Computational models to predict pelvic bone architecture and fracture
File(s)
Author(s)
Zaharie, Dan T.
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The pelvic construct is a crucial component of the human musculoskeletal appa-
ratus as it facilitates the transfer of the upper body weight to the lower limb and it
protects a number of important blood vessels and organs. Its importance is further
highlighted by the high mortality rates associated with pelvic trauma.
As the structure of the pelvic construct has not been studied extensively and
the mechanisms of pelvic fractures are not well understood, this project aims to use
computational tools to develop a series of predictive models, with the purpose of
gaining a deeper understanding of its bone architecture and its behaviour in loading
environments associated with pelvic injuries.
A number of predictive structural and continuum finite element models of the pelvic construct were developed and their structure was adapted to a loading environment associated with daily physical activities. The models were compared to a subject specific model derived from medical imaging data to assess the different modelling techniques used. The optimised structural model was used in conjunction with
a damage elasto-plasticity material model to predict fracture patterns and fracture
loads in dynamic loading scenarios associated with pelvic injuries.
The comparison between adaptive FE models highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each modelling technique implemented. In addition, the ability of the structural model to predict fracture initiation and progression enables the user to obtain
more in depth information on the outcome of a simulated injury scenario. The computational models presented in the thesis provide a useful information on the particularities of pelvic bone and can be used in a variety of applications ranging from
rehabilitation tools to additive manufacturing of massive endoprostheses or frangible surrogates for ethical and low cost testing of injury scenarios.
ratus as it facilitates the transfer of the upper body weight to the lower limb and it
protects a number of important blood vessels and organs. Its importance is further
highlighted by the high mortality rates associated with pelvic trauma.
As the structure of the pelvic construct has not been studied extensively and
the mechanisms of pelvic fractures are not well understood, this project aims to use
computational tools to develop a series of predictive models, with the purpose of
gaining a deeper understanding of its bone architecture and its behaviour in loading
environments associated with pelvic injuries.
A number of predictive structural and continuum finite element models of the pelvic construct were developed and their structure was adapted to a loading environment associated with daily physical activities. The models were compared to a subject specific model derived from medical imaging data to assess the different modelling techniques used. The optimised structural model was used in conjunction with
a damage elasto-plasticity material model to predict fracture patterns and fracture
loads in dynamic loading scenarios associated with pelvic injuries.
The comparison between adaptive FE models highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each modelling technique implemented. In addition, the ability of the structural model to predict fracture initiation and progression enables the user to obtain
more in depth information on the outcome of a simulated injury scenario. The computational models presented in the thesis provide a useful information on the particularities of pelvic bone and can be used in a variety of applications ranging from
rehabilitation tools to additive manufacturing of massive endoprostheses or frangible surrogates for ethical and low cost testing of injury scenarios.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2018-09
Date Awarded
2019-03
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Phillips, Andrew
Sponsor
Royal British Legion
Publisher Department
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)