Research Project: Finite Element Analysis of the Post-Yield Response of Vertebral Bone

Research conducted with Dr. Saeid Samiezadeh at the Orthopaedics and Biomechanics Laboratory at the Sunnybrook Research Institute from May-August 2017.

SUMMARY

At the Sunnybrook Research Institute, I worked with Dr. Saeid Samiezedah to create a voxel-based finite element model of metastatic vertebrae, to better understand the pathology and improve clinical treatments for patients with cancer.

Methods:

Data from both healthy and metastatic rat vertebrae were segmented from microCT images, and 3D models under different loading conditions were created using 3D visualization software, Amira.
Boundary conditions for the model were created based on loaded surfaces of the vertebrae as they underwent transformation.
The finite element models with boundary conditions were input into FEA software, Abaqus, where cohesive elements were added and material properties were assigned.

Presenting my research at the Sunnybrook Research Student Poster Competition at the end of the summer.

Main Findings: The damage site and fracture pattern in the finite element model matched those in the microCT images for approximately 20 models, validating our finite element method. With this information, we can use the methodology for any healthy or diseased bone model, for example, we can identify where a lesion is and predict how the bone would fracture.