CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF A CLEAR ACRYLIC PHANTOM TO GENERATE A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT MODEL OF THE HUMAN PELVIS FROM CT DATA

摘要

The use of finite element analysis as a predictive tool for injury biomechanics has been well established.'"5 Current research in injury biomechanics seeks to correlate experimental cadaveric impact studies with accurate analytical models under identical load conditions. In the past, analytical models were generated with accurate geometry, but with material property data taken as bulk values from the literature.1"4 Of particular question in analytical studies is validation of experimental results. Rather than use bulk values for the material properties of cortical and trabecular bone, the current technique provided for the use of apparent density data determined from a specimen scanned using computed tomography (CT). The CT data may also be used for development of proper geometry models in addition to determination of inhomogenous material properties. This was accomplished through the use of a clear acrylic phantom, which accommodated an adult, human hemi-pelvis specimen within the CT scan field. The phantom provided stabilization, alignment, and proper viewfield characteristics for CT scanning while itself remained essentially benign to the scanning process. This paper describes the techniques and rationale for design of an acrylic phantom, as well as techniques for generation of a three-dimensional finite element model based on data obtained from CT scans of the specimen within the phantom.