International Research Fellowship Program: Prediction of Bone Strength in Fracture Healing Using Quantitative Computed Tomography and Finite Element Analysis

国际研究奖学金计划使美国科学家和工程师能够在国外进行三到二十四个月的研究。该计划的奖项提供联合研究的机会，并利用国外独特或互补的设施、专业知识和实验条件。该奖项将资助Sandra J.SheFelbine博士与德国乌尔姆大学整形外科研究和生物力学研究所的Lutz Claes博士合作的为期24个月的研究奖学金。该项目的目的是结合定量计算机断层扫描(QCT)和有限元分析大鼠股骨的骨折骨痂，以预测骨折愈合期间的骨硬度。这将通过以下方法完成：建立大鼠股骨骨折愈合模型；使用微型计算机断层扫描(CT)对愈合的骨折进行成像；创建愈合骨折的有限元模型以预测骨强度；并通过对骨骼进行弯曲和扭转的力学测试来验证有限元预测。结合QCT和有限元模型来确定骨折愈合过程中的骨强度将是确定愈合过程中详细、定量信息的有力技术。该研究所是著名的实验生物力学实验室。克莱斯博士的实验室专注于研究力学对骨折愈合的影响，并拥有广泛的实验设备。

0202562ShefelbineThe International Research Fellowship Program enables U.S. scientists and engineers to conduct three to twenty-four months of research abroad. The program's awards provide opportunities for joint research, and the use of unique or complementary facilities, expertise and experimental conditions abroad.This award will support a twenty-four month research fellowship by Dr. Sandra J. Shefelbine to work with Dr. Lutz Claes at the University of Ulm's Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, in Germany.The purpose of this project is to combine Quantitative computer tomography (QCT) and Finite element analysis of a fracture callus in a rat femur in order to predict bone stiffness during fracture healing. This will be done by: the development of a model of fracture healing in the rat femur; imaging the healing fracture using micro computer tomography (CT); creating a finite element model of the healing fracture to predict bone strength and; validating the finite element predictions with mechanical testing of the bones in bending and torsion. The combination of QCT and finite element modeling in determining the bone strength in fracture healing will be a powerful technique for determining detailed, quantitative information during the healing process.The Institute is a well-known lab for experimental biomechanics. Dr. Claes' lab focuses on the effects of mechanics on fracture healing and has a wide range of experimental facilities.