Parameter study for the finite element modelling of long bones with computed-tomography-imaging-based stiffness...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate biomechanical analysis of equine long bones is crucial for understanding fracture mechanics and developing effective treatments.
• Finite element (FE) modeling offers a powerful tool for simulating bone behavior under various loading conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate detailed FE models of horse radii capable of predicting bone stiffness under bending and torsion.
• To investigate the influence of material property assignment on FE model accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Four equine radii were subjected to three-point bending and pure torsion tests.
• Computed tomography (CT) images were used to create detailed FE models of the radii.
• Individual exponential functions, based on CT numbers, were developed to allocate local isotropic material stiffness, fitted to experimental bone stiffness data.
• A parameter study explored the sensitivity of FE results to variations in orthotropic elastic constants.

Main Results:

• FE models incorporating stiffness functions derived from CT numbers showed good agreement with experimentally measured bone stiffness.
• Young's moduli derived from these functions correlated well with moduli measured from bone samples.
• Orthotropic material definition, particularly with reduced Young's moduli perpendicular to the bone axis, significantly enhanced the accuracy of bending test simulations.

Conclusions:

• FE models utilizing CT-derived material properties can accurately predict the mechanical behavior of equine long bones.
• Orthotropic material properties are essential for precise FE analysis of long bones, especially for simulating bending scenarios.
• This approach provides a robust framework for advanced biomechanical studies of equine limb bones.