Mathematical and Computational Methods in Biomechanics of Human Skeletal Systems : An Introduction

Cutting-edge solutions to current problems in orthopedics, supported by modeling and numerical analysis

Despite the current successful methods and achievements of good joint implantations, it is essential to further optimize the shape of implants so they may better resist extreme long-term mechanical demands. This book provides the orthopedic, biomechanical, and mathematical basis for the simulation of surgical techniques in orthopedics. It focuses on the numerical modeling of total human joint replacements and simulation of their functions, along with the rigorous biomechanics of human joints and other skeletal parts. The book includes:

• An introduction to the anatomy and biomechanics of the human skeleton, biomaterials, and problems of alloarthroplasty
• The definition of selected simulated orthopedic problems
• Constructions of mathematical model problems of the biomechanics of the human skeleton and its parts
• Replacement parts of the human skeleton and corresponding mathematical model problems
• Detailed mathematical analyses of mathematical models based on functional analysis and finite element methods
• Biomechanical analyses of particular parts of the human skeleton, joints, and corresponding replacements
• A discussion of the problems of data processing from nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography

This timely book offers a wealth of information on the current research in this field. The theories presented are applied to specific problems of orthopedics. Numerical results are presented and discussed from both biomechanical and orthopedic points of view and treatment methods are also briefly addressed. Emphasis is placed on the variational approach to the investigated model problems while preserving the orthopedic nature of the investigated problems. The book also presents a study of algorithmic procedures based on these simulation models.

This is a highly useful tool for designers, researchers, and manufacturers of joint implants who require the results of suggested experiments to improve existing shapes or to design new shapes. It also benefits graduate students in orthopedics, biomechanics, and applied mathematics.

Jiri Nedoma, PhD, is a senior researcher at the Institute of Computer Science of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague ,where he also received his PhD. He is also an associate professor at the University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Jiri Stehlik, PhD, is the Chief of the Orthopedic Department of the Hospital of Ceske Budejovice, and an associate professor of the Charles University, Prague, where he also received his PhD.

Ivan Hlavacek, PhD, DSc, is a senior researcher at the Mathematical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. He graduated from the Czech Technical University, where he received his PhD in Applied Mathematics.

Josef Danek, PhD, received his PhD in applied mathematics from the University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic, where he is currently an associate professor. He is also a research fellow at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic

Tatjana Dostálová, MD, PhD, DSc, is affiliated with Charles University, second Medical Faculty and the Faculty Hospital Motol, where she is the Chief of the Department of Pediatric Stomatology.

Petra Preckova, MSc, is a research fellow in the Medical Informatics Department at the Institute of Computer Science, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.