Experimental and finite element evaluation of bovine lumbar vertebral body stiffness

Stiffness predictions from finite element (FEM) models are compared to measured values for three bovine vertebral bodies in compression. Young's modulus for trabecular bone was calculated using the measured apparent density and strain rate. Using this modulus, FEM models predicted a stiffness higher than the experimental values. The FEM models have a strong dependence on cortical thickness, yet a precise measurement of thickness was not possible.<
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