A finite element study of the developing proximal femur

Three finite element models of the proximal femur have been developed for different ages, namely birth, two years of age and 8 yrs of age. These models represent stages of development which have different geometries and material properties. The models are constructed from CT data which outline the geometry of the surface and internal structures. Implementing a muscle model which can be made to simulate the forces in the hip joint of a child with cerebral palsy, the stress and strain state can be obtained for a particular loading. By analyzing the stress results and correlating with patient case files, the investigators hope to provide surgeons with the relationships between loading environment in the hip joint and the development of the proximal femur in children with cerebral palsy.