Macro-models with muscular and ligamentous boundary conditions

The group has developed biofidelic numerical models of the human pelvis and femur. Previous studies to simulate the stress-strain environment in these bones due to normal physiological activities assumed simplified boundary conditions by applying arbitrary restraints. We developed numerical models in which the bone was supported by muscles and ligaments. Analysis showed that stresses are much more uniformly distributed than those predicted by previous studies: i.e. muscle action has a positive role in reducing stress concentrations. The analyses also shows that simplified models (without muscles and ligaments) are capable of providing many good answers to some clinical questions.