Method for Creating a Finite Element Model of the Proximal Humerus according to Computed Tomography Data

Abstract

The article describes the process of creating an average three-dimensional computer geometric model based on computed tomography data of patients over the age of 60 with signs of osteoporosis. The technique of creating a finite element model of the proximal part of the average humerus on the basis of computed tomography data is described. An algorithm is presented that describes the sequence of necessary actions to create a finite element model of the proximal part of the average humerus. The main geometrical parameters of the proximal humerus are highlighted. The tabular form presents the geometric mean parameters of the proximal humerus for a man and a woman from the study sample of patients. Various known methods for analyzing the distribution of bone density are displayed, and a proprietary method for measuring the density of the proximal humerus is presented. In a tabular form, according to the Hounsfield unit scale, the average densitometric parameters for the selected sectors of the average female and male proximal humerus are presented. A method is presented for reconstructing a computerized three-dimensional geometric model of the proximal humerus on the basis of computed tomography data using the free software InVesalius. An example of the development of a finite element mesh of the proximal humerus with subsequent verification calculation in ANSYS is presented. The average statistical finite element model developed on the basis of computed tomography data, taking into account the uneven distribution of bone density, will be used in the future for the design and virtual testing of various options of the humerus fixator.

Keywords

• proximal humerus
• fracture
• 3d models of the humerus
• computed tomography
• humerus reconstruction
• dicom
• invesalius
• ansys