The rotational loading capacity and effects of fibula on lower exterimity

Abstract

This study aimed to implement the finite element (FE) method to analyze and investigate the stress distribution effects of fibula on lower extremity under the body weight loading and torsion moment. To do this, the congruent three-dimensional (3D) solid modeling of lower extremity was generated using the computerized tomography (CT) images. After modeling processes, 3D model was converted to FE model to apply the loading and the relevant boundary conditions to obtain the stress distribution on the tibial zone. The FE analysis found that it is obtained that the fibula plays an important role on the stress distribution of the tibia model. Especially fibula is an effective help to load carrying capacity on distal side of tibia.