Biomechanical modeling of actively controlled rectus extraocular muscle pulleys

Qi Wei; Bassam Mutawak; Joseph L Demer

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-09220-x

Biomechanical modeling of actively controlled rectus extraocular muscle pulleys

Sci Rep. 2022 Apr 6;12(1):5806. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-09220-x.

Authors

Qi Wei¹, Bassam Mutawak², Joseph L Demer^{3

4

5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Suite 3100, Peterson Hall, 4400 University Drive, 1J7, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA. qwei2@gmu.edu.
² Department of Computer Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
³ Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
⁴ Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
⁵ Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
⁶ Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Abstract

The Active Pulley Hypothesis (APH) is based on modern functional anatomical descriptions of the oculomotor plant, and postulates behaviors of the orbital pulleys proposed to be positioned by the extraocular muscles (EOMs). A computational model is needed to understand this schema quantitatively. We developed and evaluated a novel biomechanical model of active horizontal rectus pulleys. The orbital (OL) and global (GL) layers of the horizontal rectus EOMs were implemented as separate musculoskeletal strands. Pulley sleeves were modeled as tube-like structures receiving the OL insertion and suspended by elastic strands. Stiffnesses and orientations of pulley suspensions were determined empirically to limit horizontal rectus EOM side-slip while allowing anteroposterior pulley travel. Independent neural drives of the OL greater than GL were assumed. The model was iteratively refined in secondary gazes to implement realistic behavior using the simplest mechanical configuration and neural control strategy. Simulated horizontal rectus EOM paths and pulley positions during secondary gazes were consistent with published MRI measurements. Estimated EOM tensions were consistent with the range of experimentally measured tensions. This model is consistent with postulated bilaminar activity of the EOMs, and the separate roles of the GL in ocular rotation, and OL in pulley positioning.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Eye
Eye Movements*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Oculomotor Muscles* / physiology
Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
Orbit

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding