Convergence Characteristics of Voxel Based Finite Element Models of Trabecular Bone

High resolution voxel based finite element models of trabecular bone have recently become popular as a method to investigate the properties of trabecular tissue (van Rietbergen et. al., 1995; Ladd et al., 1997; Huo and Fhyrie 1995) and the effects of microstructure on apparent properties (Hollister et al., 1994). In these models, high resolution (20–80 micron) images of the trabecular bone are converted to finite element models by assigning an 8-noded brick element to each image voxel (Fhyrie et al., 1992). As these models come into more widespread use, it is important to quantify their numerical convergence characteristics.