Analiza metodą elementów skończonych dużych odkształceń chrząstki stawowej w górnej części stawu skokowego pasażera w wojskowym pojeździe podczas wybuchu

The paper presents the analysis of the load of lower limbs of occupants in the armoured military vehicle, which has been destroyed by detonation of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) charge under the vehicle. A simplified model of the human lower limb focused on upper ankle joint was developed in order to determine the reaction forces in joints and load in particular segments during the blast load. The model of upper ankle joint, include a tibia and an ankle bone with corresponding articular cartilage, has been developed. An analysis of the stress distribution under the influence of forces applied at different angles to the biomechanical axis of a limb has been performed. We analyzed the case of the lower limb of a sitting man leaning his feet on the floor. It has been shown that during a foot pronation induced by a knee outward deviation, the axial load on the foot causes significantly greater tension in the tibia. At the same time it has been shown that within the medial malleolus, tensile stresses occur on the surface of the bone which may lead to fracture of the medial malleolus. It is a common case of injuries caused by loads on foot of passengers in armored vehicles during a mine or IED load under the vehicle. It was shown that the outward deviation of the knee increases the risk of the foot injury within the ankle joint.W artykule przedstawiono analizę MES obciążenia kończyn dolnych osób w opancerzonym pojeździe wojskowym, który został zniszczony przez zaimprowizowaną detonację ładunku wybuchowego (IED) pod pojazdem. W uproszczonym modelu dolnej kończyny ludzkiej skoncentrowano się na górnej części stawu skokowego. Model opracowany został w celu określenia siły reakcji w stawach i obciążenia w poszczególnych segmentach podczas obciążenia wybuchowego. Model górnego stawu skokowego, obejmuje kość piszczelową oraz kości stawu skokowego z odpowiadającymi chrząstkami stawowymi. Przeprowadzono analizę rozkładu naprężeń pod wpływem sił wywieranych pod różnymi kątami w stosunku do osi biomechanicznej kończyny. Przeanalizowano przypadek kończyny dolnej siedzącego mężczyzny z nogą opartą na podłodze. Wykazano, że podczas skręcenia stopy indukowanego przez odwiedzenie kolana na zewnątrz, siła osiowa na stopie powoduje znacznie większe naprężenie rozciągające w kości piszczelowej. Jednocześnie wykazano, że w kostce przyśrodkowej, naprężenia rozciągające występują na powierzchni kości, co może prowadzić do wystąpienia złamania kostki przyśrodkowej. Jest to częsty przypadek obrażeń spowodowanych obciążeniami stóp pasażerów pojazdów pancernych podczas eksplozji miny lub wybuchu ładunku (IED) pod pojazdem. Wykazano, że odchylenie kolana zwiększa ryzyko obrażeń stopy w stawie skokowym

Damping properties of articular cartilage in ankle

Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia analizę mechanizmu rozpraszania energii przez chrząstkę stawu skokowego człowieka. Wykonano analizę mającą na celu określenie prawdopodobieństwa powstawania urazu powierzchni stawowej pod wpływem obciążenia silnym impulsem. Opracowano model numeryczny stawu uwzględniający kość piszczelową, kość skokową, powierzchnie stawowe oraz więzadła. Sztywność układu uzyskano uwzględniając więzadła w postaci elementów sprężystych. Na podstawie opracowanego modelu, dokonano analizy wpływu zmian właściwości chrząstki i więzadeł na stopień tłumienia energii obciążenia. Wyniki badań numerycznych uwzględniają zarówno zmiany sztywności poszczególnych struktur, jak również zmiany modeli konstytutywnych materiałów użytych w modelu. Wyznaczono zależność pomiędzy strukturą geometryczną chrząstki a jej zdolnością do rozpraszania energii. Na drodze eksperymentów numerycznych wyznaczono warunki, przy których wystąpi uraz powierzchni stawowej.This article presents an analysis of the energy dissipation in the ankle during impact load. The aim of study was to analyze different material models of cartilage for selected conditions in which the contact of surface is destroyed. The numerical model includes tibia and talus with articular cartilage surfaces and ligaments. Based on the model, the changes in the material properties of cartilage were investigated for research the damping behavior of cartilage under impact load. The damping properties were analyzed based on the reaction force in the support. The differences in the force values were used for comparison of the selected material models. The numerical experiments show mechanism of destruction in the cartilage layer during plastic deformations. This destruction moment was detected by the yield stress of cartilage

BIomechanical aspects of artificial joint implantation in a lower limb

One of the most important trends in engineering biomechanics is experimental and numerical analysis of the stress and strain state existing in organs subject to a heavy load; e.g., the knee and hip joints. Clinical tests experimental and numerical studies on design of implants replacing damaged organs are also of crucial importance in development of biomechanics. The research is focused on determination of loads, experimental techniques as well as on simplifications assumed in measurements and applied models. The conducted investigations were concerned with estimation of mechanical behaviour of hip and knee implants after arthoplasty. The experimental tests on both the real objects and models were performed. Numerical simulation was made by using the finite element method. The tests have proved that from the biomechanical point of view proper selection of endoprothesis is of crucial importance for achieving positive long-term results of alloplasty.Jednym z najważniejszych kierunków badań w dziedzinie biomechaniki inżynierskiej jest doświadczalna i numeryczna analiza stanu odkształceń i naprężeń w organach ludzkich poddanych znacznym obciążeniom, jak chociażby staw biodrowy i kolanowy. Badania kliniczne, doświadczalne i numeryczne poświęcone konstrukcji elementów zastępujących uszkodzone elementy ciała ludzkiego stanowią jeden z najważniejszych kierunków biomechaniki. Dyskusje na tym tle skoncentrowane są na problemach beterminacji występującego stanu obciążenia, stosowanych technik pomiarowych oraz uproszczeń warunków pomiaru i przyjmowanych modeli. Przeprowadzone badania poświęcone zostały ocenie mechanicznej współpracy sztucznych elementów stawu biodrowego i kolanowego w warunkach modelowych, jak i metodą symulacji numerycznej, metodą elementów skończonych. Badania udowodniły duże znaczenie prawidłowej selekcji endoprotez z punktu widzenia biomechaniki układu na długoterminowe powodzenie alloplastyk

Biomechanical characteristics of the jump down of healthy subjects and patients with knee injuries

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the drop jump performance of male patients who underwent ACLR and a control group using combined data acquisition system. Methods: A total of 28 male subjects aged 20 to 26 were studied: 22 did not show and were not diagnosed with any knee joint dysfunction (the control group) and six men who underwent ACLR of the left limb (group of patients). The control group was age, height and body mass matched. A data acquisition setup consisting of three independent modules including force platforms, position analysis system and electromyography was used. Subjects were jumping down from 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m step heights. The acquired signals were used to determine the ground reaction force, muscular activity, mass centre position, velocity and acceleration. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups (t-test, p < 0.05) in the maximum vertical ground reaction force in the left limb for 0.2 and 0.3 m step heights. Differences in the muscle activity between the groups were found to be statistically significant (t-test, p < 0.05) before the jump, during the landing phase, and after the jump for selected muscle groups and step heights. Conclusion: Combing the three independent measurement systems provided new information on drop jump biomechanics. The distribution of loads in different muscles was not uniform across the groups. Patients allocated more energy to control their motion and seemed to protect their operated limb by shifting the bodyweight to the healthy limb

An analysis of the effect of impact loading on the destruction of vascular structures in the brain

Subdural hematomas are one of the frequent complications of head injuries. Such hematomas result from exceeding the border strength values of bridging veins. Subdural haemorrhages are life-threatening and are a frequent cause of considerable pathologies. Traffic participants and also soldiers who participate in armed conflicts are the most vulnerable to head injuries. Although hematomas have been studied for many years the mechanism of hematoma formation has not been fully clarified as yet. In the paper, the effort of brain tissue structures due to the propagation of shock wave was analyzed. Particular attention was paid to the deformation ability and changes in the energy of bridging veins. This research was concerned with changes in mechanical properties of these veins in the frontal, parietal and occipital regions of the brain. For the present research the authors have constructed finite element models of brain tissue fragments and conducted numerical studies taking into account the boundary conditions arising from violent overloads that result from combat operations. As a result of the numerical analysis conducted, critical values of strain and stress have been obtained. The analysis showed high diversity in the properties of the different regions of the brain tissue. The studies carried out by the authors rendered it possible to assess the effort of the tissue structures of veins in connection with mechanical parameters, including geometrical parameters, in particular in relation to the likelihood of hematoma formation

Elastin and collagen fibres alterations for abdominal aortic aneurysms population with constant maximum diameter size

Development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dynamic process proceeding as a result of the multi-factor pathological remodelling of elastin and collagen fibres, results an aneurysm expansion. In clinical practice, development of AAA is identified with aneurysm growth. Hence, the aim of this paper is to propose a taxonomy of load-bearing structural components alterations for AAA with relatively constant maximum diameter (average diameter 6.9±0.8 cm). Structural investigations of normal (n=47) and aneurismal (n=46) vessels were carried out on the basis of histological and ultrastructural examinations. The histological preparations were subjected to histometric evaluation; the number of collagen and elastin fibres and additionally the thickness of the particular vascular wall layers. A qualitative analysis of the abdominal aortic wall, mainly estimation of fibres arrangement, based on histological and ultrastructural (SEM) examinations were additionally performed. Using a cluster analysis, three stages of load-bearing fibres alterations for AAA population were distinguished. The clusters were systematized according to NAA results. For AAA population with relatively constant maximum diameter in the first stage of load-bearing fibres remodeling was observed a substantial loss of elastin fibres. The second stage is characterized by an increase in the number of collagen fibres. In the final stage the number of collagen is dramatically reduced. Presented results provide evidence to risk of AAA rupture is not connected with AAA size but a remodelling of extra-cellular matrix proteins. The remodelling is accompanied by changes in the AAA wall thickness, which should be taken into consideration when evaluating the degree of advancement of this disease

Osteosynthesis on the basis of resorbable polymers implants - selected problems

Use of bioresorbable materials in bone surgery opens up new possibilities in treatment of injuries and orthopaedic illnesses. Lack of necessity for implant removal surgery enables faster treatment and substantial reduction in costs of treatment. In recent years, these advantages have caused growing interest in materials of this type. It must be noted that bioresorbable materials in most cases are based on macromolecular materials – polymers which have completely different mechanical characteristics than traditional materials used in bone surgery. Bioresorbable properties give enormous possibilities but also present difficult challenges related to construction of new types of implants based on materials of this type. Full characteristics of new materials is indispensable in construction process, especially of mechanical properties and surface properties. The latter is responsible for contact with biological environment and bioactivity is determined on the basis of hydroxyapatite precipitations amount on material surface. In case of polymer based composites, influence of phases in powder and fibre form on properties is fundamental to be proved. Addition of particle modifier into polymer matrix causes reduction in strength of polymer. This phenomenon is mostly associated with homogenic particle distribution difficult to be achieved in case of higher filler content. However biological interplay is insufficient by low filler contents. Therefore in the below presented investigations different filler contents were applied and their influence on mechanical properties was investigated to achieve compromise between mechanical properties and bioactive, antibacterial or anti-inflammatory effect of the applied particles. Acquaintance with these results allowed for elaboration of full range of material and constructive solutions for implants in bone surgery. Biodegradable biopolymers have low mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, strength, viscoelasticity). Construction process of bioresorbable implants requires to be completely changed in way of conduction. Computer simulation based investigations of stress-strain characteristics is necessary to be carried out in each stage of research. Bigger cross-sections and different shapes of implants are required to achieve suitable stiffness. Application of bone screws made of resorbable materials requires design of these elements from the bottom up. Design of optimal shape of screw thread and point of contact between screw head and bone plate is particularly important. 9 different implants were designed within the confines of conducted research – including for tibia, humerus, radius, ulna, phalanges, clavicle, calcaneus, pelvis and metatarsus. Stress values were determined in analyzed implants. Acceptable loads were determined for individual types of plate. Plates made of PLA can bear small loads and play role mainly as grasping and holding bone element. In most cases additional immobilization of operated bone is required in order to prevent plate or screw destruction. In case of stabilization function for resorbable materials – as many screws as possible are recommended – thanks to it, screws are less loaded and the plate-bone system is more immobilized

The structure optimization of implants materials of the surface layers by sol-gel coating

This work presents the synthesis of fluorine- and chlorine-doped silica thin films on stainless steel (316L) prepared by the sol–gel method. Obtained materials were examined: structurally (SEM, roughness measurements), mechanically (four-point bending test) and biologically (in vitro). The results of the tests show that it is a possibility to synthesis by sol-gel method stable, continuous and biocompatible coating for materials used for implants