A survey of finite element analysis in orthopedic biomechanics: The first decade

doi:10.1016/0021-9290(83)90072-6

Journal of Biomechanics

Volume 16, Issue 6, 1983, Pages 385-409

https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(83)90072-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

The finite element method (FEM), an advanced computer technique of structural stress analysis developed in engineering mechanics, was introduced to orthopedic biomechanics in 1972 to evaluate stresses in human bones. Since then, this method has been applied with increasing frequency for stress analyses of bones and bone-prosthesis structures, fracture fixation devices and various kinds of tissues other than bone. The aims of these investigations were to assess relationships between load carrying functions and morphology of the tissues, and to optimize designs and fixation techniques of implants.

Although the amounts of significant findings and useful concepts generated by the FEM during the first decade of its application in this field were limited, many publications have served to illustrate its capabilities and limitations. The method is now well established as a tool for basic research and for design analysis in orthopedic biomechanics, and the number of publications in which it is used is increasing rapidly. In the meantime, following developments in engineering mechanics, the capabilities of the method are augmented which, together with an increasing sophistication of computers, guaranties exciting possibilities for the future.

However, the biological structures and the clinical problems concerned are complex. Scientific progress in this area requires a sound understanding of engineering mechanics on the one hand, and a profound appreciation of the complex reality on the other. These features were not always apparent in the FEM work reported during the first ten years.

In the following survey, the developments of FEM applications in orthopedic biomechanics during the first decade are discussed. Special problem areas are indicated and future trends anticipated.

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A survey of finite element analysis in orthopedic biomechanics: The first decade

Abstract

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

Comput. Biol. Med.

Comput. Biol. Med.

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. Biomechanics

J. biomed. Engng

J. biomed. Engng

J. Biomechanies

Perspectives in measurements and modeling of musceloskeletal dynamics

Principles and methods of solid biomechanics

The laws of bone architecture

Am. J. Anat.

Advanced theoretical and experimental techniques in cartilage research

Ueber die innere Architektuer der Knochen und ihre Bedeutung fuer die Frage vom Knochenwachstum

Virchows Arch. path. Anat. Physiol.

A new method to analyse the mechanical behaviour of skeletal parts

Acta orthop. Scand.

The development of a computational stress analysis of the femoral head

J. Bone Jt Surg.

Some femoral head load transmission changes occurring with infarction and with normal growth

A three-dimensional finite element analysis of the proximal third of the femur

A detailed comparison of experimental and theoretical stress analyses of a human femur

Three dimensional FEM calculation of elastic stress field in human femur

The relevance of stress computation in the femur with and without endoprostheses

Ueber die Berechnung der mechanischen Beanspruchung in Knochenstrukturen mittels fuer den Flugzeugbau entwickelter Rechenverfahren

Med. orthop. Technik

Stress analysis of human femur

Investigation of the stress state of a human tibia in torsion by finite element methods

Mechs Composite Matt.

Stresses in the human knee joint

J. Biomechanics

Stress-morphology relationships in trabecular bone of the patella

Correlations between stress and morphology in trabecular bone of the patella

Analysis of stress distribution in natural and artificial knee joints on the femur side using the finite element method

Analysis of contact tension in the knee joint

Acta Chir. orthop. Traum. cech.

Properties and an anisotropic model of cancellous bone from the proximal tibial epiphysis

J. biomech. Engng

Biomechanical analysis of external fixation devices for the treatment of open bone fractures

Pin-bone interface stresses in the application of external fixation and traction devices

Biomechanical and mathematical investigations concerning stress protection of bone beneath internal fixation plates