A computational environment to simulate complex tendinous topologies

Static and dynamic manipulation of objects with the fingertips (precision pinch) is essential to the activities of daily living. Despite numerous efforts to study the hand and its pinch function, a comprehensive understanding of biomechanical function and neuromuscular control of the fingers eludes researchers. To make progress in understanding precision pinch we are creating biomechanical models to simulate finger function, neuromuscular control and rehabilitation. An important challenge in creating biomechanical models of the fingers is to simulate the tension distribution in the extensor mechanism--a defining biomechanical feature of the fingers consisting of a tendinous network that wraps over the dorsum of the phalanges. We have created a biomechanical modeling environment that can, among other things, predict tension distribution in the extensor mechanism. Our predictions show that the distribution of tension can be very sensitive to the assumed network topology--the number of elements and their connectivity.