Patient-specific finite element modelling of bone is a promising method
for surgical planning, implant design and the prediction of bone
remodelling or fracture risks, yet the assignment of material properties
is challenging. Bone is a complicated structure with
direction-dependent, inhomogeneous material properties, influenced by
compositional, geometrical and architectural aspects. This volume
focuses on a density-based assignment of orthotropic bone properties.
Elasticity-density relationships in homogenized femoral zones were
examined to evaluate the orthotropic density-dependence of the nine
elastic material constants locally. Cortical bone samples were tested in
compression and torsion tests using videoextensometry to determine the
elastic constants. The elastic properties of cancellous bone were
predicted by micro finite element analysis. All determined constants
were correlated to the radiological bone mineral density of each sample,
which was determined by quantitative computed tomography. The trabecular
eigensystem was investigated for each cancellous zone to assign the mean
directionality of trabecular fabric. The results can be beneficial for
density-based orthotropic material assignment in femoral
patient-specific finite element models.
