Simulation of Trabecular Bone Yield Using Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis

Knowledge of the failure properties of trabecular bone will lead to improved modeling of whole bone fracture and bone-prosthesis systems. Because trabecular bone is anisotropic, its yield properties are dependent on orientation. Defining a complete orthotropic yield criterion requires multiple material constants to be determined experimentally. As these constants can depend on both architecture and density, a large numbers of specimens would be needed to develop a complete criterion. This may not be feasible, especially for human bone, due to difficulties in obtaining suitable specimens.