Biomechanics, load analysis and sports injuries in the lower extremities

The study of sports injuries has grown with the increase in importance of sport as a leisure-time activity. The origin of many sports injuries is assumed to be mechanical, with the forces and/or stresses acting on one element of the human locomotor system exceeding the critical limits. This article presents some biomechanical considerations on the mechanical aspect of the aetiology, reduction and treatment of sport injuries with special emphasis on the lower extremities. Forces acting on the locomotor system have a magnitude, a point of application and a direction. Both magnitude and geometry (point of application and direction) are important in load analysis. However, the geometrical aspect of externally acting forces is an extremely important aspect, especially with respect to reduction of load in practical situations. Load analysis is usually performed with force transducers and optical instruments in order to quantify magnitude and geometry. Two possible approaches to load analysis are discussed. One approach works with the critical limits of biomaterials. This approach shows that the local stresses for cartilage, tendon and bone are in the order of 10 to 20% of the critical limit for normal daily activities, such as walking. The second approach deals with strategies to reduce load, assuming that it is usually too high in sports activities. The nature of playing surfaces and shoes are revealed as important possibilities for load reduction.