title: Prediction of failure load using micro-finite element analysis models: Toward in vivo strength assessment.
abstract: Finite element analysis (FEA) is the method of choice to nondestructively quantify stresses and strains in bones. Moderate to good estimates of bone strength can be obtained from continuum-level FEA. Improved predictive capacity is expected from microstructural FE models that represent the trabecular architecture in detail. With the advent of recently developed high-resolution in vivo bone imaging systems and the steady increase in computational power, such microstructural FE analyses are now becoming available to estimate bone strength in humans in a clinical setting. The procedure can help improve predictions of fracture risk, clarify the pathophysiology of skeletal diseases, and monitor the response to therapy.:
authors: Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zürich, Moussonstrasse 18, CH-8044 Zürich, Switzerland. Electronic address:vanlenthe@biomed.ee.ethz.ch.
authors: G Harry
authors: GH
authors: van Lenthe
authors: Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zürich, Moussonstrasse 18, CH-8044 Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Ralph
authors: R
authors: Müller