The structural analysis of a femur bone using a 2D FEM approach

This work presents a methodology for the creation of a two-dimensional geometric model of the femur with data obtained from X-ray images. The aim of this work is to evaluate the stress distribution throughout the femur, in order to understand the behavior of the bone in a healthy condition. The strain will, also, be evaluated throughout the femur bone. The numerical analysis is carried out using the finite element method, considering the trabecular and the cortical bone. The isotropic and elastic model is subjected to three different load cases, consisting of one parabolic distributed load over the joint surface and another parabolic distributed in the trochanter to represent the abductor muscle. The results obtained demonstrate an increase of stress in the cortical bone and an increase of strain mainly in the shaft of the femur.