Abstract:
This research report from the Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery department at the Charité, Campus Virchow-Clinic in Berlin, summarizes a wide range of biomechanics studies conducted from 2001 to 2002. The research is organized into several key areas including Fracture Healing, Ligament Healing, Soft Tissue Trauma, and Musculo-Skeletal Loading, with a newly established focus on Spinal Research. The report highlights the lab's success in securing significant grants and achieving accreditation, reinforcing its position in the field of biomechanical and clinical research. Key studies detailed include the development of a novel water jet system for non-destructive cartilage stiffness measurement, which successfully differentiated between native and degenerated cartilage without causing damage. Another study used finite element analysis to investigate bone straining in the proximal humerus under physiological loads, demonstrating the strong influence of bone quality and the potential for cement augmentation to cause local overloading. Research on fracture healing investigated the effect of interfragmentary movements, showing that shear movements are a significant factor and that muscle activity has a greater influence than previously thought. The report also covers extensive work on total hip arthroplasty (THA), analyzing the effects of implant orientation and surgical approach on bone density and cement stresses. Finally, a series of studies on cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine cages are presented, comparing the biomechanical properties of different designs and materials and assessing the efficacy of growth factors delivered via a new biodegradable coating to promote bone matrix formation.
