Developing a Biomechanical Testing Setup of the Pelvis-Part II: Experimental Testing.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedic research
• Medical device development

Background:

• Developing reconstructive implants for pelvic fragility fractures requires accurate biomechanical testing.
• Existing experimental studies often use simplified loading and boundary conditions.
• Understanding daily loading effects on the pelvic ring is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct a biomechanical test bench that emulates physiological pelvic loading during gait.
• To validate the test bench's ability to replicate gait movement and associated forces.
• To provide guidelines for designing physiologically relevant biomechanical testing equipment.

Main Methods:

• Computational experiment design was used to conceptualize the test bench.
• Pelvic muscles and joint forces were simplified to four force actuators and one support.
• Repeatability and reproducibility tests were performed to assess the test stand's capabilities.

Main Results:

• The developed test bench successfully emulates physiological pelvic loading during gait.
• Experimental results showed the pelvic ring response follows the loaded leg side during the gait cycle.
• Experimental displacements and strains matched numerical predictions, validating the test stand.

Conclusions:

• The developed biomechanical test stand accurately replicates physiological gait loading on the pelvis.
• This test bench is a valuable tool for developing and testing reconstructive pelvic implants.
• The computational experiment design approach offers a framework for creating relevant biomechanical testing equipment.