Project Overview

MR imaging can provide clinicians and researchers valuable insights into the morphology of musculoskeletal structures. However, most current imaging techniques in use are static and don’t provide direct measurements of biomechanical function. Recent breakthroughs in magnet strength, acquisition speed and processing of MR data have enabled imaging to be used to measure in-vivo muscle motion and joint kinematics during movement, and cartilage contact area under load. These applications require the use of a non-magnetic device for loading or guiding the limb through a desired, repeatable movement. The goal of this design project is to develop and build such a device for use in the Radiology clinic of the UW hospitals. Our initial intended applications are to:

1) Use Cine-PC (Phase contrast) imaging to measure in-vivo musculotendon motion of the hamstrings muscles during a stretch-shortening cycle. Cine-PC requires multiple cycles of motion, necessitating that the device guide the limb through a repeatable motion at relatively low loads.

2) Use VIPR imaging to measure knee articular cartilage contact area under various static load levels.

Files

• Project Design Specification (October 26, 2006)
• Midsemester Presentation (October 27, 2006)
• Final Presentation (December 9, 2006)
• Final Paper (December 13, 2006)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Sarajane Stevens - Team Leader
• Arinne Lyman - Communicator
• Christopher Westphal - BSAC
• Eric Bader - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. William Murphy - Advisor
• Prof. Walter Block - Client
• Prof. Darryl Thelen - Alternate Contact