Objective    To construct the model of finite elements in scaphoid bone and analyze its mechanic distribution under the action of axial stress.      Methods    CT images of a male volunteer at the age of 24 with no history of thoracic disease were obtained using GE LightSpeed VCT. Area under stress and distribution of stress in wrist joint were observed on pressure-sensitive images obtained by connecting 12 autopsy samples to the Instron 1011 mechanic text device．A 3-D model of finite elements in scaphoid bone was established using the

CT imaging data. Normal load transfer in scaphoid bone and distribution of contact stress in wrist joint under the action of axial stress were calculated and analyzed. Experimental data were compared with those available from documented reports and from the model of finite elements in scaphoid bone to confirm the accuracy of the model established in this study.     Results    The 3-D model of finite elements in scaphoid bone

including 73 588 nodal points and 397 344 modules in proximal metacarpal and wrist bone

was established. The surface area of radial and scaphoid joint under stress was about 153.35 mm

2

and 90.00 mm

2

with a minimal stress of about 54.28  MPa and 45.72 MPa

and a maximal stress of about 2.72 MPa and 3.45 MPa

respectively. The load transfer in scaphoid bone and the distribution of contact stress in radial and scaphoid joint were similar to the experimental data.     Conclusion    The model we established in this study is characterized by the 3-D morphologic structure and biomechanics

and can thus simulate the scaphoid and wrist joint load transfer and the distribution of contact stress.