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Skeletal assessment with finite element analysis: Relevance, pitfalls and interpretation
Publikationstyp
Review Article
Publikationsdatum
2017-07-01
Sprache
English
Institut
TORE-URI
Enthalten in
Start Page
402
End Page
409
Citation
Current Opinion in Rheumatology 4 (29): 402-409 (2017-07-01)
Publisher DOI
Scopus ID
Purpose of review Finite element models simulate the mechanical response of bone under load, enabling noninvasive assessment of strength. Models generated from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) incorporate the geometry and spatial distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) to simulate physiological and traumatic loads as well as orthopaedic implant behaviour. The present review discusses the current strengths and weakness of finite element models for application to skeletal biomechanics. Recent findings In cadaver studies, finite element models provide better estimations of strength compared to BMD. Data from clinical studies are encouraging; however, the superiority of finite element models over BMD measures for fracture prediction has not been shown conclusively, and may be sex and site dependent. Therapeutic effects on bone strength are larger than for BMD; however, model validation has only been performed on untreated bone. High-resolution modalities and novel image processing methods may enhance the structural representation and predictive ability. Despite extensive use of finite element models to study orthopaedic implant stability, accurate simulation of the bone-implant interface and fracture progression remains a significant challenge. Summary Skeletal finite element models provide noninvasive assessments of strength and implant stability. Improved structural representation and implant surface interaction may enable more accurate models of fragility in the future.
Schlagworte
bone
dual x-ray absorptiometry
finite element
orthopaedic implants
quantitative computed tomography