The metaphyseal shell was assumed to have a uniform wall thickness of 1.5mm with properties of cortical bone. A study of the images obtained using this approach, indicated a clear distinction between different materials constituting the lower leg, particularly the bones when compared to images from ultrasound and CT-scans. This was a basis of achieving accuracy in developing the model, both, in terms of geometry and material properties. In addition, the model of the tibia was to be used to carry out finite element analysis, in order to understand its behavior under various loading conditions. Two techniques were looked at to obtain cross sectional images of the lower leg, namely, ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.
Ultrasound waves are very effective when it comes to penetration of tissues.
However, it is not too effective in the penetration of air and bone. As a result of this, although a distinct boundary between regions of compact bone and muscle was observed, a boundary between regions of compact bone and cancellous bone could not be identified. Magnetic resonance images on the other hand proved to be very effective in displaying distinctly the various regions in a cross section of the human leg. The MRI images for this study were obtained from the lower left leg of a male. A total of 23 images were obtained.