Use of Finite Element Analysis to Predict Type of Bone Fractures and Fracture Risks in Femur due to Osteoporosis

Abstract

The density of minerals in bone can be measured by Bone Densitometry. The minerals in the bone are used to estimate the fracture risk due to osteoporosis in people of all age groups. Osteoporosis causes the decrease in mineral density of bone due to formation of minute holes (loss of bone) in bone. Osteoporotic fractures are a vital public health concern, early diagnosis of persons with higher risk of osteoporosis can help them free from future onset of multiple and sudden fractures in bone. This study is carried out by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on femur bones under static condition. Finite Element Analysis had been widely used to understand the mechanical behavior of femur bones of various age groups from the images developed by Computed Tomography (CT) Scans. In this work three dimensional models of the human femur bones were developed by using MIMICS software and Finite Element (FE) analysis was carried out by using COMSOL 5.0 Multi physics software. The results obtained were compared with WHO standards. These results indicate a correlation between bone densitometry values of various age groups and the computed stress T-score values from the models. This work can act as a new approach to find bone density, predicting the type of fractures and onset of osteoporosis in the bones.