Objective: To investigate the feasibility of creating an effective femoral finite element model from medical images of CT scan with Mimics software, and to provide a good model for femoral fracture biomechanics.
Methods: CT images of femur were obtained from 16-slice spiral CT, which were subsequently imported into Mimics software according to DICOM standard. The 3D femoral finite element model was developed, meshed and assigned with material properties. The feasibility of the model was tested and validated with LS-DYNA in different modes including vertical load of 1 000 N, 3-points bending and side impacts.
Results: Five hundred twenty-one scanning images were available and reconstructed to create a femoral finite element model consisting of 17 879 nodes and 106 834 tetrahedron elements. The average stress on the femoral neck nodes under vertical load was (3.209 7 +/- 1.373 5) MPa. Strain-deflection curve in 3-points bending test was consistent with Kennedy's study results. The results of the side impact test were in accordance with the forensic anatomical findings.
Conclusion: The established model should be applicable to femoral collision biomechanics studies.