Behavior under Load of A Human Shoulder: Finite Element Simulation and Analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal modeling
• Computational anatomy

Background:

• Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly shoulder injuries, are prevalent in occupational settings due to repetitive and sustained movements.
• Workers in the building sector face high risks from loaded, unnatural shoulder postures during repetitive tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a 3D computational model of the shoulder joint's biological components.
• To perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress distribution under various load conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 3D finite element model of the shoulder joint, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Application of a linear and isotropic joint approach for stress evaluation.
• Utilized 1D elements for modeling joint muscles, enabling analysis of different positions without re-meshing.

Main Results:

• Maximum stress concentrations were observed in the ligament insertion areas on the bones.
• Tendons exhibited the highest stress values according to the stress distribution analysis.
• Cartilage stress distribution showed maximum values in the lower half, correlating with greater humerus-scapula contact and compression.

Conclusions:

• The finite element model provides a viable method for analyzing shoulder joint mechanics under occupational loads.
• Results align with biomechanical expectations, identifying critical areas for potential injury in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
• The simplified muscle modeling allows for efficient analysis of various joint positions relevant to sports medicine and occupational health.