Prediction of the mechanical response of canine humerus to three-point bending using subject-specific finite element modelling

Subject-specific finite element models could improve decision making in canine long-bone fracture repair. However, it preliminary requires that finite element models predicting the mechanical response of canine long bone are proposed and validated. We present here a combined experimental–numerical approach to test the ability of subject-specific finite element models to predict the bending response of seven pairs of canine humeri directly from medical images. Our results show that bending stiffness and yield load are predicted with a mean absolute error of 10.1% (±5.2%) for the 14 samples. This study constitutes a basis for the forthcoming optimization of canine long-bone fracture repair

Simulations éléments finis de fractures du condyle huméral chez un chien

Humeral condylar fractures are common in dogs. Different types of fractures (lateral, medial, bicondylar) may occur, depending on the age of the dog and the position of its elbow during the impact. The goal of this work is to understand the effects of bone posture and skeletal development on canine humeral fractures by means of the finite element method. Four distinct finite element simulations were performed, corresponding to an immature and a mature dog elbow, respectively in extension and flexion. To create the finite element models, subject-specific finite element meshes were extracted from the CT-data. Appropriate material properties were used for cortical bone, trabecular bone and cartilage. The modified Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion was implemented to take account for strength asymmetry. Lateral humeral fractures are obtained for both the young and adult dog elbow, in extension and flexion. This is in agreement with clinical observations, in which lateral condylar fractures are most common

Muscular forces affecting the outcome of CCL surgery

peer reviewe

Muscular forces affecting the outcome of CCL surgery.

peer reviewe

Effect of orthopedic implants on long bone properties : a combined experimental and numerical approach

Long bone fracture constitutes a common reason for medical consultation within veterinary orthopedic services (Miller et al. 1998; Kumar et al. 2007). Canine bone fracture repair differs from the human case in the sense that (1) the physiological characteristics and morphology of the injured bones in animals vary considerably (Palierne et al. 2006), (2) the animal is not able to limit its activity during the post-operative period, leading to premature overloading, and (3) the surgeon is confronted to cost limitations concerning orthopedic material. There is a lack of studies assessing the effect of different treatment types on the biomechanical properties of a reconstructed bone, which may partly explain the frequent associated complications in the field of canine fracture repair (Dvořák et al. 2000; Jackson & Pacchiana 2004). In this work, we evaluate the effect of such orthopedic reconstructions on the behavior of canine humeri in compression, using a combined experimental and numerical approach