Spatial aerosol deposition correlated to anatomic feature development in 6-year-old upper airway computational models.

The upper airways of children undergo developmental changes around age 6, yielding differences between adult and pediatric anatomies. These differences include the cricoid ring area shape, the location of narrowest constriction, and the angle of the epiglottis, all of which are expected to alter local fluid dynamic profiles and subsequent upper airway deposition and downstream aerosol delivery of inhaled therapeutics. In this work, we quantify "pediatric"-like and "adult"-like geometric and fluid dynamic features of two computed tomography (CT)-scan derived models of 6-year-old upper airways in healthy subjects and compare to an idealized model.

Improved distribution of leg forces after fibular resection and synostosis.

Purpose: Genu varum- a common symptom in achondroplasia- may lead to ankle valgus in children. Ankle valgus may be mitigated by tibiofibular synostosis, but this is not always the case. The mechanical environment around the growth plates plays an important role in ankle valgus.

Elbow Flexion Assist Orthosis for Arthrogryposis.

Introduction: People with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) often have muscle weakness in the biceps that makes elbow flexion difficult. An elbow-flexion assist orthosis was designed using the force of springs, combined with a sliding joint, to apply appropriate elbow torque to aid a user in lifting her hand to her mouth. The sliding joint allows an increasing elbow torque despite a decreasing spring force.

Quantitative measures with WREX usage.

This paper presents the results of two surveys conducted with users of a functional upper extremity orthosis called the Wilmington Robotic EXoskeleton (WREX). The WREX is a passive anti-gravity arm orthosis that allows people with neuromuscular disabilities to move their arms in three dimensions. An online user survey with 55 patients was conducted to determine the benefits of the WREX.

Using distraction forces to drive an autodistractor during limb lengthening.

Distraction osteogenesis can result in high forces developing in the limb. To determine and control the distraction forces (DF), a motorized distractor driven by feedback from DF was developed and used to lengthen the tibiae of 6 sheep undergoing distraction osteogenesis. The forces were measured continually, and, in 4 of the sheep, a force threshold was set, above which an increase in rate was initiated.

Force feedback in limb lengthening.

A new variable-rate distraction system using a motorized distractor driven by feedback from the distraction force was designed. The distractor was mounted on a unilateral fixator and attached to the tibiae of 6 sheep that underwent distraction osteogenesis. The sheep were divided equally into 3 groups.

The effect of the loading condition corresponding to functional shoulder activities on trabecular architecture of glenoid.

There is little information on bone morphology as it relates to shoulder activities. This study investigated how loads corresponding to functional shoulder activities affect the trabecular architecture of the glenoid. Two different protocols were used.