Name:	Carrie Voycheck
Title:	Graduate Student

---

University of Rochester - Biomedical Engineering - May 2006 - B.S.


Shoulder

Musculoskeletal Research Center
405 Center for Bioengineering
300 Technology Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-648-1943
Fax: 412-648-2001
cav23@pitt.edu

• Soft tissue biomechanics
• Orthopaedic biomechanics
• Finite element modeling
• Non-linear solid mechanics

The shoulder is the most dislocated major joint in the body with most dislocations occurring in the anterior direction. A normal shoulder is stabilized by active stabilizers (rotator cuff and other muscles) and passive stabilizers (glenohumeral capsule, glenoid labrum, and other ligaments). My project focuses on the glenohumeral capsule, which functions to stabilize the shoulder joint during extreme ranges of motion. When dislocation occurs there are many types of injuries a person may experience, however, the process for diagnosing these pathologies is inadequate. Orthopaedic surgeons use clinical examinations as the primary tool for diagnosing shoulder injuries. These exams are extremely subjective and vary from clinician to clinician. This lack of standardization of clinical exams leads to misdiagnosis of the extent of capsular injuries and ultimately results in poor patient outcome following rehabilitation and repair procedures. Our work in the Shoulder lab is aimed at standardizing these clinical exams such that we can tell orthopaedic surgeons specific joint positions in which to place the shoulder while performing clinical exams to diagnose certain capsular injuries. In order to do this we use the finite element method. Currently we have two validated subject specific finite element models of the glenohumeral joint which we use to examine the strain distribution in the capsule at many different joint positions. Specifically, my project involves developing and validating an appropriate constitutive model for the glenohumeral capsule that can be implemented into the finite element models to yield the most appropriate results. I have also examined the effects of gender and permanent deformation on the mechanical properties of the glenohumeral capsule.

In the future, I hope to examine the effects of injury on the mechanical properties and collagen fiber alignment of the glenohumeral capsule by building an experimental injury model of the joint..


I have only been in Pittsburgh for the past 3 years. I was born and raised in Penfield, NY, a suburb of Rochester. I grew up with many pets and have always loved animals and enjoy athletics. I was a member of the varsity women's lacrosse team at the University of Rochester for four years and also enjoy basketball and running.

Family: Parents – Jake and Connie, Sister – Erica

           Cat - McLovin

           Dog - Peaches


My Sister and I


McLovin and Peaches


John Jolly and I

Hobbies/Sports: Lacrosse, basketball, running, arts and crafts

Home Country: USA