AUTOMATIC PREPROCESSING OF 3-D FINITE-ELE MENT CODES OF THE HUMAN FEMUR

The extremely irregular geometry of bones makes it very difficult to d evelop and preprocess three-dimensional finite element models (FEM). I n the field of biomechanics, the finite element simulation method is a research tool of increasing importance for the prediction of stresses and the stress-compatibility testing of endoprostheses. With this in mind, a FEM preprocessor was developed with the aim of creating three dimensional models of human femurs. On the basis of post-processed com puted tomography data, this preprocessor makes possible rapid, flexibl e and regular cross-linking. ,,Brick'' elements are used, which are of advantage in terms of computing time, accuracy and computer storage r equirements. The software simplifies the generation of models and faci litates the investigation of individual variations, thus providing the basis for utilizing the method in the clinical setting.