Musculoskeletal loading database: loading conditions of the proximal femur

Knowledge of musculoskeletal loading conditions in humans is mandatory for the design of endoprosthestic and osteosynthetic devices. Also, new treatment options such as tissue generation and transplantation require knowledge of the mechanical loads under which tissue formation and regeneration takes place. In this manuscript, a database on musculo-skeletal loading of the proximal femur is presented. The data are based on individual patient gait and radiological data. By means of inverse dynamics and optimization techniques, the internal loads acting at the joint and within the muscles have been determined. The calculated hip contact force has been validated by means of in vivo measurements in four patients. The database is freely available and gives an estimate on internal loads acting at the proximal femur for activities like walking and stair climbing