Development of biomechanical models for the simulation of load distribution and fracture risk of the osteoporotic bones after spinal cord injury.

People with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can rapidly develop osteoporosis in the bones of
the paralysed limbs. Weakening of the bones following SCI is accompanied by a
much increased risk of fracture in the paralysed limbs. This pilot study aims to use
computational modelling techniques incorporating data from high resolution bone
scans to determine the effect of reduced bone mineral content and altered bone
architecture after SCI on load distribution and fracture load in the osteoporotic bones.