Finite element modeling and analysis of central tarsal bone in horse

Abstract

The analysis of bones through computer modeling has gained an increasing importance in biomechanical studies. The degree of reliability of the analysis is proportional to the concordance between the model and the simulation. The purpose of this study was to improve the three-dimensional computer model of central tarsal bone by using coordinate reading method and to utilize the model in stress analysis of this bone. The 3-dimensional coordinates of various marked points on the proximal and distal surfaces of the central tarsal bone were measured by a comparator with a specially designed mechanism in laboratory. These points' coordinates were used for creating a model of the bone. Modeling and analyses were realized in ANSYS 5.5 program. The model consisted of 2900 nodes and 11866 elements. The highest von mises stresses occurred in the lateral end of the dorsal border in the distal surface.