FEA Applications for Orthopedics: An Overview

Biomechanics principles when applied to orthopedics have shown to lead better approach treatment modalities leading to better quality of life for patients. Biomechanics is now an integral part of orthopedic implant designs, and continues to evolve in the clinical diagnosis and evaluation of complex joint pathologies. Orthopedic biomechanics research supported by clinical studies has improved the understanding of the mechanical principles involved in musculoskeletal disorders. Current development in clinical orthopedic involves a scientific approach that relies great deal on biomechanics and computational models to develop novel medical applications, with emphasis on scientific integrity and clinical relevance. These computational models are based on finite element analysis (FEA) a concept that is used all engineering applications. It is the best tool for analysis, prediction, and optimization of a design before it becomes a product. The introduction of simulation models unquestionably represents an important instrument to evaluate clinical scenarios that would have been unthinkable in the past. FEA is gaining popularity in orthopedics and is the most popular virtual numerical simulation tool for any current implants testing and validation. A structured method based on the analysis of stress and strain conditions of bone, joints (natural and artificial) and load-bearing implants. FEA can be applied to simple and complex human joint cases to investigate its biomechanical function both in physiological and pathological condition. This chapter provides a basic review of the fundamental of FE models and their applications in orthopedic surgery