Evaluation of a Finite Element Model to Predict Radius Bone Strain in a Fall Configuration
Résumé
Fragility fractures of bones are a worldwide health problem. Actual gold standard methods to assess bone fragility have shown to be insufficient (Siris et al. 2004; Chapurlat 2013). Finite elements models (FEM) have been proposed to evaluate bone strength. Most of the previous studies used a static axial loading to assess bone strength. However, among fractures due to a fall from the standing height, only 15% are related to an axial loading (Melton et al. 2010) and the velocity can reach 2 m/s (Tan et al. 2006). Thus, we assume that this dynamic loading should be considered. The main aim of our study is to develop and validate a finite elements model to predict radius bone strain under loading conditions simulating a fall. To reach this goal a first step consisted in developing an ex-vivo protocol to reproduce a forward fall leading to fractured and non-fractured bones (already published) and now comparing experimental surface strains of the distal radius with a specimen-specific finite element model.