Experimentally Achievable Accuracy Using a Digital Image Correlation Technique in measuring Small-Magnitude (<0.1%) Homogeneous Strain Fields.

Measuring small-magnitude strain fields using a digital image correlation (DIC) technique is challenging, due to the noise-signal ratio in strain maps. Here, we determined the level of accuracy achievable in measuring small-magnitude (<0.1%) homogeneous strain fields. We investigated different sets of parameters for image processing and imaging pre-selection, based on single-image noise level. The trueness of DIC was assessed by comparison of Young’s modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) with values obtained from strain gauge measurements. Repeatability was improved, on average, by 20⁻25% with experimentally-determined optimal parameters and image pre-selection. Despite this, the intra- and inter-specimen repeatability of strain gauge measurements was 5 and 2.5 times better than DIC, respectively. Moreover, although trueness was also improved, on average, by 30⁻45%, DIC consistently overestimated the two material parameters by 1.8% and 3.2% for E and ν, respectively. DIC is a suitable option to measure small-magnitude homogeneous strain fields, bearing in mind the limitations in achievable accuracy.

Elastic properties and strain-to-crack-initiation of calcium phosphate bone cements: Revelations of a high-resolution measurement technique.

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) should ideally have mechanical properties similar to those of the bone tissue the material is used to replace or repair. Usually, the compressive strength of the CPCs is reported and, more rarely, the elastic modulus. Conversely, scarce or no data are available on Poisson's ratio and strain-to-crack-initiation. This is unfortunate, as data on the elastic response is key to, e.g., numerical model accuracy. In this study, the compressive behaviour of brushite, monetite and apatite cements was fully characterised. Measurement of the surface strains was done using a digital image correlation (DIC) technique, and compared to results obtained with the commonly used built-in displacement measurement of the materials testers. The collected data showed that the use of fixed compression platens, as opposed to spherically seated ones, may in some cases underestimate the compressive strength by up to 40%. Also, the built-in measurements may underestimate the elastic modulus by up to 62% as compared to DIC measurements. Using DIC, the brushite cement was found to be much stiffer (24.3 ± 2.3GPa) than the apatite (13.5 ± 1.6GPa) and monetite (7.1 ± 1.0GPa) cements, and elastic moduli were inversely related to the porosity of the materials. Poisson's ratio was determined to be 0.26 ± 0.02 for brushite, 0.21 ± 0.02 for apatite and 0.20 ± 0.03 for monetite. All investigated CPCs showed low strain-to-crack-initiation (0.17-0.19%). In summary, the elastic modulus of CPCs is substantially higher than previously reported and it is concluded that an accurate procedure is a prerequisite in order to properly compare the mechanical properties of different CPC formulations. It is recommended to use spherically seated platens and measuring the strain at a relevant resolution and on the specimen surface.

Suturing the myotendinous junction in total hip arthroplasty: A biomechanical comparison of different stitching techniques.

BACKGROUND: The repair of the myotendinous junction following total hip arthroplasty is challenging as this region is the weakest part of the muscle structure. This study investigated the mechanical behaviour and the mode of failure of different suturing techniques of the myotendinous junction. A new asymmetrical stitch was compared to two widely used techniques, i.e. the simple stitch (two loops in parallel) and the figure-of-eight stitch. METHODS: The ovine triceps brachii myotendinous junction was selected as the experimental model. Each technique was sewn in muscle belly on one side and in a polyester belt (no-tendon configuration) or in thin tendon (full configuration) on the other side. The former was chosen to determine the grasping power of the stitch on the muscle despite the tendon quality, the latter to simulate a very thin gluteus medius tendon. FINDINGS: The new stitch showed a higher ultimate strength (+40%) compared to the two controls in the no-tendon configuration. In the full configuration, no significant increase was observed, although failure of the new stitch always occurred at the tendon side. Furthermore, the new stitch does not alter the stiffness of repair. INTERPRETATION: The new stitch has a higher grasping power on muscle belly than the single passing-through stitches thanks to the multiple fixation points, which better distribute the load in the tissue. However, such performance can be fully exploited only in the presence of good quality tendons.

An effective procedure to create a speckle pattern on biological soft tissue for digital image correlation measurements.

Creating a speckle pattern on biological soft tissue, which would be suitable for digital image correlation measurements, is challenging. Speckle patterns should neither cause or require sample dehydration, nor alter the mechanical response, but they should adhere to the tissue surface and withstand large deformations. A two-step procedure has been implemented to create a highly-contrasted pattern. It requires staining of the tissue with methylene blue solution to obtain a dark background and airbrushing the surface with paint to create white speckles. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed procedure and whether the pattern creation had any effect on the elastic response of soft tissue. Forty porcine collateral ligaments underwent three series of cyclic tensile tests to a nominal elongation of 10% for 30 cycles. The specimen stiffness was calculated from the load-elongation curve collected during the last 10 cycles. One side of 20 ligaments was blue stained between the first and second test series, and white patterned between the second and third test series. During the last series, ligament surface images were also acquired and elaborated using the digital image correlation technique. The other 20 ligaments were untreated. The data show a small non-significant upward trend in stiffness in treated as well as in untreated ligaments (maximum increase of 1.7%). The 'successfully-correlated area' of the stereo-visible ligament surface was on average 96%, i.e. small parts of the 'stereo-visible area' were lost during computation. The described procedure is an effective method to create a pattern on biological soft tissues.