Full body musculoskeletal model for simulations of gait in persons with transtibial amputation.

This paper describes the development, properties, and evaluation of a musculoskeletal model that reflects the anatomical and prosthetic properties of a transtibial amputee using OpenSim. Average passive prosthesis properties were used to develop CAD models of a socket, pylon, and foot to replace the lower leg. Additional degrees of freedom (DOF) were included in each joint of the prosthesis for potential use in a range of research areas, such as socket torque and socket pistoning.

A Biofabrication Strategy for a Custom-Shaped, Non-Synthetic Bone Graft Precursor with a Prevascularized Tissue Shell.

Critical-sized defects of irregular bones requiring bone grafting, such as in craniofacial reconstruction, are particularly challenging to repair. With bone-grafting procedures growing in number annually, there is a reciprocal growing interest in bone graft substitutes to meet the demand. Autogenous osteo(myo)cutaneous grafts harvested from a secondary surgical site are the gold standard for reconstruction but are associated with donor-site morbidity and are in limited supply.

Evaluation of a quasi-passive biarticular prosthesis to replicate gastrocnemius function in transtibial amputee gait.

Lower limb amputees experience gait impairments, in part due to limitations of prosthetic limbs and the lack of a functioning biarticular gastrocnemius (GAS) muscle. Energy storing prosthetic feet restore the function of the soleus, but not GAS. We propose a transtibial prosthesis that implements a spring mechanism to replicate the GAS.

Design and Development of a Quasi-Passive Transtibial Biarticular Prosthesis to Replicate Gastrocnemius Function in Walking.

Lower-limb amputees experience many gait impairments and limitations. Some of these impairments can be attributed to the lack of a functioning biarticular gastrocnemius (GAS) muscle. We propose a transtibial prosthesis that implements a quasi-passive spring mechanism to replicate GAS function.

Development of a Robotic Unloader Brace for Investigation of Conservative Treatment of Medial Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a painful and debilitating condition that is associated with mechanical loading of the knee joint. Numerous conservative treatment strategies have been developed to delay time to total joint replacement. Unloader braces are commonly prescribed for medial uni-compartmental KOA, however their evidence of efficacy is inconclusive and limited by user compliance.