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Modelling of orbital deformation using finite-element analysis.

The purpose of this study was to develop a three-dimensional finite-element model (FEM) of the human orbit, containing the globe, to predict orbital deformation in subjects following a blunt injury. This study investigated the hypothesis that such deformation could be modelled using finite-element techniques. One patient who had CT-scan examination to the maxillofacial skeleton including the orbits, as part of her treatment, was selected for this study. A FEM of one of the orbits containing the globe was constructed, based on CT-scan images. Simulations were performed with a computer using the finite-element software NISA (EMRC, Troy, USA). The orbit was subjected to a blunt injury of a 0.5 kg missile with 30 ms(-1) velocity. The FEM was then used to predict principal and shear stresses or strains at each node position. Two types of orbital deformation were predicted during different impact simulations: (i) horizontal distortion and (ii) rotational distortion. Stress values ranged from 213.4 to 363.3 MPa for the maximum principal stress, from -327.8 to -653.1 MPa for the minimum principal stress, and from 212.3 to 444.3 MPa for the maximum shear stress. This is the first finite-element study, which demonstrates different and concurrent patterns of orbital deformation in a subject following a blunt injury. Finite element modelling is a powerful and invaluable tool to study the multifaceted phenomenon of orbital deformation.

Computer Simulation↗

Finite element analysis of hepatic radiofrequency ablation probes using temperature-dependent electrical conductivity.

BACKGROUND: Few finite element models (FEM) have been developed to describe the electric field, specific absorption rate (SAR), and the temperature distribution surrounding hepatic radiofrequency ablation probes. To date, a coupled finite element model that accounts for the temperature-dependent electrical conductivity changes has not been developed for ablation type devices. While it is widely acknowledged that accounting for temperature dependent phenomena may affect the outcome of these models, the effect has not been assessed. METHODS: The results of four finite element models are compared: constant electrical conductivity without tissue perfusion, temperature-dependent conductivity without tissue perfusion, constant electrical conductivity with tissue perfusion, and temperature-dependent conductivity with tissue perfusion. RESULTS: The data demonstrate that significant errors are generated when constant electrical conductivity is assumed in coupled electrical-heat transfer problems that operate at high temperatures. These errors appear to be closely related to the temperature at which the ablation device operates and not to the amount of power applied by the device or the state of tissue perfusion. CONCLUSION: Accounting for temperature-dependent phenomena may be critically important in the safe operation of radiofrequency ablation device that operate near 100 degrees C.

Electric Conductivity↗

A comparative study of aortic wall stress using finite element analysis for ruptured and non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The decision to repair an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is currently based on diameter (> or =5.5 cm) alone. However, aneurysms less than 5.5 cm do rupture while some reach greater than 5.5 cm without rupturing. Hence the need to predict the risk of rupture on an individual patient basis is important. This study aims to calculate and compare wall stress in ruptured and non-ruptured AAA. METHODS: The 3D geometries of AAA were derived from CT scans of 27 patients (12 ruptured and 15 non-ruptured). AAA geometry, systolic blood pressure and literature derived material properties, were utilised to calculate wall stress for individual AAA using finite element analysis. RESULTS: Peak wall stress was significantly higher in the ruptured AAA (mean 1.02 MPa) than the non-ruptured AAA (mean 0.62 MPa). In patients with an identifiable site of rupture on CT scan, the area of peak wall stress correlated with rupture site. CONCLUSIONS: Peak wall stress can be calculated from routinely performed CT scans and may be a better predictor of risk of rupture than AAA diameter on an individual patient basis.

Aged↗

Finite element analysis of thermo-debonding mechanism in dental composites.

Finite element method (FEM) has been extensively used for evaluating interfacial status inside biomaterials. This study using FEM was designed to evaluate the thermal stress behavior of a filler-matrix interface. The results were then compared to those of a previous study obtained by a laser thermoacoustic technique (LTAT). The experimental systems (75/25 Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin reinforced with 0, 25, 50, and 75 wt% 8-microm silanized/unsilanized BaSiO6) as used in the previous study were modeled in this study. The established finite element models were based on coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) Mismatch Phenomenon. The mechanical properties of the silane coupling agent, such as elastic modulus and thermal expansion coefficient used in the silanized model, were assumed to have optimal heat flux transfer. A third (imaginary) material was proposed to block the transfer of thermal stress between the filler and matrix in the unsilanized model. The thermal load simulation was based on steady-state thermal analysis. The results showed that: (1) The strain energy and interfacial shearing stress calculated from FEM validate the results from the previous LTAT study. (2) Comparing the stress distribution of silanized and unsilanized FEM models, the acoustic signals in LTAT study are mainly derived from debonding of the filler-matrix interface of silanized specimens, and from the matrix area of unsilanized specimens. Based on results to date, we conclude that the finite element method may be a powerful tool for exploring thermoacoustic mechanisms of dental composites.

Acoustics↗

Design sensitivity analysis: a new method for implant design and a comparison with parametric finite element analysis.

A unified theory of structural design sensitivity is proposed to be used in conjunction with the parametric design variation method traditionally used in finite element analyses applied to biomechanics problems. Bone cement strain energy density dependence on cement and stem modulii of elasticity as analyzed with the theory of structural design sensitivity analysis is compared parametrically varied finite element results. Two-dimensional, eight-noded isoparametric and interface finite elements with optimal stresses at Gauss points are employed. Design sensitivity for strain energy density compares well with perturbation of design and reanalysis by finite element techniques.

Hip Prosthesis↗

Application of finite element analysis in neurosurgery.

With the rapid development of computer equipment, approximation by analytical solutions has become popular in mathematical modeling. Finite element (FE) analysis uses numerical methods to solve problems with physical phenomena, and these can be applied to various geometrically complex materials, such as brain. The FE formulation can provide such diverse domains as heat conduction, torsion of elastic material, diffusion and fluid flow, and it can view different objects of study in the neurosurgical field. In this article, the various applications of FE methods are introduced to illustrate the usefulness of the technique and the link between the external biomechanical aspect and internal phenomena in brain research.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Initial stability of ankle arthrodesis with three-screw fixation. A finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the initial stability at the fusion site of ankle arthrodesis fixed with two and three screws. DESIGN: Finite element models of ankle arthrodesis were developed from computed tomography images. Two-screw constructs were augmented with a third screw in different orientations and subjected to loads likely to affect the ankle postoperatively. BACKGROUND: More stable fixation seems to increase the chance of fusion, as it minimises the motion between the tibiotalar interfaces. METHODS: Non-linear elastic finite element analyses were performed in external torsion and dorsiflexion. The micromotions at the tibiotalar interface were computed to compare the two- and three-screw fixation in intact and flat-cut arthrodesis. RESULTS: Adding a third screw reduced the micromotions at the fusion site. Inserting the third screw anteriorly predicted lower peak micromotions than inserting the screw posteriorly, except for the intact arthrodesis tested in dorsiflexion. Three-screw intact arthrodesis predicted lower peak micromotions than flat-cut arthrodesis. CONCLUSIONS: Better stability was predicted for three-screw ankle arthrodesis. In flat-cut arthrodesis, a third screw inserted anteriorly performed better than a posterior screw. In intact arthrodesis, a posterior screw seemed a better option when flexion stability was the main concern. Even with three-screw fixation, the configuration of the first two-crossed screws may still be important to improve the stability at the fusion site.

Ankle Joint↗

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of several internal and external pelvis fixations.

The Finite Element Method (FEM) can be used to analyze very complex geometries, such as the pelvis, and complicated constitutive behaviors, such as the heterogeneous, nonlinear, and anisotropic behavior of bone tissue or the noncompression, nonbending character of ligaments. Here, FEM was used to simulate the mechanical ability of several external and internal fixations that stabilize pelvic ring disruptions. A customized pelvic fracture analysis was performed by computer simulation to determine the best fixation method for each individual treatment. The stability of open-book fractures with external fixations at either the iliac crests or the pelvic equator was similar, and increased greatly when they were used in combination. However, external fixations did not effectively stabilize rotationally and vertically unstable fractures. Adequate stabilization was only achieved using an internal pubis fixation with two sacroiliac screws.

Aged↗

Finite element analysis of a mandibular model.

A two-dimensional finite element model of a mandibular quadrant was used to examine the stresses and displacements resulting from a 100 N load placed as follows: (i) distributed on the second molar, (ii) concentrated at 30 degrees to the vertical on the second molar, and (iii) distributed on the second premolar and second molar. Each tooth was supported by periodontal ligaments, cortical and cancellous bone. The modulus and Poisson's ratios for each material were selected from accepted values. The principal stresses were determined throughout the model, with special emphasis being placed for elements in the immediate vicinity of the teeth mentioned above. It was found that for the case where the load was uniformly distributed on the second molar the stresses sigma min were mostly compressive (-) in nature while sigma max were mostly tensile (+). In the case where the load was concentrated and at 30 degrees to the vertical, the magnitude of the stresses were three to five times greater and the pattern less uniform than those resulting from the distributed load. The concentrated load at 30 degrees to the vertical resulted in higher bending stresses than the distributed load and hence higher sigma max stresses.

Bicuspid↗

In vivo assessment of architecture and micro-finite element analysis derived indices of mechanical properties of trabecular bone in the radius.

Measurement of microstructural parameters of trabecular bone noninvasively in vivo is possible with high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. These measurements may prove useful in the determination of bone strength and fracture risk, but must be related to other measures of bone properties. In this study in vivo MR imaging was used to derive trabecular bone structure measures and combined with micro-finite element analysis (microFE) to determine the effects of trabecular bone microarchitecture on bone mechanical properties in the distal radius. The subjects were studied in two groups: (I) postmenopausal women with normal bone mineral density (BMD) (n = 22, mean age 58 +/- 7 years) and (II) postmenopausal women with spine or femur BMD -1 SD to -2.5 SD below young normal (n = 37, mean age 62 +/- 11 years). MR images of the distal radius were obtained at 1.5 T, and measures such as apparent trabecular bone volume fraction (App BV/TV), spacing, number and thickness (App TbSp, TbN, TbTh) were derived in regions of interest extending from the joint line to the radial shaft. The high-resolution images were also used in a micro-finite element model to derive the directional Young's moduli (E1, E2 and E3), shear moduli (G12, G23 and G13) and anisotropy ratios such as E1/E3. BMD at the distal radius, lumbar spine and hip were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone formation was assessed by serum osteocalcin and bone resorption by serum type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide breakdown products (serum CTX) and urinary CTX biochemical markers. The trabecular architecture displayed considerable anisotropy. Measures of BMD such as the ultradistal radial BMD were lower in the osteopenic group (p<0.01). Biochemical markers between the two groups were comparable in value and showed no significant difference between the two groups. App BV/TV, TbTh and TbN were higher, and App TbSp lower, in the normal group than the osteopenic group. All three directional measures of elastic and shear moduli were lower in the osteopenic group compared with the normal group. Anisotropy of trabecular bone microarchitecture, as measured by the ratios of the mean intercept length (MIL) values (MIL1/MIL3, etc.), and the anisotropy in elastic modulus (E1/E3, etc.), were greater in the osteopenic group compared with the normal group. The correlations between the measures of architecture and moduli are higher than those between elastic moduli and BMD. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that while App BV/TV is highly correlated with the mechanical properties, additional structural measures do contribute to the improved prediction of the mechanical measures. This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of using MR imaging with microFE modeling in vivo in the study of osteoporosis.

Aged↗

Evaluation of linear finite-element analysis models' assumptions for external fixation devices.

Linear finite-element models (FEMs) have enjoyed an increased use in orthopaedic research, including the use for modeling external fixation devices. These fixator FEMs depend on a number of basic assumptions concerning the overall fixation frame stability and the components' rigidity. Among the more important ones are: (i) rigid fixation at both ends of the pin and sidebar; (ii) that the sidebar can be treated essentially as a rigid entity, with all bending occurring in the bone pins; and (iii) that the system can be treated as linearly elastic. Prior work done by the authors questions some of these assumptions. Thus, this study sought an empirical evaluation of the validity of some of these a priori assumptions. A Hoffmann single half-frame was tested in its standard form and then according to a stepwise protocol wherein the frame was welded to eliminate any possible points of instability. These tests looked at the stability and rigidity in various modes (axial compression, torsion, and medial-lateral and anterior-posterior four-point bending). The basic assumptions concerning the frame stability, frame rigidity and the frame's response to loads were found to be erroneous. Component failure was common under minimal loads and statistically significant differences (p less than 0.05) of up to 75% were noted in frame rigidity among the various frame forms tested. Thus, considerable caution must be exercised when employing the FEM technique for evaluating the fixator properties.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

A finite element analysis of the human temporomandibular joint.

A 2-D finite element model of the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been developed to investigate the stresses and reaction forces within the joint during normal sagittal jaw closure. The mechanical parameters analyzed were maximum principal and von Mises stresses in the disk, the contact stresses on the condylar and temporal surfaces, and the condylar reactions. The model bypassed the complexity of estimating muscle forces by using measured joint motion as input. The model was evaluated by several tests. The results demonstrated that the resultant condylar reaction force was directed toward the posterior side of the eminence. The contact stresses along the condylar and temporal surfaces were not evenly distributed. Separations were found at both upper and lower boundaries. High tensile stresses were found at the upper boundaries. High tensile stresses were found at the upper boundary of the middle portion of the disk.

Bias↗

A three-dimensional finite element analysis of the upper tibia.

A three-dimensional finite element model of the proximal tibia has been developed to provide a base line for further modeling of prosthetic resurfaced tibiae. The geometry for the model was developed by digitizing coronal and transverse sections made with the milling machine, from one fresh tibia of average size. The load is equally distributed between the medial and lateral compartments over contact areas that were reported in the literature. An indentation test has been used to measure the stiffness and the ultimate strength of cancellous bone in four cadaver tibiae. These values provided the statistical basis for characterising the inhomogeneous distribution of the cancellous bone properties in the proximal tibia. All materials in the model were assumed to be linearly elastic and isotropic. Mechanical properties for the cortical bone and cartilage have been taken from the literature. Results have been compared with strain gage tests and with a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model both from the literature. Qualitative comparison between trabecular alignment, and the direction of the principal compressive stresses in the cancellous bone, showed a good relationship. Maximum stresses in the cancellous bone and cortical bone, under a load which occurs near stance phase during normal gait, show safety factors of approximately eight and twelve, respectively. The load sharing between the cancellous bone and the cortical bone has been plotted for the first 40 mm distally from the tibial eminence.

Aged↗

A contact-coupled finite element analysis of the radiocarpal joint.

A plane-strain finite element contact model of the radiocarpal joint has been developed to investigate the mechanical relationship between initial intra-articular fracture of the distal radius, subsequent imprecise reduction of articular incongruency, and final onset of osteoarthrosis. The model includes the radius, two carpal bones (the lunate and the scaphoid), and the articulations and ligamentous connections between the bones. The model has been validated through comparisons with previous experimental and computational models of the wrist. The relationship between malreduced intra-articular fracture of the distal radius and the subsequent onset of posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthrosis is clinically important but poorly understood. The broad objective of the current research is the development of a well-verified computational model of the radiocarpal joint, which in concert with previously developed experimental models, will be capable of providing guidance toward rigorously grounded improvements in distal radius intra-articular fracture management techniques. This model represents a first step toward this objective as well as a new level of computational simulation of wrist mechanics.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Speed of sound reflects Young's modulus as assessed by microstructural finite element analysis.

We analyzed the ability of the quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameter, speed of sound (SOS), and bone mineral density (BMD), as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to predict Young's modulus, as assessed by microstructural finite element analysis (muFEA) from microcomputed tomography (muCT) reconstructions. With muFEA simulation, all bone elements in the model can be assigned the same isotropic Young's modulus; therefore, in contrast to mechanical tests, only the trabecular structure plays a role in the determination of the elastic properties of the specimen. SOS, BMD, and microCT measurements were performed in 15 cubes of pure trabecular bovine bone in three orthogonal directions: anteroposterior (AP); mediolateral (ML); and craniocaudal (CC). The anisotropy of the architecture was determined using mean intercept length (MIL) measurements. SOS, MIL, and Young's modulus (E) values were significantly different in all three directions (p < 0.001), with the highest values in the CC direction. There was a strong linear relationship between E and SOS in each of the three orthogonal directions, with r(2) being 0.88, 0.92, and 0.84 (all p < 0.0001) for the CC, ML, and AP directions, respectively. The relationship between E and BMD was less strong, with r(2) being between 0.66 and 0.85 (all p < 0.0001) in the different directions. There was also a significant, positive correlation between SOS and BMD in each of the three axes (r(2) being 0.81, 0.42, and 0.92 in the CC, ML, and AP directions, respectively; p < 0.0001). After correction for BMD, the correlations between SOS and E in each of the three directions remained highly significant (r(2) = 0.77, p < 0. 0001 for the AP direction; r(2) = 0.48, p < 0.001 for the CC direction; r(2) = 0.52, p < 0.005 for the ML direction). After correction for SOS, BMD remained significantly correlated with Young's modulus in the AP and CC directions (r(2) = 0.52, p < 0.005; r(2) = 0.30, p < 0.05, respectively), but the correlation in the ML direction was no longer statistically significant. In a stepwise regression model, E was best predicted by SOS in each of the orthogonal directions. These observations illustrate the ability of the SOS technique to assess the architectural mechanical quality of trabecular bone.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Variation in labial shoulder geometry of metal ceramic crown preparations: a finite element analysis.

Recent studies have highlighted variations in the geometry of teeth prepared to receive metal ceramic crowns, particularly in the region of the labial shoulder, where shoulder designs have often involved less reduction than is recommended. Using two-dimensional finite element analysis, this study subjected crowns, superimposed upon preparations with clinically common labial margin designs, to loads of 200N in three different directions. The resultant stress distribution within the labial marginal porcelain was examined. Results imply that variations in the marginal preparation geometry of metal ceramic crowns influenced the stress response of the finished crown. Within the limits of this study, a crown constructed a 1.3mm chamfer preparation appeared to have the best response to a simulated load applied to the palatal/incisal surface, at 45 degrees to the long axis.

Crowns↗

Finite element analysis estimates of cement microfracture under complete veneer crowns.

Long-term clinical failures of complete veneer crowns are commonly attributed to microleakage of the cement. Excessive stress or fatigue cycling may create cement microfractures and promote microleakage. Two-dimensional (2D) finite element analysis (FEA) was selected to determine stress levels and distributions on dental cements resulting from 10 MPa occlusal loads on single-unit complete artificial veneer crowns during various clinical conditions. Sixteen 2D-FEA computer models were generated for a mandibular first premolar to study the effects of (1) marginal configuration (shoulder for all-ceramic crown versus chamfer for type III gold alloy crown), (2) four types of cement (zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate, glass ionomer and composite resin), and (3) two thicknesses of cement (25 and 100 microns) for single-cycle loads and fatigue loading. There was almost no difference between a chamfer and shoulder marginal configuration except at the edge of the margin where the chamfer finish lines reached 2 to 8 times greater stresses. There were minimal effects for thickness of cement and marginal configurations. Stresses were slightly less for thicker cement. Fatigue analysis was based on estimated stress versus number of cycle curves for cements and resulted in stresses below the estimated endurance limit. If the average occlusal loading levels were 10 MPa, there did not appear to be a risk of microfracture in dental cement because of mechanical loading.

Ceramics↗

Finite element analysis of the meniscus: the influence of geometry and material properties on its behaviour.

A finite element model of the knee meniscus was developed to investigate the effects of various geometrical and material properties on the behaviour of the meniscus under compressive load. Factorial methods were used to determine the relative effect of varying the properties by +/-10% of their initial value. It was found that the stresses in the meniscus were more sensitive to geometry (meniscus width and radius of curvature of the femoral surface of the meniscus) than material properties. The model was also used to investigate the effect of incongruency between the radius of curvature of the femur and the femoral surface of the meniscus. It was shown that mismatch between the curvatures of the femur and meniscus has a large effect on the stresses both in the meniscus and in the underlying cartilage. The results from the study have implications for the design and development of meniscal repair devices and replacements.

Animals↗