[Development and validating of a three-dimensional finite element model of total human pelvis].

OBJECTIVE

To develop a three-dimensional finite element model of normal total adult human pelvis and to establish a platform for biomechanical research of human pelvis.

METHODS

186 series of traverse CT images of the pelvis, from the third lumbar vertebra (L3) to the upper third of femur, obtained with spiral CT scanning on a healthy man, aged 42, without diseases of lumbar vertebrae and pelvis, were processed. A three-dimensional finite element model of pelvis was constructed directly by producing the units and nodes with the pixels of the original CT films, using ANSYS finite analytical system.

RESULT

A three-dimensional finite element model of normal human pelvis was constructed including lumbar and proximal femur, which could be divided into 207,248 nodes and 721,820 units.

CONCLUSION

The established three-dimensional finite element model of normal adult is valid and reasonable, and can be used for biomechanical analysis.