Ligament ruptures, such as to the ACL, are common injuries of the knee. While surgical treatment would ideally prevent degenerative changes and functional disability, joint degeneration has been reported in up to 38% of patients after ACL reconstruction. The unpredictable outcome of operative repair reflects a deficiency in the current knowledge of in-vivo biomechanics of the reconstructed ligaments. This research project is designed to measure in-vivo ACL tension during weight-bearing flexion using a non-invasive imaging technique. Newly developed dual-orthogonal fluoroscopic imaging and MR image- based 3D computer modeling techniques will be used to quantitatively determine in-vivo elongation of the ACL under various weight-bearing conditions during knee flexion. The determined in-vivo ACL elongation will be combined with force-elongation curves of the ACL to determine in-vivo ACL tension under specific weight- bearing conditions. A rigorous validation will also be performed in order to ensure that the ACL force- elongation estimates are accurate. This investigation presents an innovative methodology for measuring in- vivo tension of the knee ligaments. The data on in-vivo ACL tension will provide fundamental knowledge for understanding the biomechanical role of the ACL. The data can be used as quantitative guidelines for developing optimzed surgical ACL reconstruction techniques that reproduce in-vivo biomechanics and, hence, restore normal knee function and prevent degenerative arthritis. The methodology established in this project will include an accurate measurement of in-vivo knee kinematics and an indirect measurement of in-vivo ACL tension. These advanced imaging and 3D modeling techniques will provide invaluable insight towards the investigation of in-vivo functional roles of all knee ligaments and the development of appropriate surgical treatments for these soft tissue injuries. This methodology can be readily extended to investigate and optimize the treatment of soft tissue injures of other articular joints such as the spine, shoulder, wrist and ankle. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21AR051078-01A2
Application #
7088029
Study Section
Skeletal Biology Structure and Regeneration Study Section (SBSR)
Program Officer
Panagis, James S
Project Start
2006-04-14
Project End
2008-03-31
Budget Start
2006-04-14
Budget End
2007-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$231,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
Li, Guoan; Li, Jing-Sheng; Torriani, Martin et al. (2018) Short-Term Contact Kinematic Changes and Longer-Term Biochemical Changes in the Cartilage After ACL Reconstruction: A Pilot Study. Ann Biomed Eng 46:1797-1805
Hosseini, Ali; Gill, Thomas J; Van de Velde, Samuel K et al. (2011) Estimation of in vivo ACL force changes in response to increased weightbearing. J Biomech Eng 133:051004
Yue, Bing; Varadarajan, Kartik M; Ai, Songtao et al. (2011) Differences of knee anthropometry between Chinese and white men and women. J Arthroplasty 26:124-30
Wu, Jia-Lin; Seon, Jong Keun; Gadikota, Hemanth R et al. (2010) In situ forces in the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament under simulated functional loading conditions. Am J Sports Med 38:558-63
Varadarajan, Kartik M; Freiberg, Andrew A; Gill, Thomas J et al. (2010) Relationship between three-dimensional geometry of the trochlear groove and in vivo patellar tracking during weight-bearing knee flexion. J Biomech Eng 132:061008
Wu, Jia-Lin; Hosseini, Ali; Kozanek, Michal et al. (2010) Kinematics of the anterior cruciate ligament during gait. Am J Sports Med 38:1475-82
Varadarajan, Kartik M; Gill, Thomas J; Freiberg, Andrew A et al. (2010) Patellar tendon orientation and patellar tracking in male and female knees. J Orthop Res 28:322-8
Liu, Fang; Kozanek, Michal; Hosseini, Ali et al. (2010) In vivo tibiofemoral cartilage deformation during the stance phase of gait. J Biomech 43:658-65
Kozanek, Michal; Hosseini, Ali; Liu, Fang et al. (2009) Tibiofemoral kinematics and condylar motion during the stance phase of gait. J Biomech 42:1877-84
Hosseini, Ali; Gill, Thomas J; Li, Guoan (2009) In vivo anterior cruciate ligament elongation in response to axial tibial loads. J Orthop Sci 14:298-306

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