Bruskmodell

Bruskmodell, or cartilage model, is a representation of cartilage tissue used in education, research, and clinical planning to study anatomy and biomechanics. The term combines Swedish "brusk" for cartilage and "modell" for model. In practice, bruskmodeller range from physical replicas to computational simulations, each serving different purposes.

Physical bruskmodeller are produced from imaging data such as MRI or CT scans or from cadaveric samples, using methods like 3D printing, silicone molding, or wax casting. They replicate geometry and can be augmented with materials to mimic properties such as stiffness, porosity, or surface texture, enabling hands-on teaching and preoperative visualization.

Computational bruskmodeller employ finite element analysis and other simulation techniques to predict stresses, strains, and fluid flow within cartilage under loading. They use material models such as biphasic or poroelastic frameworks and can incorporate depth-dependent properties, anisotropy, and time-dependent behavior to reflect the tissue’s complex mechanics.

Applications include education, surgical planning for cartilage restoration or joint replacement, and research into osteoarthritis, cartilage repair, and tissue engineering. Models aid in interpreting imaging data, evaluating implants, and testing hypotheses in a controlled environment.

Limitations involve simplifications of cartilage’s heterogeneous, viscoelastic nature, reliance on accurate material parameters, and potential discrepancies between models and in vivo behavior. Ongoing work seeks to improve imaging, material characterization, and multi-scale integration to enhance realism and predictive power.