This figure shows the compressive stress distribution in each soft tissue structure from FE analysis. The left, middle, and right panels show the compressive stress distributions in muscle, fat, and skin, respectively. Different compressive stress levels are displayed in color contours that are numerically identified in the legend on the left. High pressures are shown in red spots. Regions A and B represent the soft tissues in muscle, fat, and skin below IT and femur, respectively. Region C represents the soft tissues in muscle, fat, and skin without any bone above them. Note that the red spots near constraints should not be taken into account because the constraints may not be the real constraints and it may not represent the real condition.
The results of the simulations showed that the internal compressive and shear stress distributions were substantially different among muscles, fat, and skin. The maximum compressive stress occurred in the muscle under IT (Region A). The compressive stress in fat layer was distributed relatively uniform, while in muscle and skin layers, the soft tissue under bony prominences bore substantially higher internal compressive stress.