[Finite element analysis of CT-based lateral classification of Japanese Investigation Committee type C1 osteonecrosis of femoral head and its prognostic value].

Objective: To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of the CT-based lateral classification of Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) type C1 osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) under different necrotic extents using finite element analysis, and to evaluate the validity of the CT-based lateral classification for assessing the risk of femoral head collapse. Methods: A finite element model of the hip joint was established based on CT data from a healthy 35-year-old male volunteer. According to the JIC C1 classification criteria, three necrotic extents were defined in the coronal plane: M1 (30%), M2 (50%), and M3 (70%). According to the sagittal location of the necrotic lesion, the femoral head was equally divided into anterior, middle, and posterior regions, and five types of the CT-based lateral classification were defined: type 1, involvement of the anterior region only; type 2, involvement of the anterior and middle regions; type 3, involvement of the anterior, middle, and posterior regions; type 4, involvement of the middle and posterior regions; and type 5, involvement of the posterior region only. A total of 15 finite element models were constructed by combining the three necrotic extents with the five CT-based lateral classification types. Bilateral standing loading was simulated, and the maximum von Mises stress and maximum displacement of the femoral head surface and necrotic region were recorded. Results: Stress concentration was mainly located in the superolateral region of the femoral head directly above the necrotic lesion, consistent with previous studies. Within the same CT-based lateral classification type, increases in necrotic extent from M1 to M3 were associated with significant increases in the maximum von Mises stress and maximum displacement of the femoral head surface, as well as the maximum displacement of the necrotic region. No significant difference was found in the maximum von Mises stress in the necrotic region among M1, M2, and M3 groups ( Conclusion: Both the location and extent of osteonecrosis affect the biomechanical stability of the femoral head, with lesion location, particularly involvement of the anterior weight-bearing region, exerting a greater influence on stress distribution. The CT-based lateral classification can effectively distinguish biomechanical differences associated with different necrotic locations and may provide a useful reference for evaluating the risk of femoral head collapse and guiding individualized treatment in patients with JIC type C1 ONFH.