Development of 3D Finite Element Model of Human Elbow to Study Elbow Dislocation and Instability

The mechanics of elbow dislocation and its stages of dislocation are complex and not well understood. Reconstructing a fall where someone lands on their hand is one of the most challenging problem in biomechanics. Current models which attempt to reconstruct falls usually focus on experimental kinematical conditions that cause the fall coupled with inverse dynamics to determine the joint and muscles forces [1,2] to provide on insight into the joint instability. Our hypothesis based on our experimental investigation is that the mechanism of posterior elbow dislocation is initiated at radial head where the ulna and coronoid fracture followed by anterior tearing of the joint capsule, lateral collateral ligament will then rupture followed by posterior medial collateral ligament rupture and then the medial collateral ligament peeling off the ulna. In this study we developed a quasi-static three-dimensional finite element of human elbow joint, and conducted several cadaveric studies to study elbow dislocation. The FE model is used to investigate how the ligaments, cartilages behave under different flexion, extension of the elbow. Dislocation is investigated as function of different loads and moments applied to the radius-ulna with arm being flexed and configured into a supination or pronation.