ABSTRACT
The mechanical behavior of a proximal femur under a normal body weight loading was examined. The geometry of the proximal femur was created in a finite element model using 29 reference points measured on the CT scan images of a patient. Four additional sets of measurements were calculated using ±(1) and ±(2) the standard deviation of the original set and the result of models was compared. The stress distribution and the locations of critical normal and shearstress, as well as the effect of the femur geometry which may be most susceptible to failure were examined. The findings of this study demonstrate an inferior distribution of stress in the plus-standard deviation models and indicate less ability to bear weight. The minus-standard deviation models appear to be better suited to bearing weight and indicate a more even distribution of the stresses generated within the proximal femur.