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Finite element analysis of bone mechanical properties using MRI-derived bound and pore water concentration maps
Thammathida Ketsiri1,2, Sasidhar Uppuganti3,4,5, Kevin D Harkins1,2,6
1Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.
Summary
Quantitative MRI measures of collagen-bound water and pore water in bone improve predictions of bone strength. These findings suggest potential for assessing patient-specific fracture risk using MRI.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI can quantify water in bones.
- Collagen-bound water (C_bw) and pore water (C_pw) concentrations are potential biomarkers for bone fracture risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of C_bw and C_pw on bone mechanical properties.
- To evaluate the utility of MRI-derived water concentrations for predicting bone mechanical behavior.
Main Methods:
- Generated MRI-based finite element models of cadaver radii using 3D maps of C_bw and C_pw.
- Simulated three-point bending tests using the finite element method.
- Compared simulated bending properties with direct mechanical testing results.
Main Results:
- MRI-derived C_bw and C_pw measurements significantly improved the prediction of bone mechanical properties in cadaver radii.
- Finite element models incorporating water concentration data accurately predicted bone bending properties.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative MRI measures of C_bw and C_pw enhance the prediction of bone mechanical properties.
- These MRI-derived metrics show promise for assessing patient-specific bone fragility and fracture risk.
