Abstract:
This paper presents the process of developing three-dimensional finite element models (FEMs) for biomechanics and orthopedic research, highlighting the use of powerful computational resources and sophisticated data handling algorithms. The authors demonstrate the development process with examples of human hand and knee joints, utilizing a specific workflow: data acquisition, segmentation, surface generation, volumetric meshing, finite element analysis, and visualization. The models are built from high-resolution CT and MRI data to ensure accurate geometry, which is crucial for successful joint behavior simulation. The paper also discusses the preference for hexahedral meshes over tetrahedral meshes for dynamic simulations due to faster convergence of numerical algorithms. The simulations, which are run using the NIKE3D code, can determine joint kinematics, articular surface stresses, and ligament stresses. The results are visualized using Griz, an interactive program that animates joint movements and displays stress regions. The authors emphasize that these computational tools can provide more accurate results for the inherently three-dimensional and non-linear processes of human anatomy and joint biomechanics than previous two-dimensional analyses.
