e.g., lag screws, compression plates).
    • Relative Stability: Controlled motion. Goal: Secondary bone healing via callus (strain 2-10%). Achieved via splinting, IM nails, bridging plates, external fixators.
  • Load & Implant Dynamics:
    • Load-sharing: Implant & bone share forces (e.g., IM nail). Promotes callus.
    • Load-bearing: Implant carries entire load (e.g., bridging plate for comminuted fracture).
    • Stress Shielding: Bone resorption if implant is too rigid, reducing bone stress.
  • Key Implants & Techniques:
    • Plates: Compression (DCP), neutralization, buttress, bridging functions.
    • Screws: Lag technique for interfragmentary compression.
    • Intramedullary Nails: Load-sharing; for long bone diaphyseal fractures.
    • External Fixators: For open fractures, severe soft tissue damage.
  • 📌 AO Principles: ARSA (Anatomic Reduction, Stable Fixation, Atraumatic Technique, Active Mobilization).

Fracture healing with stable vs failed fixation

⭐ Dynamic compression plating (DCP) converts torsional and bending forces into axial compression across the fracture site.

Clinical Applications of Biomechanics - Motion Makers

  • Arthroplasty Biomechanics:

    • THR: Target acetabular inclination 40±10°, anteversion 15±10° for stability & ROM.
    • TKR: Aim for neutral mechanical axis, optimal component alignment & ligament balance.
  • Implant Materials & Properties:

    MaterialYoung's Modulus (GPa)Wear ResistanceKey Features
    CoCr~200-230GoodMoM issues, ion release
    Ti alloys~100-120ModerateLower stiffness, biocompatible
    UHMWPE~1Fair📌 'POLY'ethylene wears, XPE wear ↓
    Ceramics~300-400ExcellentBrittle, fracture risk, squeaking
  • Wear Mechanisms: Adhesive, abrasive, fatigue, corrosive (tribocorrosion). Hip anatomy, osteoarthritis, and total hip replacement

  • Fixation & Loosening:

    • Cemented (PMMA) vs. Cementless (porous coating for bone ingrowth).
    • Stress shielding: Implant-induced bone resorption due to ↓ load.
    • Aseptic loosening: Primary long-term failure mode.

⭐ Osteolysis secondary to wear debris (particle disease) is a major cause of long-term failure in total joint arthroplasty.

Clinical Applications of Biomechanics - Column Control

  • Denis Three-Column Theory: Assesses spinal stability. 📌 All My Patients (Ant, Mid, Post).
    • Anterior: Anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL), anterior 1/2 vertebral body & annulus.
    • Middle: Posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), posterior 1/2 vertebral body & annulus.
    • Posterior: Posterior elements (pedicles, facets, lamina, spinous process), ligament complex.
    • Instability if ≥2 columns disrupted. Spine three-column theories with CT cases
  • Mechanisms of Spinal Injury: Axial compression, flexion, extension, rotation, shear, distraction.
  • Spinal Instability Indicators:
    • Loss of >50% vertebral body height.
    • Angulation >20-30°.
    • Progressive neurological deficit.
  • Biomechanics of Spinal Instrumentation:
    • Pedicle screws & rods: Strongest posterior fixation, load bearing.
    • Cages (interbody): Restore height, promote fusion, anterior load sharing.
    • Plates: Anterior/lateral stabilization.
    • Load sharing: Implant + graft share loads until fusion.
    • Fusion concepts: Achieve arthrodesis (bony union). Spinal fusion with pedicle screws and rods

⭐ The 'tension band' principle is frequently applied in spinal fixation to counteract flexion forces and promote stability.

Clinical Applications of Biomechanics - Step & Support

  • Normal Gait Cycle:
    • Phases: 📌 Stance (IC, LR, MSt, TSt, PSw), Swing (ISw, MSw, TSw).
    • Stance Phase Details:
      PhaseEventMuscle(s)
      ICHeel strikeTib. Ant.
      LRWt. acceptQuads, Glutes
      MStSingle supportGlut. Med.
      TStHeel offGastroc/Soleus
      PSwToe offGastroc/Soleus
    • Parameters: Cadence 90-120 steps/min; Step length ~70-82 cm; Speed 1.2-1.4 m/s. $F_{GRF}$. Gait cycle phases with muscle activity
  • Pathological Gaits:
    • Trendelenburg: Gluteus medius weakness → pelvic drop.
    • Antalgic: Pain-induced → shortened stance phase.
  • Orthotics: External devices.
    • Principles: Three-point pressure for control/correction.
    • Materials: Thermoplastics. Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) demonstrating force application)
  • Prosthetics: Artificial limbs.
    • Principles: Alignment, socket fit, energy storage & return.

⭐ A three-point pressure system is a fundamental biomechanical principle used in many orthotic designs to control movement or provide correction.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Stress shielding causes bone loss around stiff implants, risking loosening.
  • Wolff's Law: Bone remodels based on applied stress, impacting healing and implant stability.
  • Joint reaction forces influence implant longevity and osteoarthritis progression.
  • Biomechanics guides fracture fixation choices: screws, plates, nails for optimal stability.
  • Gait analysis aids in diagnosing and managing neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Tendon/ligament failure mechanisms (e.g., ACL) are key to understanding sports injuries.
  • Ergonomics applies biomechanics to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).

Practice Questions: Clinical Applications of Biomechanics

Test your understanding with these related questions

In walking, gravity tends to tilt pelvis and trunk to the unsupported side, the major factor in preventing this unwanted movement is?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Clinical Applications of Biomechanics

1/3

When _____ is weak, trunk lurches backward at heel-strike on weakened side to interrupt forward motion of the trunk

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

When _____ is weak, trunk lurches backward at heel-strike on weakened side to interrupt forward motion of the trunk

gluteus maximus

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial