scholarly journals A customized fixation plate with novel structure designed by topological optimization for mandibular angle fracture based on finite element analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-feng Liu ◽  
Ying-ying Fan ◽  
Xian-feng Jiang ◽  
Dale A. Baur
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Xu ◽  
Kang-jie Cheng ◽  
Yun-feng Liu ◽  
Ying-ying Fan ◽  
Joanne H. Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The objective of the study was to validate biomechanical characteristics of a 3D-printed, novel-designated fixation plate for treating mandibular angle fracture, and compare it with two commonly used fixation plates by finite element (FE) simulations and experimental testing. Methods A 3D virtual mandible was created from a patient’s CT images as the master model. A custom-designed plate and two commonly used fixation plates were reconstructed onto the master model for FE simulations. Modeling of angle fracture, simulation of muscles of mastication, and defining of boundary conditions were integrated into the theoretical model. Strain levels during different loading conditions were analyzed using a finite element method (FEM). For mechanical test design, samples of the virtual mandible with angle fracture and the custom-designed fixation plates were printed using selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM) printing methods. Experimental data were collected from a testing platform with attached strain gauges to the mandible and the plates at different 10 locations during mechanical tests. Simulation of muscle forces and temporomandibular joint conditions were built into the physical models to improve the accuracy of clinical conditions. The experimental vs the theoretical data collected at the 10 locations were compared, and the correlation coefficient was calculated. Results The results show that use of the novel-designated fixation plate has significant mechanical advantages compared to the two commonly used fixation plates. The results of measured strains at each location show a very high correlation between the physical model and the virtual mandible of their biomechanical behaviors under simulated occlusal loading conditions when treating angle fracture of the mandible. Conclusions Based on the results from our study, we validate the accuracy of our computational model which allows us to use it for future clinical applications under more sophisticated biomechanical simulations and testing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 678-691
Author(s):  
Intan Najwa Humaira Mohamed Haneef ◽  
Norhashimah Shaffiar ◽  
Yose Fachmi Buys ◽  
Abdul Malek Abd. Hamid

Purpose The internal fixation plate of bone fractures by using polylactic acid (PLA) has attracted the attention of many researchers, as it is biodegradable and biocompatible to the human body. However, its brittleness has led to implant fracture. On the contrary, polypropylene carbonate (PPC), which is also biodegradable and biocompatible, has an excellent elongation at break. The purpose of this paper is to compare the PLA fixation plate with the new fixation plate made up of PLA/PPC blends by using finite element analysis (FEA). Design/methodology/approach The mandible bone from CT data set and fixation plate was designed by using the MIMICS, Amira and Solidworks softwares. Abaqus software was used for FEA of PLA/PPC fixation plate applied on the fractured mandible bone. A model of mandibular bone with a fracture in the body was subjected to incisor load. The analysis was run to determine the von Mises stress, elongation of the fixation plate and the displacement of the fractured gap of PLA/PPC blends fixation plate. Findings The von Mises stress predicted that all the blend compositions were safe to be used as a fixation plate since the stress values were less than the yield strength. In addition, the stress value of the fixation plate was gradually decreased up to 20 percent when the amount of PPC increased to 30 percent. This indicates that the stress shielding effect was successfully reduced. The elongation of the fixation plate was gradually increased from 11.54 to 12.55 µm as the amount of PPC in the blends increased from 0 to 30 percent, thereby illustrating that the flexibility of the fixation plate was improved by the addition of PPC. Finally, the measured displacement of the fractured gap for all compositions of PLA/PPC blends fixation plate is less than 150 µm, which proves the likely success of fracture fixation by using the PLA/PPC blends. Research limitations/implications An optimum solution of PLA/PPC blends and another new material such as compatibilizer need to be introduced in the blends in order to improve the performance of PLA/PPC blends as a new material for a fixation plate. Besides, by using the same method of producing PLA/PPC blends, longer durations for in vitro degradation of PLA/PPC blends are essential to further understand the degradation behavior of the blends applied in the human body. Finally, it is also important to further test the mechanical strength of PLA/PPC blends during the degradation period to know the current strength of the implant in the healing process of the bone. Practical implications PLA fixation plate and screw can commercially be used in CMF surgery since they reduce cost because of the elimination of secondary surgery to remove the fixation plate and screw after the healing process. Social implications It is hoped that the advantages of this research will ensure the market of PLA product to continue expanding in medical application. Originality/value This study is one of the alternative ways for the biomedical researchers to improve the elongation break of PLA. Currently, many researchers focus on polymeric materials such as PLA, poly(glycolic) acid and polydioxanone blends, which were extensively being used in CMF surgery. However, the work on PLA/PPC blends to be used as one of the materials for the CMF fixation plate is very limited, if any. PPC, the proposed material for this research, will improve the mechanical performance of PLA fixation plate and screw to become more sustainable and flexible when applied on human mandible bone.


Author(s):  
Steven Higbee ◽  
Sharon Miller

Abstract Insufficient engineering analysis is a common weakness of student capstone design projects. Efforts made earlier in a curriculum to introduce analysis techniques should improve student confidence in applying these important skills toward design. To address student shortcomings in design, we implemented a new design project assignment for second-year undergraduate biomedical engineering students. The project involves the iterative design of a fracture fixation plate and is part of a broader effort to integrate relevant hands-on projects throughout our curriculum. Students are tasked with (1) using computer-aided design (CAD) software to make design changes to a fixation plate, (2) creating and executing finite element models to assess performance after each change, (3) iterating through three design changes, and (4) performing mechanical testing of the final device to verify model results. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess student knowledge, confidence, and achievement in design. Students exhibited design knowledge gains and cognizance of prior coursework knowledge integration into their designs. Further, students self-reported confidence gains in approaching design, working with hardware and software, and communicating results. Finally, student self-assessments exceeded instructor assessment of student design reports, indicating that students have significant room for growth as they progress through the curriculum. Beyond the gains observed in design knowledge, confidence, and achievement, the fracture fixation project described here builds student experience with CAD, finite element analysis, 3D printing, mechanical testing, and design communication. These skills contribute to the growing toolbox that students ultimately bring to capstone design.


2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1131-1137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yubin Chen ◽  
Yingyun Miao ◽  
Chuan Xu ◽  
Gang Zhang ◽  
Tao Lei ◽  
...  

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