Orthopaedic Biomechanics 2023-24

Problem Sheet #3: Due 3pm, 22nd March 2024

Question 1
For the loading conditions A–C shown in Figure 1 and Table 1, and a muscle lever arm of
5.1 cm, calculate the erector spinae muscle force FM, the compressive and shear
components of the joint reaction force (FJC and FJS), and the total joint reaction force (FJ) at
the L5/S1 disc (square shown).
(a) For each of the loading conditions, determine whether the compressive component of
the joint reaction force is greater than the maximum safe value of 3.4 kN
recommended by NIOSH.
Use the following assumptions in your calculations:
• muscle force is perpendicular to vertebral orientation
• abdominal pressure is neglected
• all forces and moments are transmitted through the L5/S1 disc

Table 1. L5/S1 joint angle and moment arms of the body mass (LW) and carried mass
(LP) in scenarios A, B, and C.
A B C
α (⁰) 35 12 22
LW (m) 0.18 0.05 0.15
LP (m) 0.50 0.35 0.40

Figure 1. Forces causing loading at L5/S1 in scenarios A, B, and C.

(b) When you have completed all three cases, comment on what you believe are the
most important factors leading to high shear forces, and to high compressive forces
in the disc.

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Question 2
Quasilinear viscoelastic theory may be used to
model the behaviour of tendon and ligament. In a
neutral position, the calcaneofibular ligament
(pictured) has a length of 26.5 mm, while in
maximal dorsiflexion it has a length of 27.1 mm and
in plantarflexion, where it is unstrained, it has a
length of 25.9 mm.
(a) Calculate the stress in the ligament after 45
seconds, assuming that the ligament starts
to experience strain immediately upon
commencing dorsiflexion, if it is moved from
maximal plantarflexion to neutral in 1.5
seconds, then held for 8 seconds, then moved from neutral to maximum
dorsiflexion in 0.5 second, and held for the remaining 35 seconds.
(b) Are your calculated values in part (a) realistic? Why or why not?

Question 3
Jamie performs an “iron cross” position on the rings (see the
figure to the right). Jamie has a mass of 68 kg and a height of
172 cm. Consider the rings to be aligned halfway along the
length of the hands. The effect of gripping the rings on the
anthropometric parameters can be neglected.
At the glenohumeral (i.e. shoulder) joint three muscles may be
active. Consider the following conditions:
i) rotator cuff muscle with a combined line of action parallel
to the shaft of the humerus and passing through the joint
centre;
ii) deltoid muscle with a line of action 7° to the shaft of the
humerus and an effective moment arm of 33 mm;
iii) pectoral and teres minor muscles with a combined effect that is equivalent to a line of
action at 38° to the shaft of the humerus. The point of insertion on the long axis of the
humerus is 91 mm distal to the joint centre.

(a) Draw and label a dimensioned free body diagram of the right upper limb, including all
relevant forces.

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 (b) Neglecting the forces of the deltoid and rotator cuff, calculate the tension in the
pectoralis/teres minor muscles that is required to maintain the iron cross position.
(c) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the joint reaction force applied to the
humeral head (still neglecting the deltoid and rotator cuff).
(d) If the border of the glenoid cavity extends +33° and -29° from the horizontal, as
shown above, calculate the minimum rotator cuff muscle force in order to produce a
stable joint (assuming the deltoid remains inactive).
(e) Name the type of contraction that the rotator cuff muscles are exerting.

Question 4
Your housemate has spent all term sitting stationary at her computer, watching her lectures
online, and getting her groceries delivered. She hasn’t lifted anything heavy since carrying
her ski bag in December.
(a) Describe what has likely happened to her muscles during this time. Roughly 45
words expected.
(b) She knows that you are taking Orthopaedic
Biomechanics, and assumes that you know
something about strength training, so she asks
you to design a workout regimen for her. You
don’t want to explain that this isn’t covered in
the module, so you suggest that to exercise the
posterior muscles of her arms, she holds her
upper arm vertically with a weight behind her
head, as illustrated in the figure to the right.
As an aside, her mass is 62 kg, and her height
is 1.58 m. The centre of mass of the weight can
be assumed to be positioned directly below the
ulnar styloid.
The active muscles, their volumes, lengths, pennation angles (assuming a single
pennation angle for each muscle), moment arms about the elbow in the sagittal
plane, and insertion distances relative to the elbow are listed in the table below.

Muscle Action Volume Fibre Pennation Moment Insertion

i. Considering a 2-dimensional sagittal plane analysis, draw a dimensioned free

ii. Assuming that all muscles are exerting their maximum force, and the elbow is
frictionless so the reaction moment is zero, calculate the maximum mass that
your neighbour can safely hold in this position.

iii. Would the mass that your neighbour could hold be greater or smaller than your
estimation in part ii? Justify your response.

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Question 5
Describe what a cartilage growth plate is, and how the growth plate contributes to skeletal
growth. Roughly 80 words suggested.

Question 6
Describe adjacent segment pathology, as it pertains to spinal fusion. Why does it occur,
what are the biomechanical results, what is the solution, and how might it be avoided?
Roughly 80 words suggested.

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