A novel method for assigning bone material properties to a comprehensive patient-specific pelvic finite element model using biplanar multi-energy radiographs

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of adult spinal deformity requires long spino-pelvic instrumentation, but pelvic fixation faces challenges due to distal forces and reduced bone quality. Bi-planar multi-energy X-rays (BMEX) were used to develop a patient-specific finite element model (FEM) for evaluating pelvic fixation. Calibration involved 10 patients, and an 81-year-old female test case was used for FEM customization and pullout simulation validation. Calibration yielded a root mean square error of 74.7 mg/cm3 for HU. The simulation accurately replicated the experimental pullout test with a force of 565 N, highlighting the method’s potential for optimizing biomechanical performance for pelvic fixation.