Biomechanics of the Locomotor Apparatus : Contributions on the Functional Anatomy of the Locomotor Apparatus

The contents of this book are based almost exclusively on purely anatomical researches. These were stimulated by questions posed in clinical practice. The results are directed to practicing surgeons. Their chronological sequence leads to a step by step development of theoretical bases and to a progressive rejection of old conceptions. Especially in the field of orthopaedic surgery, a responsible attitude is possible neither without solid anatomical knowledge, nor without an idea of functional relationships. W. Roux had already demonstrated this and he wanted his works of functional anatomy to be considered from this point of view. He above all preoccupied himself with a uniform theory of functional adaptation. Thus it is understandable that the theories ofRoux formed the basis from which to start. Our own researches seemed at first to corroborate the ideas of Roux, at least in part. This is still evident in the monograph concerning fractures of the femoral neck. Later it appeared that ST. KROMPECHER had made a step forwards in the matter of chondrogenesis when he abandoned the shear theory postulated by Roux and held that compression was the only effective stimulus for the forma­ tion of cartilage. The research concerning the healing of fractures relies partly on the theory of KROMPECHER which was new at that time. But ultimately more and more discoveries could no longer be explained by this conception which was only slightly different from the older theories (1. WOLF, W. Roux, W. Front Matter....Pages I-VIII The Fracture of the Femoral Neck. A Mechanical Problem....Pages 1-105 Biomechanics of Fracture Healing....Pages 106-137 Stressing of the Pelvis and Especially of the Pelvic Joints. Contribution to Its Explanation....Pages 138-148 The Principles of Construction of the Locomotor System. Their Significance for the Stressing of the Tubular Bones....Pages 149-182 The Mechanical Significance of the Gross Structure of the Cortex in Normal and Pathologically Bent Tubular Bones....Pages 183-192 Principles of Construction of the Lower Extremity. Their Significance for the Stressing of the Skeleton of the Leg....Pages 193-204 Significance of the Muscular Forces for the Regulation of the Stressing of the Tubular Bone During Movement of the Limb....Pages 205-222 The Static Significance of the Linea Aspera....Pages 223-228 Critical Examination of the Work of Roux: “Description and Explanation of a Bony Ankylosis of the Knee”....Pages 229-248 The Significance of the Mechanical Factors Acting on the Elbow Joint for the Carrying Capacity of the Flexed Upper Limb....Pages 249-298 On the Distribution of the Density of Cancellous Bone in the Upper End of the Femur and Its Significance for the Theory of the Functional Structure of Bone....Pages 299-309 The Functional Adaptation of Bone Through Growth in Length....Pages 310-328 The Structure of the Superficial Fibre Layer of the Articular Cartilage of the Glenoid Cavity as an Example of an Embodied Stress Field....Pages 329-374 A New Theory Concerning the Influence of Mechanical Stimuli on the Differentiation of the Supporting Tissues....Pages 375-407 The Distribution of Pressure in the Elbow Joint Together with Fundamental Remarks on Joint Pressure....Pages 408-429 The Significance of a Tension Band for the Stressing of the Tubular Bone with Application to Compression Osteosynthesis....Pages 430-449 Contribution to the Study of Functional Adaptation of the Cortex of a Tubular Bone. An Examination of Three Femora Deformed by Rickets....Pages 450-462 Biomechanics of Bone Grafting....Pages 463-477 Short Survey of the Mechanical Stressing of Bone and Its Significance for Functional Adaptation....Pages 478-503 The Significance of the Medullary Cavity for the Mechanical Stressing of the Tubular Bone....Pages 504-507 A Clinical Observation as Example and Proof of Functional Adaptation of the Bone Through Longitudinal Growth....Pages 508-513 On the Modelling Effect of the Functional Adaptation of the Bone....Pages 514-518 Back Matter....Pages 519-520