3D Finite element model of osteophytes in the human femur head

Osteophytes represent abnormal osteo-cartilaginous outgrowths associated with the evolution of osteoarthritis (OA). Finite element analysis was performed on a 3D model of the proximal half of human femur in order to determine the relevance of osteophytes on the stress and strain distributions within the femur head. We assume that the model includes three linearly elastic, homogeneous and isotropic media representing the articular cartilage, the cortical and trabecular bone, respectively. Simulations were carried out for a healthy and an advanced stage OA femur. Different load distributions are considered for the two models due to the alterations of bone structure. The patterns of stress and strain within the trabecular tissue suggest that osteophytes manifestation could justify the development of bone cysts (geodes) and the formation of highly mineralized tissue (eburnation). The finite element approach presented in this work provides new insights into biomechanics of OA joint and could result useful in predicting bone behaviour towards abnormal mechanical solicitations.