Finite element analysis of the human femur : a validation study

Abstract

To facilitate improvement of hip replacement components and techniques, it is desirable to obtain calculated strains for typical loads that are accurate in an absolute sense. Finite element methods have traditionally been applied for this purpose, but in general results have proved useful only in a relative sense. This thesis outlines a semi automated finite element modeling method that accounts for both specific geometry and material properties of the femur under study and makes use of computer tomography, and in-house designed modeling methods. In-house methods and software is used to convert raw computer tomography data into a finite element model with relatively little user intervention. To validate the modeling, calculated strains are compared to measured strains obtained from mechanical tests, which have also been carried out as part of this research. The mechanical testing is conducted under controlled environmental conditions which is a desirable feature. As well, material properties of the femur are experimentally investigated in a novel fashion that circumvents precision machining of the samples.