Prediction of failure load using micro-finite element analysis models: Toward in vivo strength assessment.

Finite element analysis (FEA) is the method of choice to nondestructively quantify stresses and strains in bones. Moderate to good estimates of bone strength can be obtained from continuum-level FEA. Improved predictive capacity is expected from microstructural FE models that represent the trabecular architecture in detail. With the advent of recently developed high-resolution in vivo bone imaging systems and the steady increase in computational power, such microstructural FE analyses are now becoming available to estimate bone strength in humans in a clinical setting. The procedure can help improve predictions of fracture risk, clarify the pathophysiology of skeletal diseases, and monitor the response to therapy.: