Advancing finite element analysis of osteological structures in biomedical research

Abstract

Finite element (FE) analysis is an exciting computational technique that permits the collection of biomechanical data. It is widely utilized in industrial engineering, anthropology, comparative anatomy, and medicine. Unfortunately, there are still many aspects of FE analysis that need to be studied in order for this technique to more effectively support biomedical research. The current study examines how material property variation influences FE data to further advance FE analysis and augment biomedical data validity. Using standardized segmentation, 3D anatomical models of whole femur structure were obtained from cadaveric CT data provided by the University at Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. FE analysis of the model experimental groups with different elastic properties was carried out simulating physiological loading of the femur consistent with previous biomechanical experiments on the femur model system. The results revealed that minor changes in material properties of FE models yield statistically significant differences in maximum displacement, average displacement, and average strain. Regional strain disparities were especially prominent at the inferior femoral neck, medial aspect of the femoral shaft, and the distolateral femur. The results indicate that Young’s modulus variation that is smaller than the variation in Young’s modulus values between FE studies leads to significant differences in biomechanical data. Therefore, these findings underscore the necessity for careful selection of exact elastic properties that are informed by validation data when feasible and consistent for particular anatomical structures across studies in order to advance FE modeling in biomedical research.