Micro-Finite Element Analysis of the Proximal Femur on the Basis of High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Images

• Published in: Current osteoporosis reports Vol. 16; no. 6; pp. 657 - 664
• Main Authors: Rajapakse, Chamith S., Chang, Gregory
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2018
• Subjects: Epidemiology; Imaging (T Lang and F Wehrli; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Orthopedics; Section Editors; Topical Collection on Imaging; Finite element analysis; MRI; Proximal femur; Bone strength; Hip
• ISSN: 1544-1873; 1544-2241; 1544-2241
• DOI: 10.1007/s11914-018-0481-5

Purpose of Review Hip fractures have catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided finite element analysis (FEA) of the hip as a means to determine subject-specific bone strength. Recent Findings Despite the ability of DXA to predict hip fracture, the majority of fractures occur in patients who do not have BMD T scores less than − 2.5. Therefore, without other detection methods, these individuals go undetected and untreated. Of methods available to image the hip, MRI is currently the only one capable of depicting bone microstructure in vivo. Availability of microstructural MRI allows generation of patient-specific micro-finite element models that can be used to simulate real-life loading conditions and determine bone strength. Summary MRI-based FEA enables radiation-free approach to assess hip fracture strength. With further validation, this technique could become a potential clinical tool in managing hip fracture risk.