Raji Nareliya et al.

/ International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN FEMUR BONE

RAJI NARELIYA
Post Graduate Student Department of Mechanical Engineering Jabalpur Engineering College, Jabalpur, M.P., 482011, India

VEERENDRA KUMAR
Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jabalpur Engineering College, Jabalpur, M.P., 482011, India

Abstract: Biomechanics is the theory of how tissues, cells, muscles, bones, organs and the motion of them and how their form and function are regulated by basic mechanical properties. A finite element model of bones with accurate geometry and material properties retrieved from CT scan data are being widely used to make realistic investigations on the mechanical behavior of bone structures. The aim of this study is to create a model of real proximal human femur bone for evaluating the finite element analysis (FEA). Here, behavior of femur bone is analyzed in ANSYS under physiological load conditions. Hence the mechanical analysis with heterogeneous material property of bone is varying with individual patient. The results of this analysis are helpful for orthopedic surgeons for clinical interest. Keywords: Biomechanics, Finite Element Method, Femur Bone 1. Introduction Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles on living organisms. By applying the laws and concepts of physics, biomechanical mechanisms and structures can be simulated and studied. Finite Element Method (FEM) is widely accepted as a power tool for biomechanics modeling. Irregular geometry, complex microstructure of biological tissues and loading situations are specific problems of the FEM in biomechanics and are still difficult to model [10]. Straight beam theory is proposed to calculate stress distributions in the femur due to the body weight and some muscles force given some major simplifying assumptions on the muscles and the joint reactions [5]. FE model would be advantageous in complementing experimental works and in overcoming the inherent limitations associated with experimental studies which can provide only limited amount of information [12]. Although some of these methods were found to provide enough automation, intrinsic accuracy, robustness and generality to be used in clinical applications [23]. Hard tissues are rigid organs that form part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective hard tissue. Bones is composed of inorganic salts impregnated in a matrix of collagen fibers, proteins and minerals. They maintain the shape of body and to assist in force transmission during movement. Long bones are characterized by a shaft, the diaphysis that is much longer than it is wide. The femur bone is the most proximal bone of the leg in vertebrates capable of walking or jumping. In human anatomy, the femur is the longest and largest bone but strongest under compression only. The femur at its bottom portion meshes with the tibia bone to create the knee joint. At its top end, the femur meshes with the acetabulum to create the hip joint. The femur is responsible for bearing the largest percentage of body weight during normal weight-bearing activities. The aim of this study is to create a model of human femur bone in MIMICS 10.01 and ABAQUS 6.10. This model was analyzed in FEM package ANSYS 12.0. 2. Methodology For FE analysis of femur bone, firstly the three dimensional model of femur was developed. In early studies either a frozen bone, a wet bone, synthetic bone or a bone with apparent density was analyzed but here, geometrical data of real proximal human femur bone in the form of DICOM image format of 17 years old male, whose weight is 75 Kg is obtained from CT scan is used. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) contains binary data elements. CT scan data in the form of DICOM consist of two

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 3 No. 4 Apr 2011

3090

Raji Nareliya et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

dimensional gray scaled images of a human male. The Hounsfield Unit corresponding to each element are averaged and converted into gray values and then to material properties of bone. CT images are a pixel map of the linear X-ray attenuation coefficient of tissue. The pixel values are scaled so that the linear X-ray attenuation coefficient of air equals -1024 and that of water equals 0. This scale is called the Hounsfield scale. Using this scale, fat is around -110, muscle is around 40, trabecular bone is in the range of 100 to 300 and cortical bone extends above trabecular bone to about 2000 [18]. The images were converted into three dimensional models using an interpolation algorithm embedded in medical imaging software called Mimics 10.01 by materialize. The gray-scaled values of the images represent the density of scanned bone. DICOM files are 2D, but they retained data for 3D as well. This DICOM data set obtained from GE Signa HDXt 2008 Multi Channel 1.5 Tesla Superconducting Helium Cooled whole body MR module machine and contains total 909 numbers of slices. This machine can perform with highest precision the humongous task of MR spectroscopy. The slice thickness is 0.4 mm and resolutions 1024 x 1024. The CT scan data set is processed in MIMICS 10.01 and creates three dimensional model of femur bone by following steps: Thresholding based on Hounsfield Units was done to ensure that segmentation object which contains only those pixels of image with a defined value. The region growing process allows splitting the segmentation in different and separated part. The generated region mask was used to develop 3D model for the bone. The 3D reconstruction is based on 3D interpolation techniques that transform the 2D images in a 3D model. For this reconstruction case, gray values interpolation was used associated with the accuracy algorithm for achieving a more accurate dimensional representation of the femur. Using MIMICS STL+ module, femur bone was converted into stereo lithography files for FE Analysis.

3. Mesh Preparation After creating model, for further Finite element analysis (FEA), surface mesh is generated for femur bone model. Remeshing is one of the module provided in Mimics for create meshing. In automatic remeshed operation surface mesh of equilateral triangle is generated. All parameters must be optimized here with the ratio of the height of the triangle and the length of its base and resulting triangles possesses quality parameter value above the maximum threshold 0.3. In remeshing following actions were performed: Amount of details are reduced. Amount of triangles of the model is reduced. Qualities of the triangles are improved. The amount of triangles while preserving the quality is reduced. Extra shells are removed. Intersecting triangles are eliminated completely.

This surface mesh can be used to generate a volumetric mesh in FEA preprocessor. The volumetric mesh can be generated in ANSYS for the model of femur bone. The FEA software ABAQUS 6.10 was used for generating volumetric mesh, which consume less time in comparison to ANSYS. The surface mesh of femur is imported in ABAQUS 6.10, and converts this surface mesh into volumetric mesh by using conversion option in mesh edit tri to tetra. The three dimensional model of femur bone with volumetric mesh is used for FEA analysis. Fig. 2 (a) shows surface mesh of femur bone and Fig. 2 (b) shows volumetric mesh of femur bone in mimics.

Fig. 2(a) Surface mesh

Fig. 2(b) volumetric mesh of femur bone

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 3 No. 4 Apr 2011

3091

Raji Nareliya et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

3.1. Material Assignments Human bone is highly heterogeneous and nonlinear in nature, so it is difficult to assign material properties along each direction of bone model. In biomechanics study, material can be assign in two ways, either in Mimics or in Finite element module. Here material properties are directly assigned in ANSYS. The following properties of Density, Youngs Modulus and Poissons Ratio are used as 2000 Kg/m3, 2.130 GPa and 0.3 respectively for analysis [1]. 3.2. Description of Model The three dimensional finite element model of femur bone consists of 50265 total numbers of nodes and 268858 numbers of elements in volumetric mesh. C3D4 (Four Node Linear Tetrahedron) element is used to create volumetric mesh in ABAQUS 6.10. 4. Boundary conditions Femur bone is solid and inflexible. The three dimensional Finite element model of femur bone with volumetric mesh was imported in ANSYS. Since the femur bone model is nonlinear and highly heterogeneous in nature, model is first imported in Finite Element Modeler then transfer to static structural module in ANSYS 12.0. An eccentric and concentrate load of 750 Pa applied at the head of femur bone and fixed support is provided at lateral condyle, medial condyle and patellar surface. The boundary conditions are shown in fig. 3

Fig. 3 Boundary Conditions applied on Femur bone in ANSYS

5. Results and Discussions The Three dimensional FE model of femur bone generated from CT data have become interest because of their high Potential in clinical practice. Here an automatic mesh generator provides very fine, good and fast geometrical representation of femur with accuracy. The entire process requires a couple of hours. It may be noted that only static load applied on femur. The results depend on the accuracy of FE model with reference to real conditions. This study investigates stress distribution, total deformation and fatigue failure of femur for a weight of 75 Kg male during normal position. For eccentric load maximum total deformation 0.023496 m was obtained Fig. 4). Results shows that higher deformation occurs at the head of femur and lowest occur at the lower end. Maximum principle stress 30295 Pa and Minimum principle stress is -4618 Pa (Fig. 5). Maximum principle stress is generated at the middle section of the femur. The equivalent (Von Misses) stress 31087 Pa occurs. (Fig. 6). Fatigue life was obtained 1e9 and factor of safety is constants throughout the femur were 15. (Fig. 7 a & b). This model investigates that the mechanical properties vary across the femur bone under physiological conditions and also with individuals. The results show that higher weight provides higher total displacement. This model is useful for surgeon in femur surgeries and bone prosthesis.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 3 No. 4 Apr 2011

3092

Raji Nareliya et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

Fig. 4 Maximum Total Deformation of Femur Bone

Fig. 5 Principal Stress in Femur Bone

Fig. 6 Equivalent (Von Misses) Stress of Femur Bone

Fig. 7 (a) shows Fatigue life Acknowledgement

Fig. 7 (b) safety factor

The authors are thankful to Dr. Pushpraj Bhatele for providing medical imaging data. We are also thankful to Dr. (Mrs.) Shobha Katheria, Principal Medical Officer, Ordnance Factory Hospital, Itarsi, M.P. India, for providing all the technical support to carry out this work up to this shape. All the analysis is carried out in the CAD lab of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jabalpur, M.P. India. References
[1] Amornsamankul, S.; Kaorapapong, K.; Wiwatanapataphee, B.(2010) : Three-Dimensional Simulation of Femur Bone and Implant in Femoral Canal using Finite Element Method, International Journal of Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, volume 4, pp 171178.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 3 No. 4 Apr 2011

3093

Raji Nareliya et al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (IJEST)

[2]

[3] [4] [5] [6]

[7]

[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

[15] [16] [17] [18]

[19] [20] [21]

[22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]

Bredbenner, T.L.; Eliason,T.D.; Potter,R.S.; Mason,R.L.; Havill,L.M.; Nicolella D.P. (2010) : Statistical Shape Modeling Describes Variation in Tibia and Femur Surface Geometry Between Control and Incidence Groups From The Osteoarthritis Initiative Database, Journal of Biomechanics ,43 17801786. Cheung, G.; Zalzal, P. ; Bhandari, M.; Spelt, J.K. ; Papini, M. (2004) : Finite Element Analysis of a Femoral Retrograde Intramedullary Nail Subject to Gait Loading, Medical Engineering and Physics, 26 93108. Coelho, P. G.; Fernandes, P. R.; Rodrigues, H. C.; Cardoso, J.B. ; Guedes, J.M. (2009) Numerical modeling of bone tissue adaptationA hierarchical approach for bone apparent density and trabecular structure ,Journal of Biomechanics, 42 830837 Cristofolini, L.; Cappello, A. ; Mc Namara , B.P. ; Viceconti,M. (2006) : A minimal parametric model of the femur to describe axial elastic strain in response to loads, Medical Engineering and Physics Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 502-5141996. 9098. Dopico- Gonzalez,C.; Andrew M. New, Browne, M. (2010): Probabilistic finite element analysis of the uncemented hip replacementeffectoffemurcharacteristicsandimplantdesigngeometry, Journal of Biomechanics,43pp512520.Gwun Jang I.; Yong Kim, I. (2008): Computational study of Wolffs law with trabecular architecture in the human proximal femur using topology optimization, Journal of Biomechanics, 41 23532361. Jonkers,I.; Sauwen,N.; Lenaerts,G.; Mulier,M.; Perre, G.V.; Jaecques, S. (2008) : Relation between subject-specific hip joint loading, stress distribution in the proximal femur and bone mineral density changes after total hip replacement, Journal of Biomechanics, 41 34053413 Kasiri, S.; Taylor ,D. (2008) A critical distance study of stress concentrations in bone, Journal of Biomechanics, 41 603609 Lengsfeld, M.; Schmitt, J.; Alter, P.; Kaminsky J.; Leppek, R.; (1998): Comparison of Geometry-Based and CT Voxel-Based Finite Element Modelling and Experimental Validation, Journal of Medical Engineering and Physics, 20 515522. Lengsfeld,M., Kaminsky,J.; Merz, B.;Franke, R.P. (1996) Sensitivity of Femoral Strain Pattern Analyses to Resultant and Muscle Forces at the Hip Joint, Journal of Medical Engineering Physics, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 70-78, Materialise's Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) 10.01: User Manual, Materialise, http://www.materialise.com/mimics/ Mc Namara,B.P.; Cristofolini,l.; Toni,A.; Taylor,D.(1997):Relationship Between Bone-Prosthesis Bonding and Load Transfer in Total Hip Reconstruction, Journal of Biomechanics,30, No. 6, pp. 621-630,. Pal, B.; Gupta, S.; Andrew M.R. New; Browne, M. (2010): Strain and micro motion in intact and resurfaced composite femurs: Experimental and numerical investigations, Journal of Biomechanics, 43pp19231930. Peleg, E; Beek, M.; Joskowicz,L.; Liebergall,M.; Mosheiff,R.; Whyne,C. (2010): ,Patient specific quantitative analysis of fracture fixation in the proximal femur implementing principal strain ratios. Method and experimental validation, Journal of Biomechanics, 43 26842688. Pise, U.V.; Bhatt, A.D.; Srivastava, R.K.; Warkedkar R. (2009) : A B-Spline Based Heterogeneous Modeling And Analysis Of Proximal Femur With Graded Element, Journal of Biomechanics 42 19811988. Rothstock, S.;Uhlenbrock,A., Bishop, N.; Morlock,M. (2010) : Primary Stability of Uncemented Femoral Resurfacing Implants For Varying Interface Parameters and Material Formulations During Walking And Stair Climbing, Journal Of Biomechanics, 43 521526. Schmitt, J.; Meiforth , J.; Lengsfeld,M. (2001) :Development of a Hybrid Finite Element Model for Individual Simulation of Intertrochanteric Osteotomies, Medical Engineering and Physics, 23 529539 Sinha, A.; Kumar, A.; Garg, A.; Bhargava, A.; Mishra, A.K.; Sharma, B.; Mishra, B.; Thakur, S.S.; and Kumar, V. (January-June 2009) : Finite Element Method of Femur Bone, International Journal of Computer Science and System Analysis, Volume 3, Number 1, pp 13-16. Taddei,F.; Cristofolini,L.; Martelli,S.; Gill, H.S.; Viceconti,M. (2006) : Subject-Specific Finite Element Models of Long Bones : An in Vitro Evaluation of the Overall Accuracy, Journal of Biomechanics,39 24572467. Trabelsi, N. Yosibash, Z.; Milgrom,C. (2009) : Validation of subject-specific automated p-FE analysis of the proximal femur, Journal of Biomechanics, 42 234241. Tsubota,K.;Suzuki,Y.; Yamada,T.; Hojo,M.; Makinouchi, A.; Adachi, T. (2009) Computer simulation of trabecular remodeling in human proximal femur using large-scale voxel FE models : Approach to understanding Wolffs law, Journal of Biomechanics, 42 10881094 Verhulp, E.; Rietbergen, B. V.; Huiskes, R. (2006): Comparison of Micro-Level and Continuum-Level Voxel Models of the Proximal Femur, Journal of Biomechanics,39 29512957. Viceconti, M.; Davinelli,M,; Taddei,F.; Cappello,A.; (2004) Automatic Generation of Accurate Subject-Specific Bone Finite Element Models to be used in Clinical Studies, Journal of Biomechanics, 37 15971605. Weinans,H.; Sumner, D.R.; Igloria,R.;Natarajan,R.N. ,(2000) : Sensitivity of Periprosthetic Stress-Shielding to Load and the Bone Density-Modulus Relationship in Subject Specific Finite Element Models, Journal of Biomechanics,33 809-817. Xinghua, Z.; He, G.; Bingzhao, G. (2005): The Application of Topology Optimization on the Quantitative Description of the External Shape of Bone Structure, Journal of Biomechanics, 38 16121620. Yosibash, Z.; Trabelsi N.; Milgrom, C. (2007): Reliable Simulations of the Human Proximal Femur by High-Order Finite Element Analysis Validated by Experimental Observations, Journal of Biomechanics, 40 36883699. Zannoni, C.;Viceconti, M.; Pierotti,L.; Cappello,A. (1998): Analysis of Titanium Induced CT Artifacts in the Development of Biomechanical Finite Element Models, Journal of Medical Engineering and Physics,20 pp653659.

ISSN : 0975-5462

Vol. 3 No. 4 Apr 2011

3094