Validation of an automated method of three-dimensional finite element modelling of bone

Keyak, J. H.; Fourkas, M. G.; Meagher, J. M.; Skinner, H. B.

Affiliations

¹Rehabilitation Research & Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA

²Department of Mechanical Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

³Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

Abstract and keywords

This study validated an automated method of finite element modelling of bone from CT scan data. After a fresh-frozen cadaveric femur was modelled, strain gauges were attached to the bone at 11 locations and the femur was mechanically tested by applying a load to the femoral head. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate the strains predicted by the model with the experimentally measured strains. The regression results were significant (P < 0.001), indicating that the strain calculated by the FE model is a valid predictor of the measured strain. Verification of the surface strains also supports the validity of the strains and stresses predicted inside the bone. The present study provides a strong rationale for use of this modelling method as a research tool and in possible clinical applications.

Keywords: Finite element method; bone; femur; strain gauge; biomechanics; computed tomography

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0141-5425(93)90066-8

PubMed: 8277756

WoS: A1993ME01300011

History

Received: 1992-11

Accepted: 1992-12

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