Development and Validation of an In-Vivo Finite Element Pelvis Model With Cortical Thickness Mapped From a Cadaver

Pelvis fracture and associated injuries from motor vehicle accidents or falls are often life threatening [1]. Cadaveric experiments and finite element (FE) models have been widely used to investigate biomechanical properties, structural responses, and injury tolerances of the pelvis. In FE model development, the geometry of the bone structures is commonly constructed from computed tomography (CT) scans of cadavers. The use of live human subjects, however, has been limited due to low CT resolution resulting from mandatory low radiation doses and involuntary movements of the subject. The Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) elected to use a living 50^th percentile male for its full body FE model development; however, cortical bone thickness was not accurately imaged for the pelvis, where it is believed to play an important role in absorbing strain energy during lateral impact [2].