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Orthopaedic Biomechanics: Clinical Applications and Surgery

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2026) | Viewed by 2825

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: biomechanical engineering; biomechanics; computational biomechanics; lower limb prosthesis; osseointegration; amputees; knee prosthesis; CAD-modeling; FE analysis; finite element method

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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: CFD simulations; FEM simulations; human factors and ergonomics; CAD; reverse engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Orthopaedic biomechanics plays a crucial role in understanding musculoskeletal function, developing innovative treatment strategies, and improving surgical outcomes. The continuous advancements in biomechanical analysis, computational modeling, and medical imaging techniques are driving progress in both clinical applications and orthopaedic surgery. This Special Issue aims to present cutting-edge research and novel insights in the field of orthopaedic biomechanics, bridging the gap between fundamental biomechanics and its practical implementation in clinical settings.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the application of biomechanical principles to orthopaedic implants, joint replacement, fracture fixation, soft tissue mechanics, and rehabilitation strategies. The integration of computational simulations, finite element analysis, and machine learning techniques in orthopaedic research is also highly relevant. Furthermore, studies on patient-specific modeling, surgical planning, intraoperative navigation, and post-surgical outcome evaluation will be considered.

This Special Issue will publish high-quality, original research papers in the following overlapping fields:

  • Musculoskeletal biomechanics and joint mechanics;
  • Orthopaedic implant design and evaluation;
  • Computational modeling and finite element analysis in orthopaedics;
  • Biomechanics of fracture healing and fixation;
  • Soft tissue biomechanics and ligament reconstruction;
  • Gait analysis and rehabilitation biomechanics;
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence in orthopaedic applications;
  • Patient-specific modeling and personalized treatment approaches;
  • Surgical planning, navigation, and robotics in orthopaedics.

Dr. Agostino Igor Mirulla
Dr. Vito Ricotta
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • orthopaedic biomechanics
  • musculoskeletal modeling
  • finite element analysis
  • joint and implant mechanics
  • gait analysis and movement biomechanics
  • biomechanical testing and validation
  • surgical simulation and navigation
  • machine learning in orthopaedics

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2245 KB  
Article
Comparison of 45° and 90° Medial Row Anchor Insertion Angles in Double-Row Suture Bridge Rotator Cuff Repair: A Biomechanical and Finite Element Analysis
by Ali İhsan Kılıç, Samet Çıklaçandır, Mustafa Çeltik, Sercan Çapkin, Ali Ersen and Onur Başçı
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3084; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063084 - 23 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Rotator cuff suture anchors have traditionally been inserted at the 45° “deadman” angle, but this recommendation was largely derived from single-row constructs and may not reflect the biomechanics of contemporary double-row suture bridge repairs. This study compared the biomechanical performance and stress distribution [...] Read more.
Rotator cuff suture anchors have traditionally been inserted at the 45° “deadman” angle, but this recommendation was largely derived from single-row constructs and may not reflect the biomechanics of contemporary double-row suture bridge repairs. This study compared the biomechanical performance and stress distribution of medial row anchors inserted at 45° versus 90° in a double-row suture bridge construct. Sixteen ovine humeri with intact infraspinatus tendons were randomized to 45° or 90° medial anchor insertion (n = 8 each), and double-row suture bridge repair was performed using 3.5 mm metallic and PEEK anchors. Specimens underwent uniaxial tensile testing (10-N preload, 5 mm/min) to failure, measuring yield load, failure load, displacement, stiffness, and energy absorption; additionally, a CT-based finite element model of the human humerus assessed von Mises stress, strain, and deformation under 200 N loading. Mean failure load was 161.96 ± 50.99 N for 45° and 185.61 ± 60.97 N for 90° (p = 0.447), and stiffness was 31.63 ± 8.18 N/mm versus 36.79 ± 9.26 N/mm (p = 0.291). Displacement at failure was greater with 90° insertion (8.11 ± 0.51 mm vs. 6.65 ± 0.83 mm; p = 0.002), while energy absorption was higher but not significantly different (p = 0.255). Finite element analysis demonstrated lower bone von Mises stress with 90° insertion (14.03 MPa) compared with 45° (24.77 MPa), with similar deformation. In double-row suture bridge repair, 90° medial anchor insertion provides comparable fixation strength to that at 45° while reducing bone stress, suggesting a biomechanical advantage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthopaedic Biomechanics: Clinical Applications and Surgery)
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13 pages, 817 KB  
Article
M-Mode Ultrasound and Strength Assessment of the Lower Trapezius Muscle in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Irene Redondo-Orúe, Daniel Pecos-Martín, Carlos Romero Morales, Santiago García-de-Miguel, Patricia Martínez Merinero, Coraima Casañas-Martín, Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa and Ángel González-de-la-Flor
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10633; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910633 - 1 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is considered a widespread musculoskeletal condition which affects the quality of life and is associated with scapular stabilizer dysfunction patterns. This study aimed to compare the morphological, functional, and strength-related characteristics of the lower trapezius muscle (such [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is considered a widespread musculoskeletal condition which affects the quality of life and is associated with scapular stabilizer dysfunction patterns. This study aimed to compare the morphological, functional, and strength-related characteristics of the lower trapezius muscle (such as muscle thickness at rest and during contraction, contraction-to-relaxation ratios, contraction and relaxation velocities, and force production) between individuals with CNP and asymptomatic controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprises 144 participants (78 with CNP and 76 controls) aged 18–30 years. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess muscle thickness, contraction and relaxation velocities, and contraction ratios. Muscle strength, including peak force and rate of force development, was evaluated using dynamometry. Participants with CNP were categorized by neck disability index (NDI) scores into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Results: Participants with CNP showed reduced contraction velocity (0.60 ± 0.24 cm/s vs. 0.81 ± 0.44 cm/s; p < 0.001; d = 0.61), lower relaxation velocity (0.48 ± 0.28 cm/s vs. 0.58 ± 0.32 cm/s; p = 0.038; d = 0.34), and decreased peak force (4.83 ± 3.27 kg vs. 6.00 ± 3.87 kg; p = 0.043; d = 0.33) compared to controls. Muscle thickness and contraction ratio differences were non-significant. Among CNP subgroups, the contraction ratio was lower in the severe disability group compared to the mild group (0.25 ± 0.19 vs. 0.53 ± 0.33; p = 0.015). Conclusions: The present study showed functional impairments of the lower trapezius muscle in individuals with CNP, particularly reduced contraction and relaxation velocities and lower peak force, with more pronounced deficits in those with severe disability. While no significant differences in muscle thickness were found, these findings suggest that functional alterations may precede structural changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthopaedic Biomechanics: Clinical Applications and Surgery)
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