Static and dynamic finite element analyses of an idealized structural model of vertebral trabecular bone.

An idealized three-dimensional finite element model of a rodlike trabecular bone structure was developed to study its static and dynamic responses under compressive loading, considering the effects of bone marrow and apparent density. Static analysis of the model predicted hydraulic stiffening of trabecular bone due to the presence of bone marrow. The predicted power equation relating trabecular bone apparent elastic modulus to its apparent density was in good agreement with those of the reported experimental investigations. The ratio of the maximum stress in the trabecular bone tissue to its apparent stress had a high value, decreasing with increasing bone apparent density. Frequency analyses of the model predicted higher natural frequencies for the bone without marrow than those for the bone with marrow. Adding a mass relatively large compared to that of bone rendered a single-degree-of-freedom response. In this case, the resonant frequency was higher for the bone with marrow than that for the bone without marrow. The predicted vibrational measurement of apparent modulus was in good agreement with that of the static measurement, suggesting vibrational testing as a method for nondestructive measurement of trabecular bone elastic moduli.