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Dissertation
Mechanics and development of tarsal cartilage anlagen: insights from a human study
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3440
Abstract
Fetal cartilage anlage provides a framework for endochondral ossification and organization into articular cartilage. Deficiency or retardation of these developmental processes causes musculoskeletal deformities. The mechanical environment can modulate development, highlighting the indispensable role of accurate mechanical models in reliable biomechanical analyses and improving shortcomings of models of morphogenesis. While much attention has been paid to the mechanical characterization of articular and growth plate cartilage, the need for investigating the developing cartilage anlage mechanics has not been answered. Additionally, finite element (FE) models are required for studying problems of soft tissue as they generally involve complex geometries, boundary conditions, and/or complicated material behavior. This makes the importance of FE implementation of material models evident. Furthermore, with the work on osteogenesis of limbs being predominantly focused on long bones, studying the mechanisms of endochondral ossification in short bones seems invaluable to understanding the normal growth patterns and etiology of their deformities. One such important case is the clubfoot deformity which can lead to severe handicap if untreated. The Ponseti technique, based on serial manipulation and immobilization, is commonly used to treat infant clubfoot. Despite the numerous studies describing theses deformities, little information is available on the correction mechanisms under this treatment method. In the present study, the mechanical properties of developing cartilage anlage in near full-term human fetal talus were determined in confined and unconfined compression indicating the cartilage under study was softer and more permeable than e.g. articular cartilage. A straightforward method was formulated to model cartilage under large deformations using the strain energy function of the finite deformation biphasic theory, by directly incorporating the commonly extracted mechanical properties. A unique "human experiment" was conducted to elicit the effects of manipulation therapy of new-born clubfooted infants undergoing Ponseti treatment. Correction of anlagen deformities and positional relationships was observed in all patients. Ossification was enhanced under treatment, especially in the talus and cuboid, and was faster in clubfoot than normal. Patient-specific FE analysis was conducted suggesting the presence of a positive correlation between both the strain energy density and the pore fluid velocity magnitude with the amount of bone added between each two visits.
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Details
- Title
- Mechanics and development of tarsal cartilage anlagen
- Creators
- Roza Mahmoodian - DU
- Contributors
- Sorin Siegler (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Franco M. Capaldi (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Engineering (1970-2026); Mechanical Engineering (and Mechanics) [Historical]; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3440; 991014632281804721