The objective of the present work is to review the existing literature on joint incongruity, cellular mechano-transduction, and computer simulations of mechano-adaptive bone remodelling, and to quantitatively assess the effect of incongruity on load transmission and subchondral mineralisation. Idealised computer models of incongruous joints and a specific anatomically based model of the humero-ulnar joint articulation were analysed with the finite element method, and the results directly compared with experimental and morphological data. 1 Introduction and Questions.- 2 Basis for the Design of the Computer Models.- 2.1 Qualitative and Quantitative Description of Joint Incongruity.- 2.2 Finite Element Method.- 2.3 Theory of Mechanoadaptive Bone Remodeling.- 3 Materials and Methods.- 3.1 Idealized Model of Concave Joint Incongruity.- 3.2 Idealized Comparative Geometric Models.- 3.3 Anatomically Based Model of the Humeroulnar Joint.- 3.4 Experimental Validation.- 3.5 Morphological Investigations on the Elbow Joint.- 4 Results.- 4.1 Idealized Model of Concave Joint Incongruity.- 4.2 Idealized Comparative Geometric Models.- 4.3 Anatomically Based Model of the Humeroulnar Joint.- 4.4 Experimental Validation.- 4.5 Morphological Findings at the Elbow Joint.- 5 Discussion.- 5.1 Methodological Discussion.- 5.2 Effect of the Incongruity on the Pressure in the Joint.- 5.3 The Relationship Between Joint Incongruity, Mechanoadaptive Bone Remodeling and the Morphology of the Subchondral Bone.- 5.4 Phylogenetic and Ontogenetic Origin of Joint Incongruity.- 5.5 Perspectives and Further Investigations.- 6 Conclusions.- References.- Achnowledgements.
