Finite element analysis in trauma & orthopaedics – an introduction to clinically relevant simulation & its limitations

Finite element analysis is a mathematical tool, used by engineers to simulate real life situations. It is widely used in the Aeronautical industry and has led to considerable savings in development costs and improvements in design. It has been used in the design of orthopaedic implants and surgical techniques, both for elective and trauma surgery. Developing a virtual simulation of orthopaedic interventions carries huge theoretical advantages; however to appreciate the results of finite element analysis a brief understanding of the process is required. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of finite element analysis, its possible applications in orthopaedics and also it's limitations.