scholarly journals Real-time finite element analysis allows homogenization of tissue scale strains and reduces variance in a mouse defect healing model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme R. Paul ◽  
Esther Wehrle ◽  
Duncan C. Tourolle ◽  
Gisela A. Kuhn ◽  
Ralph Müller

AbstractMechanical loading allows both investigation into the mechano-regulation of fracture healing as well as interventions to improve fracture-healing outcomes such as delayed healing or non-unions. However, loading is seldom individualised or even targeted to an effective mechanical stimulus level within the bone tissue. In this study, we use micro-finite element analysis to demonstrate the result of using a constant loading assumption for all mouse femurs in a given group. We then contrast this with the application of an adaptive loading approach, denoted real time Finite Element adaptation, in which micro-computed tomography images provide the basis for micro-FE based simulations and the resulting strains are manipulated and targeted to a reference distribution. Using this approach, we demonstrate that individualised femoral loading leads to a better-specified strain distribution and lower variance in tissue mechanical stimulus across all mice, both longitudinally and cross-sectionally, while making sure that no overloading is occurring leading to refracture of the femur bones.

Author(s):  
Graeme R. Paul ◽  
Esther Wehrle ◽  
Duncan C. Tourolle ◽  
Gisela A. Kuhn ◽  
Ralph Müller

AbstractMechanical loading allows both investigation into the mechano-regulation of fracture healing as well as interventions to improve fracture-healing outcomes such as delayed healing or non-unions. However, loading is seldom individualised or even targeted to an effective mechanical stimulus level within the bone tissue. In this study, we use micro-finite element analysis to demonstrate the result of using a constant loading assumption for all mouse femurs in a given group. We then contrast this with the application of an adaptive loading approach, denoted real time Finite Element (rtFE) adaptation, in which micro-computed tomography images provide the basis for micro-FE based simulations and the resulting strains are manipulated and targeted to a reference distribution. Using this approach, we demonstrate that individualised femoral loading leads to a better-specified strain distribution and lower variance in tissue mechanical stimulus across all mice, both longitudinally and cross-sectionally, while making sure that no overloading is occurring leading to refracture of the femur bones.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1112-1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanwei Kong ◽  
Thuy Pham ◽  
Caitlin Martin ◽  
Raymond McKay ◽  
Charles Primiano ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1887) ◽  
pp. 20181473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte A. Brassey ◽  
James D. Gardiner ◽  
Andrew C. Kitchener

The baculum (os penis) is a mineralized bone within the glans of the mammalian penis and is one of the most morphologically diverse structures in the mammal skeleton. Recent experimental work provides compelling evidence for sexual selection shaping the baculum, yet the functional mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Previous studies have tested biomechanical hypotheses for the role of the baculum based on simple metrics such as length and diameter, ignoring the wealth of additional shape complexity present. For the first time, to our knowledge, we apply a computational simulation approach (finite-element analysis; FEA) to quantify the three-dimensional biomechanical performance of carnivoran bacula (n= 74) based upon high-resolution micro-computed tomography scans. We find a marginally significant positive correlation between sexual size dimorphism and baculum stress under compressive loading, counter to the ‘vaginal friction’ hypothesis of bacula becoming more robust to overcome resistance during initial intromission. However, a highly significant negative relationship exists between intromission duration and baculum stress under dorsoventral bending. Furthermore, additional FEA simulations confirm that the presence of a ventral groove would reduce deformation of the urethra. We take this as evidence in support of the ‘prolonged intromission’ hypothesis, suggesting the carnivoran baculum has evolved in response to pressures on the duration of copulation and protection of the urethra.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyank Rai ◽  
Dhiraj Garg ◽  
Tulika Tripathi ◽  
Anup Kanase ◽  
Gayatri Ganesh

Abstract Background Although, the outcomes and changes in the maxillofacial complex after the application of intraoral bone anchored Class III elastics, have been reported by multiple clinical studies, there was no finite element study to assess and evaluate the stress pattern and displacement on maxillomandibular complex with bimaxillary anchorage. The present study aims to evaluate the biomechanical effects on maxillomandibular complex of Skeletally anchored Class III elastics with varying angulations using the 3D finite element analysis. Methodology Two 3-dimensional analytical models were developed using the Mimics 8.11 (Materialise: Leuven, Belgium) and ANSYS software Version 12.1 (ANSYS Inc, Canonsburg, PA, USA) from sequential computed tomography images taken from a Skeletal Class III subject. The models were meshed into 465,091 tetrahedral elements and 101,247 nodes. Intraoral mechanics for skeletally anchored maxillary protraction (I-SAMP) were applied on two models i.e. A and B (without and with maxillary expansion respectively) between miniplates on maxilla and mandible on both right and left sides with three different angulations of forces—10°, 20° and 30°). Results Although the craniomaxillary complex in both the models (A and B) displaced forward while demonstrating rotations in opposite directions, the displacements and rotations decreased gradually with the increase of the angle of load application from 10° to 30°. The mandible rotated clockwise in both the simulations, but the displacement of mandibular surface landmarks was higher in Simulation A. However, the antero-inferior displacement of the glenoid fossa was higher in Simulation B than in A. Conclusion Significant displacement of maxillofacial sutures and structures was witnessed with I-SAMP with maxillary expansion and Class III elastics for correction of Skeletal Class III with maxillary retrognathism. Thus, I-SAMP with maxillary expansion is a desired protocol for treatment of maxillary retrognathism. However, the prescribed angulation of the Class III elastics should be as low as possible to maximise the desired effects.


Author(s):  
Francesco Ferrise ◽  
Monica Bordegoni ◽  
Michele Fiorentino ◽  
Antonio E. Uva

The paper describes a novel application of real-time finite element analysis controlled by a haptic device. The user can impose displacement constraints to a virtual structure using a probe and sense in real-time the response in terms of forces on her/his hand. In addition, conventional color map results are visualized on a desktop monitor. The application has been developed with the aim of simplifying the teaching of the mechanical behavior of materials in engineering schools by transforming the learning phase into an enactive process. A set of examples commonly used in the mechanical engineering courses have been implemented and tested. The paper describes and discusses the system implementation, the potentialities and the issues of such approach.


Author(s):  
Gregory Lowen ◽  
Katherine Garrett ◽  
Moore-Lotridge Stephanie ◽  
Sasidhar Uppuganti ◽  
Scott A. Guelcher ◽  
...  

Abstract Delayed long bone fracture healing and nonunion continue to be a significant socioeconomic burden. While mechanical stimulation is known to be an important determinant of the bone repair process, understanding how the magnitude, mode, and commencement of interfragmentary strain (IFS) affect fracture healing can guide new therapeutic strategies to prevent delayed healing or non-union. Mouse models provide a means to investigate the molecular and cellular aspects of fracture repair, yet there is only one commercially available, clinically-relevant, locking intramedullary nail (IMN) currently available for studying long bone fractures in rodents. Having access to alternative IMNs would allow a variety of mechanical environments at the fracture site to be evaluated, and the purpose of this proof-of-concept finite element analysis study is to identify which IMN design parameters have the largest impact on IFS in a murine transverse femoral osteotomy model. Using the dimensions of the clinically relevant IMN as a guide, the nail material, distance between interlocking screws, and clearance between the nail and endosteal surface were varied between simulations. Of these parameters, changing the nail material from stainless steel (SS) to polyetheretherketone (PEEK) had the largest impact on IFS. Reducing the distance between the proximal and distal interlocking screws substantially affected IFS only when nail modulus was low. Therefore, IMNs with low modulus (e.g., PEEK) can be used alongside commercially available SS nails to investigate the effect of initial IFS or stability on fracture healing with respect to different biological conditions of repair in rodents.


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