| Autor: |
Bontempi M; Complex Structure of Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Sancisi N; Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Marchiori G; Complex Structure of Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Conconi M; Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Berni M; Medical Technology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Cassiolas G; Movement Analysis Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Giavaresi G; Complex Structure of Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy., Parrilli A; Center for X-ray Analytics, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland., Lopomo NF; Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano, Via Durando, 20158 Milano, Italy. |
| Abstrakt: |
Understanding the microstructure of fibrous tissues, like ligaments, is crucial due to their nonlinear stress-strain behavior from unique fiber arrangements. This study introduces a new method to analyze the relationship between the microstructure and function of anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). We tested the procedure on two ACL samples, one from a healthy individual and one from an osteoarthritis patient, using a custom tensioning device within a micro-CT scanner. The samples were stretched and scanned at various strain levels (namely 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%) to observe the effects of mechanical stress on the microstructure. The micro-CT images were processed to identify and map fibers, assessing their orientations and volume fractions. A probabilistic mathematical model was then proposed to relate the geometric and structural characteristics of the ACL to its mechanical properties, considering fiber orientation and thickness. Our feasibility test indicated differences in mechanical behavior, fiber orientation, and volume distribution between ligaments of different origins. These indicative results align with existing literature, validating the proposed methodology. However, further research is needed to confirm these preliminary observations. Overall, our comprehensive methodology shows promise for improving ACL diagnosis and treatment and for guiding the creation of tissue-engineered grafts that mimic the natural properties and microstructure of healthy tissue, thereby enhancing integration and performance in biomedical applications. |
