Specimen specific, 3D modeling of the elbow--prediction of strain in the medial collateral ligament.

In this project 3D interactive models of twelve cadaver elbows are developed using the author's kinematic simulation software. The effective flexion-extension axes for each specimen's model are iteratively defined based upon congruent joint motion and individual limits in range-of-motion. Origins and insertions of both parts of the medial collateral ligament are digitized following careful dissection of each specimen. Ligament paths are then defined using cubic B-spline models of the principal fibers of each part, flexion extension motion of each elbow is carried out in real-time and the strain of each fiber model is calculated. Results indicate the existence of two distinct populations of medial collateral ligament - one whose anterior part stretches during flexion of the elbow and the other whose anterior part stretches during extension.