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Integrating Musculoskeletal and Data-Driven Modeling to Understand the Biomechanical Sequelae of Syndesmotic Repair

Award Number: F31AR083286
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/16/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/15/2026
AWARD TERMINATION DATE: 09/14/2026

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Integrating Musculoskeletal and Data-Driven Modeling to Understand the Biomechanical Sequelae of Syndesmotic Repair - PROJECT SUMMARY Injury to the ankle syndesmosis is common in orthopaedic injuries like ankle fractures and sprains. Surgical repair of the ankle syndesmosis involves rigid fixation of the fibula to the tibia. The etiology of poor patient outcomes following syndesmotic repair, such as pain and osteoarthritis, is not well understood. The central hypothesis of this work posits that syndesmotic repair disrupts the biomechanics of the entire lower limb. Humans comprise one of only two orders in the Animal Kingdom with specialized, fully-mobile fibulae. Fibular motion facilitates shock absorption and stabilization throughout the lower limb. As the lower limb forms an interdependent, mechanical chain, fibular fixation could disrupt both the biomechanics and function of the entire lower limb from the hip to the foot. Our long-term goal is to advance diagnostic and treatment paradigms for syndesmotic injury by better understanding the biomechanical role of the mobile fibula. The objective of this work is to characterize fibular biomechanics and associated sequelae through comparative examination of subjects with healthy, mobile fibulae and surgically immobilized fibulae. We will first evaluate biomechanical differences between healthy individuals and individuals with surgically repaired ankle syndesmoses (Aim 1). We will record motion capture, force, and electromyography data during locomotion, functional, and athletic tasks. Using our experimental data, we will leverage musculoskeletal simulations to assess the effect of fibular mobility on hindfoot joint reaction forces (Aim 2). Finally, we will use explainable machine learning to predict syndesmotic injury state from biomechanical data and identify high-impact predictors (Aim 3). By combining innovative experimental and computational methods, we will improve the biomechanistic understanding of implications of fibular fixation during syndesmotic repair. Understanding what biomechanical differences and functional deficits are associated with syndesmotic repair will provide evidence for new surgical and rehabilitative protocols. Identifying which biomechanical changes are high impact predictors of syndesmotic repair will lay the groundwork to develop data-driven diagnostics and prognostics for syndesmotic injury. Through this proposal, the applicant will obtain training on a unique combination of experimental biomechanics methods (e.g., motion capture, surface and intramuscular electromyography (EMG), ultrasound imaging) and quantitative data-driven approaches (e.g., musculoskeletal simulation, machine learning). The University of Florida will provide the applicant outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary research, exceptional mentors, and a phenomenal training environment. Further, the University’s AI Initiative provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop world-class AI expertise. These experiences will enhance the applicant’s technical and professional skills, providing the training needed for a successful career as an academic researcher.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $46,152 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	3	12/5/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$45,012
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	002	3	4/20/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$576
2026	2025	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	001	2	4/2/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$564
														Subtotal = $46,152

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $42,568 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	2	11/18/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$42,568
														Subtotal = $42,568

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2023	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	1	6/26/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $42,374 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	001	1	7/17/2023	NEW	$0
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	1	7/17/2023	NEW	$42,374
														Subtotal = $42,374

Grand Total All Awards = $131,094

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Integrating Musculoskeletal and Data-Driven Modeling to Understand the Biomechanical Sequelae of Syndesmotic Repair

Award Number: F31AR083286

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/16/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/15/2026

AWARD TERMINATION DATE: 09/14/2026

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