Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Investigation of Measurable Biomechanical Factors that may Influence Articular Cartilage Degeneration in the Knee

Lathrop, Rebecca Leeann

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
Articular cartilage defects in the knee are common, particularly among athletes. Because of the limited healing capacity of cartilage, defects are at risk for progression towards osteoarthritis. Many treatment options exist, however, choosing the optimal treatment plan for each patient remains a challenge because the natural history of articular cartilage defects is not fully understood. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate measurable biomechanical factors that may be associated with cartilage degeneration in the knee as an early step toward improving patient care and preventing progression. First, we determined the sensitivity of joint kinematics to various calculation techniques in order to assist with selection of appropriate data analysis protocols. Next, we explored joint moment symmetry in healthy adult populations during walking, which revealed a large magnitude and prevalence of asymmetry and provided a context for interpreting the results of additional investigations. We then evaluated joint moments and intersegmental joint reaction forces in the knees of collegiate football linemen during sport-specific movement patterns to identify a possible contributor to the increased risk of cartilage injuries and degenerative joint diseases in football linemen. The magnitude of forces and moments produced during lineman-specific activities did not exceed those during walking or jogging; however, the deeper knee flexion angles at which they occurred may place unconditioned cartilage on the posterior femoral condyles at risk. We developed simplified finite element models of tibiofemoral contact to investigate the effects of bone geometry, meniscal deficiency, joint loading, defect size and their interactions on stress and subchondral bone contact, which have been suggested as primary means of defect progression. We identified different sensitivities to bone geometry in medial and lateral compartment models. Significant interaction effects suggest the benefit of considering multiple parameters when assessing the risk of defect progression. Finally, we used motion capture and magnetic resonance imaging to determine the effects of a season of football play, and subject-specific movements, on cartilage health in the knees of asymptomatic linemen. We identified cartilage abnormalities in 60% of our subjects at preseason and observed decreases in cartilage health in more than half of our subjects over the season. More years of football experience was a significant predictor of lower glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration at baseline. Greater vertical joint reaction forces during walking and greater frontal plane moments during lineman-specific movements were associated with higher preseason GAG concentration, but with a greater decrease in concentration over the season. These results provide additional evidence that cartilage may adapt to regular loading; however, the loading that occurs during a season of football may disrupt cartilage homeostasis and contribute to cartilage degeneration. This dissertation advances our understanding of factors which may influence cartilage defect progression and has identified potential predictive relationships between subject-specific parameters and changes in cartilage health. The research presented here lays the groundwork for future investigations that will continue to expand our understanding of defect progression with the goal of assisting with surgical decision-making and providing patients with an optimal treatment plan to restore joint function and prevent degeneration.
Robert Siston, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Ajit Chaudhari, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Rebecca Dupaix, Ph.D (Committee Member)
David Flanigan, M.D. (Committee Member)
Laura Schmitt, PT, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
196 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lathrop, R. L. (2014). Investigation of Measurable Biomechanical Factors that may Influence Articular Cartilage Degeneration in the Knee [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396013092

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lathrop, Rebecca. Investigation of Measurable Biomechanical Factors that may Influence Articular Cartilage Degeneration in the Knee. 2014. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396013092.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lathrop, Rebecca. "Investigation of Measurable Biomechanical Factors that may Influence Articular Cartilage Degeneration in the Knee." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396013092

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)