Using 3D finite element models verified the importance of callus material and microstructure in biomechanics restoration during bone defect repair. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Chentian; Tan, Rongwei; Guo, Yuanjun; Li, Songjian
• Is Part Of: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering. Volume 21:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Finite element analysis -- bone defect -- biomechanics; Biomechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- methods -- Periodicals; Computing Methodologies -- Periodicals; 612.7
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2018.1425404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1025-5842

Abstract

Abstract: Background: There is lack of further observations on the microstructure and material property of callus during bone defect healing and the relationships between callus properties and the mechanical strength.Methods: Femur bone defect model was created in rabbits and harvested CT data to reconstruct finite element models at 1 and 2 months. Three types of assumed finite element models were compared to study the callus properties, which assumed the material elastic property as heterogeneous (R-model), homogenous (H-model) or did not change from 1 to 2 months (U-model).Results: The apparent elastic moduli increased at 2 months (from 355.58 ± 132.67 to 1139.30 ± 967.43 MPa) in R-models. But there was no significant difference in apparent elastic moduli between R-models (355.58 ± 132.67 and 1139.30 ± 967.43 MPa) and H-models (344.79 ± 138.73 and 1001.52 ± 692.12 MPa) in 1 and 2 months. A significant difference of apparent elastic moduli was found between the R-model (1139.30 ± 967.43 MPa) and U-model group (207.15 ± 64.60 MPa) in 2 months.Conclusions: This study showed that the callus structure stability remodeled overtime to achieve a more effective structure, while the material quality of callus tissue is a very important factor for callus strength. At the meantime, this study showed an evidence that the material heterogeneity maybe not as important as it is in bone fracture model.