Finite element modeling and validation of composite artificial femur

Abstract:

Objective: To establish and validate a finite element model of composite artificial femur. Methods: A composite artificial femur of fourth generation SAWBONE and a normal human femur of cadaveric specimen were selected to conduct three-dimensional reconstruction of femur via computed-tomography scan. Two groups of composite artificial bone entity models including cortical bone, cancellous bone, and medullary cavity and three-dimensional model of normal human femur were reconstructed. A load case of axial compression during mid-stance gait of lower extremities was simulated while an identical boundary condition was applied to both groups of models. The model validation of composite artificial femur was conducted according to the comparison of biomechanical response among the two groups and the results from previous literature. Results: Regarding to the peak stress distribution and the magnitude of displacement peak value, the finite element model of composite artificial femur presented relatively in good accordance with results from previous literature. Nevertheless, the biomechanical response of cadaveric femur presented significantly lower stress distribution comparing to that of the composite femur model. Conclusion: The results of finite element analysis of composite artificial femur are in good agreement with previous literatures, which can be used for biomechanical research of femur and biomechanical evaluation of orthopedic implants, and has obvious advantages over cadaveric specimens in terms of material sources and individual anatomical differences.