Formation of microcracks near surgical defect in femur: Assessment of ultimate loading conditions

Abstract

A bone defect of rectangular shape in a femur is considered as a result of a surgical resection of tumor lesions. Based on finite-element calculation of J-integral near the bone defect, ultimate combinations of loads corresponding to formation of microcracks were determined. The loads corresponds to simultaneous actions of own human's weight, flexion-extension, adduction-abduction and rotation of the femur. Recommendations for the prevention of pathological fractures of the femur with the surgical defect based on the obtained results were formulated.