title: FE analysis of stress and displacements occurring in the bony chain of leg.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess how the stress shielding can influence the integrity and resistance of bones.
  
  
  METHODS
  With this purpose a complete FE model of the human leg was realised. A load of 700 N has been applied at the top of pelvis and the feet, at the tip, was rigidly fixed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Obtained results reveal interesting consequences deriving by taking into account the complete bony chain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A comparison among the literature data and our models can furnish a complete vision of the global spreading of the forces along the various bony components.
authors.affiliation: C.A.R.E.C.I., University of Messina, Messina 98100, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Filardi
keywords: Knee; Nonlinear analysis; Stress on femur; Tibia