Finite element simulation of canine humeral condylar fractures

Humeral condylar fractures are common in dogs. Different types of fractures (lateral, medial, bicondylar) may occur, depending on the age of the dog and the position of its elbow during the impact. The goal of this work is to understand the effects of bone posture and skeletal development on canine humeral fractures by means of the finite element method.
Four distinct finite element simulations were performed, corresponding to an immature and a mature dog elbow, respectively in extension and flexion. To create the finite element models, subject-specific finite element meshes were extracted from the CT-data. Appropriate material properties were used for cortical bone, trabecular bone and cartilage. The modified Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion was implemented to take account for strength asymmetry.
Lateral humeral fractures are obtained for both the young and adult dog elbow, in extension and flexion. This is in agreement with clinical observations, in which lateral condylar fractures are most common.