Finite element analysis of the strain distribution in the humeral head tubercles during abduction : comparison of young and osteoporotic bone

• Published in: Surgical and radiologic anatomy (English ed.) 2006-12, Vol.28 (6), p.581-587
• Main Authors: CLAVERT, Ph, ZERAH, M, KRIER, J, MILLE, P, KEMPF, J. F, KAHN, J. L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy & physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Density; Bones; Comparative analysis; Computer Simulation; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Finite element analysis; Finite Element Analysis - statistics & numerical data; General aspects; Human mechanics; Humans; Humerus; Male; Medical sciences; Models, Biological; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Muscular system; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis - physiopathology; Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease; Rotator Cuff - physiopathology; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology; Software; Stress, Mechanical; Three dimensional imaging
• ISSN: 0930-1038; 1279-8517
• DOI: 10.1007/s00276-006-0140-x

The aim of this work was to design an accurate 3D digital model of the humerus and rotator cuff muscles. This model was then used to study strain distribution in humeral tubercles according to bone density. The geometry of bone and muscle structures was reproduced using SURFDRIVER software, based on anatomical sections, CT scans and MRI images from the Visible Human Project image library. The contours were transferred to PATRAN software to rebuild volumes and mesh them. Calculations of strains and their distribution were performed using NASTRAN software. All the elements were considered to be isotropes. The study of the distribution of stress magnitude according to the type of bone modeled, shows that some stresses in cortical bone are greater than those in cancellous bone and are also greater in old bone, implying more deformation in old bone at constant force. This study also shows that stresses do not penetrate deeply into cancellous tissue. Observing the simulation results led understanding of the pathology of certain fractures of the proximal end of the humerus. This study also helped explain why certain types of osteosynthesis fail due to tubercles reconstruction failures.