• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.159-172
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• 2015

Treatment of polymicrobial infected musculoskeletal defects continues to be a challenge in orthopaedics. This research investigated single and dual-delivery of two antibiotics, vancomycin and amikacin, targeting different classes of microorganism from a biodegradable calcium sulfate-chitosan-nHA microsphere composite scaffold. The addition of chitosan-nHA was included to provide additional structure for cellular attachment and as a secondary drug-loading device. All scaffolds exhibited an initial burst of antibiotics, but groups containing chitosan reduced the burst for amikacin at 1hr by 50%, and vancomycin by 14-25% over the first 2 days. Extended elution was present in groups containing chitosan; amikacin was above MIC ($2-4{\mu}g/mL$, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) for 7-42 days and vancomycin was above MIC ($0.5-1{\mu}g/mL$ Staphylococcus aureus) for 42 days. The antibiotic activity of the eluates was tested against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The elution from the dual-loaded scaffold was most effective against S. aureus (bacteriostatic 34 days and bactericidal 27 days), compared to vancomycin-loaded scaffolds (bacteriostatic and bactericidal 14 days). The dual- and amikacin-loaded scaffolds were effective against P. aeruginosa, but eluates exhibited very short antibacterial properties; only 24 hours bacteriostatic and 1-5 hours bactericidal activity. For all groups, vancomycin recovery was near 100% whereas the amikacin recovery was 41%. In conclusion, in the presence of chitosan-nHA microspheres, the dual-antibiotic loaded scaffold was able to sustain an extended vancomycin elution longer than individually loaded scaffolds. The composite scaffold shows promise as a dual-drug delivery system for infected orthopaedic wounds and overcomes some deficits of other dual-delivery systems by extending the antibiotic release.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.34 no.1 s.102
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• pp.47-61
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• 2004

Although the purpose of orthodontic treatment is to increase the function and esthetics of the jaws along with increasing stability, there are many side effects during the treatment itself, such as root resorption and alveolar bone resorption. Such resorption of the apical root Is unpredictable, and may even proceed into the dentin layer. Once the process has begun, it is irreversible. By evaluating the effect of many oral habits, especially that of nail biting, in correlation with the root and the periodontal tissues, the appropriate biomechanics for orthodontic treatment can be taken into consideration, along with the possibility of root resorption and alveolar bone loss during orthodontic treatment, and any legal problems that might occur. Among the male and female patients of the ages $10\~15$ without skeletal deformity, 63 were chosen as the experiment group with known nail biting habits at time of examination, and within the same age group without nail biting habits as the control. After the orthodontic treatment, number of the experiment group was 31 and the control group was 22. The periapical radiographies of anterior teeth were taken and the assesment of the root length and alveolar bone level were taken before(T1) and after(T2) the orthodontic treatment. The results from this study were as follows : 1. Before the orthodontic treatment, average crown-to-root ratio of the experimental group showed noticeably high values in 4 maxillary incisors and mandibular right central incisor. 2. Before the orthodontic treatment, comparing the root length, maxillary and mandibular right central incisors and both mandibular incisors had a smaller value in the experimental group. 3. Before the orthodontic treatment, comparing and evaluating the alveolar bone loss measured from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest, some crestal bone of the experiment group showed greater loss than the control. 4. After the orthodontic treatment, there was shortening of the root length and loss of the crestal bone in both groups. 5. After the orthodontic treatment, the changes of C/R ratio and the shortening of root length were significantly high in the experimental group. 6. After the orthodontic treatment, the level of alveolar crestal bone showed greater loss in the experimental group.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.401-410
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• 2003

This study investigates the biomechanical efficacies of various cement augmentation techniques with or without pressurization for varying degrees of osteoporotic femur. For this study, a biomechanical analysis using a finite element method (FEM) was undertaken to evaluate surgical procedures, Simulated models include the non-cemented(i.e., hip screw only, Type I), the cement-augmented(Type II), and the cemented augmented with pressurization(Type III) models. To simulate the fracture plane and other interfacial regions, 3-D contact elements were used with appropriate friction coefficients. Material properties of the cancellous bone were varied to accommodate varying degrees of osteoporosis(Singh indices, II∼V). For each model. the following items were analyzed to investigate the effect surgical procedures in relation to osteoporosis of varying degrees : (a) von Mises stress distribution within the femoral head in terms of volumetric percentages. (b) Peak von Mises stress(PVMS) within the femoral head and the surgical constructs. (c) Maximum von Mises strain(MVMS) within the femoral head, (d) micromotions at the fracture plane and at the interfacial region between surgical construct and surrounding bone. Type III showed the lowest PVMS and MVMS at the cancellous bone near the bone-construct interface regardless of bone densities. an indication of its least likelihood of construct loosening due to failure of the host bone. Particularly, its efficacy was more prominent when the bone density level was low. Micromotions at the interfacial surgical construct was lowest in Type III. followed by Type I and Type II. They were about 15-20% of other types. which suggested that pressurization was most effective in limiting the interfacial motion. Our results demonstrated the cement augmentation with hip screw could be more effective when used with pressurization technique for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. For patients with low bone density. its effectiveness can be more pronounced in limiting construct loosening and promoting bone union.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.199-209
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• 2010

The locking compression plates-distal femur(LCP-DF) are being widely used for surgical management of the extra-articular complex fractures of the distal femur. They feature locking mechanism between the screws and the screw holes of the plate to provide stronger fixation force with less number of screws than conventional compression bone plate. However, their biomechanical efficacies are not fully understood, especially regarding the number of the screws inserted and their optimal configurations. In this study, we investigated effects of various screw configurations in the shaft and the condylar regions of the femur in relation to structural stability of LCP-DF system. For this purpose, a baseline 3-D finite element (FE) model of the femur was constructed from CT-scan images of a normal healthy male and was validated. The extra-articular complex fracture of the distal femur was made with a 4-cm defect. Surgical reduction with LCP-DF and bone screws were added laterally. To simulate various cases of post-op screw configurations, screws were inserted in the shaft (3~5 screws) and the condylar (4~6 screws) regions. Particular attention was paid at the shaft region where screws were inserted either in clustered or evenly-spaced fashion. Tied-contact conditions were assigned at the bone screws-plate whereas general contact condition was assumed at the interfaces between LCP-DF and bone screws. Axial compressive load of 1,610N(2.3 BW) was applied on the femoral head to reflect joint reaction force. An average of 5% increase in stiffness was found with increase in screw numbers (from 4 to 6) in the condylar region, as compared to negligible increase (less than 1%) at the shaft regardless of the number of screws inserted or its distribution, whether clustered or evenly-spaced. At the condylar region, screw insertion at the holes near the fracture interface and posterior locations contributed greater increase in stiffness (9~13%) than any other locations. Our results suggested that the screw insertion at the condylar region can be more effective than at the shaft during surgical treatment of fracture of the distal femur with LCP-DF. In addition, screw insertion at the holes close to the fracture interface should be accompanied to ensure better fracture healing.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.907-910
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• 2005

Although several artificial disc designs have been developed for the treatment of discogenic low back pain, biomechanical change with its implantation was rarely studied. To evaluate the effect of artificial disc implantation on the biomechanics of functional spinal unit, nonlinear three-dimensional finite element model of L4-L5 was developed with 1-mm CT scan data. Two models implanted with artificial discs, SB $Charit\acute{e}$ or Prodisc, via anterior approach were also developed. The implanted model predictions were compared with that of intact model. Angular motion of vertebral body, force on spinal ligaments and facet joint, and the stress distribution of vertebral endplate for flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with a compressive preload of 400 N were compared. The implanted model showed increased flexion-extension range of motion and increased force in the vertically oriented ligaments, such as ligamentum flavum, supraspinous ligament and interspinous ligament. The increase of facet contact force on extension were greater in implanted models. The incresed stress distribution on vertebral endplate for implanted cases indicated that additinal bone growth around vertebral body and this is matched well with clinical observation. With axial rotation moment, relatively less axial rotation were observed in SB $Charit\acute{e}$ model than in ProDisc model.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.237-242
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• 2020

This paper deals with relative position estimation using a Kalman filter (KF) based on inertial sensors that have been widely used in various biomechanics-related outdoor applications. In previous studies, the relative position is determined using relative orientation and predetermined segment-to-joint (S2J) vectors, which are assumed to be constant. However, because body segments are influenced by soft tissue artifacts (STAs), including the deformation and sliding of the skin over the underlying bone structures, they are not constant, resulting in significant errors during relative position estimation. In this study, relative position estimation was performed using a KF, where the S2J vectors were adopted as time-varying states. The joint constraint and the variations of the S2J vectors were used to develop a measurement model of the proposed KF. Accordingly, the covariance matrix corresponding to the variations of the S2J vectors continuously changed within the ranges of the STA-causing flexion angles. The experimental results of the knee flexion tests showed that the proposed KF decreased the estimation errors in the longitudinal and lateral directions by 8.86 and 17.89 mm, respectively, compared with a conventional approach based on the application of constant S2J vectors.

• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.65-86
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• 2020

As conventional drug delivery system is being improved rapidly by target-based drug delivery system, finding suitable Drug Delivery System (DDS) for new drugs remains a challenge. Although there are many drug delivery vehicles in existence, a significant improvement is required to some DDS such as for local, implant-based treatments used for musculoskeletal infections. Many polymers have been considered for providing the improvement in DDS. Synthetic polymer, for example, has gained popularity for broad-spectrum physicochemical and mechanical properties. This article reviews the biomedical applications of Poly(TriMethylene Carbonate-co-Caprolactone) (PTMCC), which has attracted attention due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and rubber-like properties. Its synthesis, physical properties, and degradation are also discussed here. Although it is relatively new in biomedical applications, it is readily usable for the fabrication of differing format of DDS of superior mechanical strength and degradation properties. The use of PTMCC is expected to increase in coming years as more is revealed about its potentials.

• Advances in biomechanics and applications
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2014

In this paper, a simple and accurate finite element model coupled to quasi-brittle damage law able to describe the multiple cracks initiation and their progressive propagation is developed in order to predict the complete force-displacement curve and the fracture pattern of human proximal femur under quasi-static load. The motivation of this work was to propose a simple and practical FE model with a good compromise between complexity and accuracy of the simulation considering a limited number of model parameters that can predict proximal femur fracture more accurately and physically than the fracture criteria based models. Different damage laws for cortical and trabecular bone are proposed based on experimental results to describe the inelastic damage accumulation under the excessive load. When the damage parameter reaches its critical value inside an element of the mesh, its stiffness matrix is set to zero leading to the redistribution of the stress state in the vicinity of the fractured zone (crack initiation). Once a crack is initiated, the propagation direction is simulated by the propagation of the broken elements of the mesh. To illustrate the potential of the proposed approach, the left femur of a male (age 61) previously investigated by Keyak and Falkinstein, 2003 (Model B: male, age 61) was simulated till complete fracture under one-legged stance quasi-static load. The proposed finite element model leads to more realistic and precise results concerning the shape of the force-displacement curve (yielding and fracturing) and the profile of the fractured edge.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.29 no.6 s.77
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• pp.689-698
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• 1999

Although the purpose of orthodontic treatment is to increase the function and aesthetics of the jaws as well as to increase stability, there are side effects from the treatment itself such as root resorption and alveolar bone resorption. Such resoiption of the apical root is unpredictable and may even proceed into the dentin layer. Once the process has begun, it is irreversible. By evaluating the effects of different oral habits, especially that ef nail biting, and their correlation with the root and the periodontal tissues, the appropriate biomechanics for orthodontic treatment can be taken into consideration. The possibility of root resorption and alveolar bone loss during orthodontic treatment can also be considered. Also, any legal problems that might occur may be pondered as well. Among the male md female patients of the ages 10~15, 63 were chosen as the test group with known nail biting habits at time of examination and within the same age range those without nail biting habits as the control group. The test group was composed of 30 males and 33 females. The control group had 31 males and 32 females. The result from this study were as follows : 1. Of the 63 patients of both the test and control groups, the male-to-female-ratio was 1:1, and had no statistically significant difference in male and female root resorption. 2. In comparing crown length of the test and control groups, no significant difference existed, but in root length, maxillary and mandibular right and left central incisors and mandibular right lateral incisors had a smaller value. (p<0.001) 3. Average crown-to-root ratio of the test group on the periapical view show a noticeably high value for the maxillary and mandibular right and left central incisors and mandibular right and left lateral incisors. (p<0.01) 4. In comparing and evaluating the alveolar bone loss measured from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest, mesial surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular right and left central incisors and distal surface of maxillary right central incisor of the test group showed greater loss of crestal bone than the control. (p<0.05)

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.416-421
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• 2010

The KISTI (Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information) began to produce the Korean human information called Visible Korean and Digital Korean since 2000 because there was no human information in Korea which could represent the physical characteristics of Korean human body. The Visible Korean consists of CT, MR, sectioned and segmented images of Korean human body. We obtained the serially sectioned images by grinding the Korean cadaver in horizontal direction and segmented these images by outlining the inner organs of human. We have produced the sectioned images of Korean male whole body, male head, and female pelvis in2008. The segmentation and 3D reconstruction of these images are now in proceeding. The Digital Korean consists of CT images of about 100 Korean cadavers. These CT images were segmented by individual bone, reconstructed to produce the 3D bone models and the skin surface model was also added. The mechanical properties of individual bones were obtained by measuring the property of individual bone sample. We have distributed these Korean human informations to users in domestic and abroad. About 70 institutes in domestic, and 20 institutes in abroad have used our data in research use and nearly 160 proceedings and articles were published since 2001. We think these human informations have a role of medical information infrastructure that could be used in the field of medical education, biomechanics, virtual reality etc.