From Generic to Specific Musculoskeletal Simulations Using an Ontology-Based Modeling Pipeline

We present a novel pipeline for the construction of biomechanical simulations by combining generic anatomical knowledge with specific data. Based on functional descriptors supplied by the user, the list of the involved anatomical entities (currently bones and muscles) is generated using formal knowledge stored in ontologies, as well as a physical model based on reference geometry and mechanical parameters. This simulation-ready model can then be registered to subject-specific geometry to perform customized simulations.

The user can provide additional specific geometry, such as a simulation mesh, to assemble with the reference geometry. Subject-specific information can also be used to individualize each functional model. The model can then be visualized and animated.

This pipeline dramatically eases the creation of biomechanical models. We detail an example of a musculoskeletal simulation of knee flexion and hip flexion and abduction, based on rigid bones and the Hill muscle model, with subject-specific 3D meshes non-rigidly attached to the simulated bones.