Development and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Lumbo-Pelvic-Femoral Complex

The study is to develop a three-dimensional finite element model to study the disease related to lumbo-pelvic-femoral complex. The CT images from the first lumbar vertebra to the upper third of femurs of a 25-years-old healthy male were obtained. Triangle mesh model was generated using these images by Simpleware. Then the whole solid model were set up after repair and optimization in Geomagic. The finite element model was established and analyzed using ABAQUS. The three-dimensional finite element model of pelvis-lumbar-femur (3D- FEMLPFC) had 106557 nodes and 435736 elements. The difference of anatomic shape between 3D-FEMLPFC and CT images was between -0.74 mm and 1.64 mm in absolute error, and between -1.39% and 3.16% in relative error. It was high similar with specimen in geometric shape. The stress distribution of 3D-FEMLPFC was the same as clinical observation and published literatures. It was valid and reasonable and could be used for biomechanical analysis.