Finite element analysis of femoral neck strength losses due to space irradiation

Abstract

Spaceflight leaves astronauts at risk for negative consequences to bone health. Sending a manned mission to Mars is a long term goal of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Because this trip will take almost two years, long-term effects of astronaut bone structure must be considered, such as loss of bone density. The radiological mechanisms that cause this to occur are still uncertain and the severity of the long term damage that may occur are still in question. In the vertebrae and femoral neck, bone losses can range from 0.8‐1.5% per month, while other bone sites can see losses of 2% per month.1 This study will focus on the femoral neck region which is a clinically relevant sight for fractures due to its load bearing functionality.