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D. H. Pahr, E. Dall´Ara, P. Varga, P.K. Zysset:
"HR-pQCT-Based Homogenised Finite Element Models Provide Quantitative Predictions of Experimental Vertebral Body Stiffness and Strength with the Same Accuracy as μFE Models";
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 15 (2012), 7; 711 - 720.

This study validated two different high-resolution peripheral quantitative computer tomography (HR-pQCT)-based finite element (FE) approaches, enhanced homogenised continuum-level (hFE) and micro-finite element (μFE) models, by comparing them with compression test results of vertebral body sections. Thirty-five vertebral body sections were prepared by removing endplates and posterior elements, scanned with HR-pQCT and tested in compression up to failure. Linear hFE and μFE models were created from segmented and grey-level CT images, and apparent model stiffness values were compared with experimental stiffness as well as strength results. Experimental and numerical apparent elastic properties based on grey-level/segmented CT images (N = 35) correlated well for μFE ( ) and hFE models ( ). Vertebral section stiffness values from the linear μFE/hFE models estimated experimental ultimate apparent strength very well ( ). Calibrated hFE models were able to predict quantitatively apparent stiffness with the same accuracy as μFE models. However, hFE models needed no back-calculation of a tissue modulus or any kind of fitting and were computationally much cheaper.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2011.556627