Abstract:
The objective of this research is to create a high-fidelity, standardized hexahedral Finite Element (FE) model of the human femur, which is readily available for use by other researchers. The model accounts for the distinct material characteristics of cortical bone, cancellous bone, and bone marrow. The anatomical data was sourced from the Visible Human Project via Computed Tomography (CT) scans. The paper provides a detailed methodology for developing hexahedral FE meshes from this CT data, including strategies to overcome meshing challenges associated with the femur's complex, free-formed geometry. The modeling process involves several steps: acquiring CT data, performing segmentation to create a 3D model, smoothing and editing the model, developing NURBS surfaces, creating the mesh using a multi-block approach, and finally, performing the FE analysis. The model was subjected to a simplified physiological loading scenario, consisting of a joint reaction force at the femoral head and an abductor muscle force at the greater trochanter. The results of the analysis showed the highest von Mises stress (37 MPa) in the cortical bone on the medial side of the femur, distal to the femoral head. This finding aligns with the typical initiation sites for femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures, thereby lending validation to the model. The authors emphasize that, despite the manual effort required for hexahedral meshes, their advantages in accuracy and convergence for certain applications, such as contact analysis, make them a valuable tool for the biomechanics community.
