侧向冲击载荷作用下髋护具对股骨-骨盆复合体生物力学响应的影响

目的利用三维有限元法研究髋部护具对人体股骨-骨盆复合体在侧向冲击载荷作用下生物力学响应的影响。方法基于中国力学虚拟人模型库建立股骨-骨盆-软组织复合体的三维有限元模型,包括皮质骨、松质骨和软组织,并在此基础上建立髋部护具和股骨-骨盆-软组织复合体系统的三维有限元模型;同时,在两个模型中构建刚体平面仿真地面。约束地面刚体,对两个模型均施加侧向2 m/s的速度载荷,整个仿真分析时间设定为20 ms。通过三维有限元分析计算获得两模型受侧向冲击载荷过程中应力、应变变化特性,对比分析髋部护具对股骨-骨盆复合体生物力学响应的影响。结果髋部护具使股骨-骨盆复合体在侧向冲击载荷作用下的应力峰值出现时间提前4 ms以上,且应力应变水平出现大幅度降低;皮质骨上的应力峰值降低67.88%以上,松质骨上的峰值应力下降69.34%以上,松质骨上的压缩主应变峰值降低可达63%。结论在侧向冲击载荷作用下,髋部护具对股骨-骨盆复合体具有良好的保护作用,能够有效预防骨折的发生或降低骨折风险。     

不同材料赋值属性下髋关节有限元分析

目的 探讨 3 种不同建模方式对髋关节有限元模型生物力学特性的影响,研究出更符合实际的髋关节的材料属性赋值方法。 方法 对髋关节模型进行三维重建,分别采用皮-松质骨赋值法、均一赋值法和灰度赋值法完成材料参数赋值,设定相同的边界条件和载荷,模拟单腿站立位状态下髋关节受力情况,对比 3 组模型的髋关节应力和形变情况。 结果 3 种不同建模方式下髋关节应力均集中于股骨颈内侧,皮-松质骨赋值法、均一赋值法、灰度值赋值法模型 von Mises 应力峰值分别为 11. 04、3. 91、4. 25 MPa。 皮-松质骨赋值法模型最大形变位于股骨大粗隆上部,髋臼与股骨头处最大形变值为 0. 27 mm。 均一赋值法模型及灰度值赋值法模型最大形变位于髋臼与股骨头处,最大形变值分别为 0. 11、0. 12 mm。 结论 根据髋关节 CT 数据灰度值进行梯度赋值,使得髋关节模型材料属性分布更接近骨骼真实的材料属性。     

Validation of a finite element model of the human metacarpal

Implant loosening and mechanical failure of components are frequently reported following metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint replacement. Studies of the mechanical environment of the MCP implant-bone construct are rare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of a finite element model of the intact second human metacarpal to provide a validated baseline for further mechanical studies. A right index human metacarpal was subjected to torsion and combined axial/bending loading using strain gauge (SG) and 3D finite element (FE) analysis. Four different representations of bone material properties were considered. Regression analyses were performed comparing maximum and minimum principal surface strains taken from the SG and FE models. Regression slopes close to unity and high correlation coefficients were found when the diaphyseal cortical shell was modelled as anisotropic and cancellous bone properties were derived from quantitative computed tomography. The inclusion of anisotropy for cortical bone was strongly influential in producing high model validity whereas variation in methods of assigning stiffness to cancellous bone had only a minor influence. The validated FE model provides a tool for future investigations of current and novel MCP joint prostheses.     

Finite element analysis of a three-dimensional model of a proximal femur-cemented femoral THJR component construct: influence of assigned interface conditions on strain energy density

A finite element analysis of the stresses in a construct, comprising a three-dimensional model of the proximal human femur in which the stem of a total hip joint replacement was cemented, was performed. The one-legged standing condition was used, with all applied forces on the proximal femur being considered. These forces were the resultant hip joint reaction force and the forces due to the activation of the abductor, ilio-psoas, and ilio-tibialis muscles. The cortical and cancellous bones were assigned anisotropic elastic properties. It was found that the mean value of the strain energy density at each of the regions considered was considerably higher when debonding was considered at both the cancellous bone-acrylic bone cement and bone cement-stem interfaces (represented using surface-to-surface Coulomb friction, coefficient of friction = 0.22) compared to when perfect bonding conditions were taken to exist at these interfaces. The significance of this finding, together with the study limitations, is discussed.     

Validity and sensitivity of a human cranial finite element model: implications for comparative studies of biting performance

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a modelling technique increasingly used in anatomical studies investigating skeletal form and function. In the case of the cranium this approach has been applied to both living and fossil taxa to (for example) investigate how form relates to function or infer diet or behaviour. However, FE models of complex musculoskeletal structures always rely on simplified representations because it is impossible completely to image and represent every detail of skeletal morphology, variations in material properties and the complexities of loading at all spatial and temporal scales. The effects of necessary simplifications merit investigation. To this end, this study focuses on one aspect, model geometry, which is particularly pertinent to fossil material where taphonomic processes often destroy the finer details of anatomy or in models built from clinical CTs where the resolution is limited and anatomical details are lost. We manipulated the details of a finite element (FE) model of an adult human male cranium and examined the impact on model performance. First, using digital speckle interferometry, we directly measured strains from the infraorbital region and frontal process of the maxilla of the physical cranium under simplified loading conditions, simulating incisor biting. These measured strains were then compared with predicted values from FE models with simplified geometries that included modifications to model resolution, and how cancellous bone and the thin bones of the circum‐nasal and maxillary regions were represented. Distributions of regions of relatively high and low principal strains and principal strain vector magnitudes and directions, predicted by the most detailed FE model, are generally similar to those achieved in vitro. Representing cancellous bone as solid cortical bone lowers strain magnitudes substantially but the mode of deformation of the FE model is relatively constant. In contrast, omitting thin plates of bone in the circum‐nasal region affects both mode and magnitude of deformation. Our findings provide a useful frame of reference with regard to the effects of simplifications on the performance of FE models of the cranium and call for caution in the interpretation and comparison of FEA results.     

腰椎椎体有限元建模的最优单元尺寸和材料属性分布及建模方法

目的研究人体腰椎椎体有限元建模中有限元的单元尺寸和类型、松质骨材料属性分配方式以及皮质骨结构模拟方法对有限元结果的影响。方法基于定量CT扫描人体腰椎的影像,采用6种不同的单元尺寸(0.5、1.0、1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0 mm)、2种松质骨材料属性分配方法、2种松质骨非均匀材料属性分配梯度(150、300)、2种皮质骨结构建模方法,建立22个去除后部结构的腰椎L2段椎体有限元模型,计算获得22个有限元模型的最大位移、应变能、平均应力、轴向刚度,并对这些结果进行统计分析和验证。结果单元尺寸为0.5 mm时,10、150、300三种非均匀材料属性分配梯度下,模型的轴向刚度值出现明显差异;不同单元尺寸下,松质骨在150种非均匀材料属性分配梯度下,模型的平均应力波动变化平缓;利用最外层六面体单元模拟皮质骨结构方法,其平均应力大于利用在最外层添加蒙皮(skin)模拟皮质骨结构方法。结论在进行腰椎椎体有限元建模时,选取0.5 mm尺寸的六面体单元、为椎体松质骨分配150种非均匀材料属性、利用最外层六面体单元模拟椎体皮质骨结构的建模方法,建立的有限元模型更加合理和有效。研究结果为后续大批量、个体化腰椎椎体模型的建立奠定基础。     

Mesh morphing for finite element analysis of implant positioning in cementless total hip replacements

Finite element (FE) analysis of the effect of implant positioning on the performance of cementless total hip replacements (THRs) requires the generation of multiple meshes to account for positioning variability. This process can be labour intensive and time consuming as CAD operations are needed each time a specific orientation is to be analysed. In the present work, a mesh morphing technique is developed to automate the model generation process. The volume mesh of a baseline femur with the implant in a nominal position is deformed as the prosthesis location is varied. A virtual deformation field, obtained by solving a linear elasticity problem with appropriate boundary conditions, is applied. The effectiveness of the technique is evaluated using two metrics: the percentages of morphed elements exceeding an aspect ratio of 20 and an angle of 165° between the adjacent edges of each tetrahedron. Results show that for 100 different implant positions, the first and second metrics never exceed 3% and 3.5%, respectively. To further validate the proposed technique, FE contact analyses are conducted using three selected morphed models to predict the strain distribution in the bone and the implant micromotion under joint and muscle loading. The entire bone strain distribution is well captured and both percentages of bone volume with strain exceeding 0.7% and bone average strains are accurately computed. The results generated from the morphed mesh models correlate well with those for models generated from scratch, increasing confidence in the methodology. This morphing technique forms an accurate and efficient basis for FE based implant orientation and stability analysis of cementless hip replacements.     

侧向冲击载荷作用下股骨-骨盆复合体的生物力学响应

目的利用三维有限元分析方法研究股骨-骨盆复合体在人体侧向摔倒时冲击载荷作用下的生物力学行为特性。方法基于中国力学虚拟人模型库建立股骨-骨盆-软组织复合体的三维有限元模型,包括皮质骨、松质骨和软组织;同时,构建一个刚体平面仿真地面。约束地面刚体,对整个股骨-骨盆-软组织复合体模型施加侧向2 m/s的速度载荷,整个仿真分析时间设定为20 ms。通过三维有限元分析计算获得股骨-骨盆侧摔冲击过程中应力应变变化特性。结果在13 ms时,股骨大转子处软组织与地面的接触力达到最大值7 656 N,对应的骨盆软组织上的最大等效应力值为2.64 MPa。冲击过程中,耻骨联合处骨皮质上等效应力出现极大值,为142.64 MPa,接近其屈服强度;股骨颈和大转子处应力水平较高,股骨颈处皮质骨上的最大等效应力值为76.49 MPa;股骨颈处松质骨上的最大等效应力值为8.44 MPa,最大压缩应变值为0.94%;股骨大转子处松质骨上的最大等效应力值为8.50 MPa,最大压缩应变值为0.93%。结论人体股骨-骨盆复合体在侧摔减速冲击载荷作用下股骨颈、大转子及耻骨联合处易出现骨折。     

Single-trabecula building block for large-scale finite element models of cancellous bone

Recent development of high-resolution imaging of cancellous bone allows finite element (FE) analysis of bone tissue stresses and strains in individual trabeculae. However, specimen-specific stress/strain analyses can include effects of anatomical variations and local damage that can bias the interpretation of the results from individual specimens with respect to large populations. This study developed a standard (generic) ‘building-block’ of a trabecula for large-scale FE models. Being parametric and based on statistics of dimensions of ovine trabeculae, this building block can be scaled for trabecular thickness and length and be used in commercial or custom-made FE codes to construct generic, large-scale FE models of bone, using less computer power than that currently required to reproduce the accurate micro-architecture of trabecular bone. Orthogonal lattices constructed with this building block, after it was scaled to trabeculae of the human proximal femur, provided apparent elastic moduli of ∼ 150 MPa, in good agreement with experimental data for the stiffness of cancellous bone from this site. Likewise, lattices with thinner, osteoporotic-like trabeculae could predict a reduction of ∼30% in the apparent elastic modulus, as reported in experimental studies of osteoporotic femora. Based on these comparisons, it is concluded that the single-trabecula element developed in the present study is well-suited for representing cancellous bone in large-scale generic FE simulations.     

Comparison of an inhomogeneous orthotropic and isotropic material models used for FE analyses

Finite element (FE) analysis has been widely used to study the behaviour of bone or implants in many clinical applications. One of the main factors in analyses is the realistic behaviour of the bone model, because the behaviour of the bone is strongly dependent on a realistic bone material property assignment. The objective of this study was to compare isotropic and orthotropic inhomogeneous material models used for FE analyses of the "global" proximal femur and "small" specimens of the bone (cancellous and cortical). Our hypothesis was that realistic material property assignment (orthotropy) is very important for the FE analyses of small bone specimens, whereas in global FE analyses of the proximal femur, this assignment can be omitted, if the inhomogeneous material model was used. The three-dimensional geometry of the "global" proximal femur was reconstructed using CT scans of a cadaveric femur. This model was implemented into an FE simulation tool and various bone material properties, dependant on bone density, were assigned to each element in the models. The "small" specimens of cortical and cancellous bone were created in the same way as the model of the proximal femur. The results obtained from FE analyses support our above described hypothesis.     

Sensitivity and ex vivo validation of finite element models of the domestic pig cranium

A finite element (FE) validation and sensitivity study was undertaken on a modern domestic pig cranium. Bone strain data were collected ex vivo from strain gauges, and compared with results from specimen-specific FE models. An isotropic, homogeneous model was created, then input parameters were altered to investigate model sensitivity. Heterogeneous, isotropic models investigated the effects of a constant-thickness, stiffer outer layer (representing cortical bone) atop a more compliant interior (representing cancellous bone). Loading direction and placement of strain gauges were also varied, and the use of 2D membrane elements at strain gauge locations as a method of projecting 3D model strains into the plane of the gauge was investigated. The models correctly estimate the loading conditions of the experiment, yet at some locations fail to reproduce correct principal strain magnitudes, and hence strain ratios. Principal strain orientations are predicted well. The initial model was too stiff by approximately an order of magnitude. Introducing a compliant interior reported strain magnitudes more similar to the ex vivo results without notably affecting strain orientations, ratios or contour patterns, suggesting that this simple heterogeneity was the equivalent of reducing the overall stiffness of the model. Models were generally insensitive to moderate changes in loading direction or strain gauge placement, except in the squamosal portion of the zygomatic arch. The use of membrane elements made negligible differences to the reported strains. The models therefore seem most sensitive to changes in material properties, and suggest that failure to model local heterogeneity in material properties and structure of the bone may be responsible for discrepancies between the experimental and model results. This is partially attributable to a lack of resolution in the CT scans from which the model was built, and partially due to an absence of detailed material properties data for pig cranial bone. Thus, caution is advised when using FE models to estimate absolute numerical values of breaking stress and bite force unless detailed input parameters are available. However, if the objective is to compare relative differences between models, the fact that the strain environment is replicated well means that such investigations can be robust.     

Influence of 3D QCT scan protocol on the QCT-based finite element models of human vertebral cancellous bone

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based finite element (FE) models provide a better prediction of vertebral strength than dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. However, FE models are often created from datasets acquired at different CT scan protocols and it is unclear whether this influences the FE results. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether there was an effect of the CT scan protocol on the FE models. 12 human thoracolumbar vertebrae were scanned on top of a calcium hydroxyapatite calibration phantom using a standard QCT scan protocol – 120 kV, 100 mAs (PA); and a low dose protocol – 90 kV, 150 mAs (PB). FE cancellous models with cuboid volume of interest and inhomogeneous nonlinear bone properties were created. Axial compression was simulated. The apparent BMD, modulus and yield strength showed significant differences between the two scan protocols. The apparent BMD, the modulus and yield strength between the two groups were highly linearly correlated. This paper indicated that the FE models created from image datasets acquired at different X-ray tube voltage settings would give significantly different results and this effect could be possibly corrected using a linear correction approach.     

单髁膝关节置换胫骨元件不同固定柱形状的有限元分析

目的针对单髁膝关节置换后胫骨前内侧疼痛、胫骨元件松动以及对侧关节炎恶化的问题,通过有限元方法比较分析胫骨元件固定柱的不同几何形状对胫骨应力分布的影响。方法建立有效的单髁膝关节置换有限元模型,对胫骨元件固定柱的形状进行设计。在相同的加载条件下,分别对双柱形、单脊形、双脊形和十字星形胫骨元件进行有限元分析,并与完整膝关节模型进行对比,评估胫骨元件固定柱不同形状设计对胫骨前内侧皮质骨应力、胫骨截骨面松质骨应力、胫骨对侧软骨应力的影响。结果单髁置换后胫骨前内侧皮质骨应力峰值均增大。与完整膝关节相比,在双柱形、单脊形、双脊形和十字星形胫骨元件固定柱的模型中,胫骨前内侧皮质骨应力峰值分别增加56.1%、55.9%、54.5%和68.4%。单脊形和双脊形胫骨元件松质骨截骨面应力峰值比完整胫骨分别减小8.1%和15.6%,而双柱形和十字星形则分别增大67.9%和121.5%,超过松质骨的疲劳屈服应力。双柱形、单脊形、双脊形和十字星形胫骨固定柱对应的胫骨对侧软骨应力峰值相比于完整胫骨分别减小42.1%、26.6%、24.2%和28.5%。结论单髁膝关节置换改变了胫骨内外侧的载荷分布,使置换侧承受更大的载荷。单脊形和双脊形胫骨元件在降低胫骨前内侧皮质骨和截骨面松质骨应力方面效果更好,其中单脊形胫骨元件更接近完整膝关节胫骨的应力分布。研究结果可为设计更符合膝关节力学性能的单髁膝关节假体提供理论依据。     

Effects of bone materials on the screw pull-out strength in human spine

A three-dimensional finite element model simulating the threaded connections including detailed helix curve for the bone and surgical screw was constructed. Validation of the FE model was conducted by comparing the predicted screw pull-out strength in different foam materials against experimental study. The FE model was then further analyzed to investigate the interaction of bone material and purchase length on the screw pull-out strength. The results show that failure of the connection was due to bone shearing which occurred along a cylindrical surface determined by the outer perimeter of the screw. The cortical shell resists around 50% of the pull-out strength for a screw of 4mm in major diameter and 22 mm in length. The effects of purchase length on the pull-out strength were different for different bone material. It is the bone material that determines the stability of the inserted surgical screw. The significance of the purchase length on the pull-out strength of cortical screw will be much lower than that in cancellous bone screw.     

Stress and strain distribution behavior in the bone due to the effect of cancellous bone,dental implant material and the bone height

The stress and strain distribution in the bone surrounding a dental implant have been analyzed using the finite element and optimization techniques. The effect of removing cancellous bone completely or not was investigated. Two models were used, the first model without cancellous bone and the second with it. The elastic modulus of the implant material and the length of the implant neck or the height of bone surrounding the implant were used as design variables in the two models. In the first model a higher level of stress in the cortical bone surrounding the neck of the implant was found. While in the second model, it was found surrounding the tip of the implant. The result indicates that the stress concentration factor in the bone of the first model is reduced by 30% compared to the initial design. However, when the implant was surrounded by sleeve of cancellous bone (second model) the stress concentration is reduced by 16% for cortical bone and 15% for cancellous bone. This reduction help to reduce fatigue failure and bone resorption.     

步态周期中髋关节软骨应力分布对弧形髋臼周围截骨手术的影响

目的 研究在完整步态周期受力环境下髋关节周围软骨的应力分布情况,探求弧形髋臼周围截骨术（curved periacetabular osteotomy, CPO）术中所截骨块的最佳矫正角度,为临床手术提供理论依据。方法 利用CT扫描获取1名髋关节发育不良（development dysplasia of hip, DDH）患者和1名健康志愿者骨盆及股骨近端DICOM数据,构建三维有限元模型。采用划分蒙罩的方法区分皮质骨和松质骨,并为有限元模型赋予材料属性。对DDH模型模拟CPO,调整外侧中心边缘角（lateral center edge angle, LCEA）和前方中心边缘角（anterior center edge angle, ACEA）,共得到100个不同的术后模型。根据完整步态周期中的髋关节受力情况为模型分别施加载荷,分析对比术前、术后和正常髋臼软骨的受力变化。结果 DDH模型模拟术后髋臼软骨在完整步态周期中脚跟落地相、开始单腿支撑相、单腿支撑中期相、单腿支撑结束相、双腿支撑相的最小接触应力峰值分别为5.273、6.128、7.463、6.347、6.582 MPa,分别比术前减少了2.159、2.724、2.249、2.164、2.119 MPa;术后头臼接触面积较术前明显增加,但仍小于正常志愿者。结论 利用有限元方法可以得到LCEA和ACEA的最佳矫正角度,对不同患者模拟CPO手术对提高手术精准度和手术效率具有重要意义。     

基于Weaire-Phelan结构的Ti6Al4V多孔支架力学性能研究及数值模拟

目的 研究基于lattice Weaire-Phelan（LWP）结构支架的力学性能,并利用有限元方法精确模拟多孔支架的整个压缩过程。方法 采用选择性激光熔融（selective laser melting,SLM）技术制造具有不同孔隙率的Ti6Al4V（TC4）多孔支架。通过单轴压缩试验测试样件力学属性,并与人体骨骼及其他支架结构进行对比。验证4种材料模型对多孔支架压缩仿真结果 的影响。结果 LWP支架展现出与人体松质骨十分接近的弹性模量以及高于大多数皮质骨的屈服强度。与其他支架结构相比,LWP支架具有几乎最小的弹性模量和最大的屈服强度。利用本文提出的材料模型,即Johnson-Cook本构模型和动态几何应变失效模型（Johnson-Cook constitutive model and failure model based on dynamic geometric strain,JCDG）,模拟出的结果 与试验数据非常接近。结论 作为骨修复材料,LWP支架展现出比其他支架结构更优秀的力学性能。与其他材料模型相比,JCDG更有利于构建出合理的多孔支架压缩仿真模型。     

Orientation of orthotropic material properties in a femur FE model: a method based on the principal stresses directions

Most work done on bone simulation has modeled the tissue as inhomogeneous and isotropic even though it is a recognized anisotropic material. Some recent investigations have included orthotropic behavior in bone finite elements (FE) models; however the problem regarding the orientation of these properties along the irregular bone anatomy remains. In this work, a procedure to orientate orthotropic properties in a proximal femur FE model using the directions of the principal stresses produced by a physiological load scheme was developed. Two heterogeneous material models, one isotropic and one orthotropic, were employed to test their influence on the mechanical behavior of the bone model. In the developed orthotropic material, the mechanical properties are aligned with the highest principal stress produced from the successive application of a multi load scenario corresponding to 10%, 30% and 45% of the gait cycle. A solid match between anatomical structures in the proximal femur and the corresponding directions of the main principal stress of the elements of the model suggests that the developed methodology works accurately. The differences found in the stress distributions were small (maximum 7.6%); nevertheless the changes in the strain distributions were important (maximum 27%) and located in areas of clinical relevance.     

The influence of different tibial stem designs in load sharing and stability at the cement-bone interface in revision TKA

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) changes mechanical loading of the knee joint. Bone loss in the tibia is commonly encountered at the time of the revision TKA. Restoration of lost bone support and joint stability are the primary challenges in revision TKA. Normally, these defects are treated with non-living structures like metallic augments or bone grafts (autografts or allografts). Alone, neither of these structures can provide the initial support and stability for revision implants. In the latter, the use of intramedullary stems can provide the necessary load sharing and protect the remaining host bone and graft from excessive stress, increasing component stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate comparatively load sharing (cortical rim, cancellous bone and stem) and stability at the cement–bone interface under the tibial tray induced by the use of cemented and press-fit tibial component stem extensions. Furthermore the study of the desirable option in cases where the bone defect is cavitary (cancellous bone defect contained by an intact cortical rim) or uncontained bone defect (bone loss involving the supporting cortical rim) was carried out. Because in vitro evaluation of these biomechanical parameters is difficult we used finite element (FE) models to overcome this. The biomechanical results suggest an identical behaviour in case of cavitary defects for both types of stems assessed. In the case of uncontained defect treated with bulk allografts the cemented stem may be a prudent clinical option.     

Stress and strain analysis of the hip joint using FEM.

Many disorders of the hip can be treated with a suitable osteotomy based on the improvement of mechanical conditions in the hip joint. These operations, such as osteotomies are very complex. The surface replacement has also been developed as an alternative to a total hip replacement for young and more active people. It is up-to-date to concern with biomechanics of pathological hips and it is necessary to supplement the existing clinical findings with the results of mechanical analyses. Several finite element (FE) models are presented in this paper. The first one offers solutions to the strain-stress analysis of the physiological hip. The second one represents dysplastic hip joint. Another two computational models of both hips of a young patient were created (FE model of physiological hip and pathological hip affected by Perthes disease with a deformed shape of the femoral head). Also a computational model is presented, which enables us to investigate strain and stress parameters in the hip joint with applied surface replacement. The strain and stress analysis was performed by means of finite element method (FEM) in ANSYS system.