Pressure distribution on articular surfaces: Application to joint stability evaluation

A generalized method, based on the rigid body spring model, is developed to determine the two-dimensional joint contact pressure of any shape of articular surface and loading condition. The formulation of the model and procedures for the determination of parameters used in the model are presented. The model was used first to analyze the pressure distribution of an ideal hinge joint for comparison with reported results in the literature, and with those using the conventional finite element method. Implications of the results based on the calculated 'virtual displacement' to the joint stability are hypothesized and discussed. The problem of joint pressure distribution of the elbow joint is then analyzed, along with the discussion of agonistic and antagonistic muscle activities.