Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/24/2011
4:45 pm - 5:35 pm

Kinematics of human joints have been studied using various methods of observation for millennia, including cadaver dissection, mechanical tests, and photogrammetric gait analysis. For just over sixteen years, dynamic single-plane radiographic observations have been used to quantitatively characterize the motions of anatomic and prosthetically replaced joints. These observations have improved the understanding, in particular, of knee function and the influence of prosthetic design and surgical technique on knee kinematics and patient function. This presentation will consist of two sections: First, findings from several recent studies on knee arthroplasties, healthy and prosthetically replaced shoulders, and the ankle joint will be presented. These studies highlight clinically relevant observations that fundamentally advance our understanding of joint biomechanics, pathology and repair. Second, current technical developments will be presented, focusing on the development of a robotic platform to permit radiographic imaging of human joints during normal dynamic activities. This platform will move the x-ray source and sensor in response to the patient’s unconstrained motion, providing views with greater diagnostic potential than are acquired with fixed or c-arm imaging systems. The focus of all of these efforts is to provide fundamental research and measurement tools to quantify human skeletal motion in order to inform the design, selection and implementation of increasingly effective musculoskeletal treatments.