Computational biomechanics in craniofacial fractures

Abstract

The objective of the current research is focused on numerical simulation of cranio facial fracture under impact loading. Biomechanics of fracture, especially of a complex part of a human body such as skull, is one of the emerging areas of applications of computational bio-mechanics to understand the behavior of the skull during a traumatic injury, such as head impact during accidents. FEA (Finite Element Analysis) a numerical simulation methodology conventionally used in structural analysis has gained significant attention in biomechanics. Fracture biomechanics plays a key role in not only identifying weak areas of the skull but also designing and developing better techniques in treatment of fractures to restore form, function and aesthetics of the facial skeleton. Virtual simulation in medical field has opened new possibilities to predict the behaviour of the components of human skeleton when subjected to external load (trauma). The future in maxillofacial surgery is evidence based practice and FEA helps obtaining relevant data in different clinical scenarios. In particular, in this study a 3D finite element model of the skull is created starting with a CT scan data. All complexities of the skull geometry, including bones and muscles forming the skeletal structure is considered for creating the numerical model. This numerical model is then subjected to frontal, lateral. vertical, occlusal and angulated impact load. Impact analysis is done and weak areas susceptible for fracture and hence failures are identified. Further implants of various designs and materials used in craniofacial fracture fixations are placed in different fracture situations in the virtual model and subjected to different impact load conditions. This will enable the study of fracture and stability of the fracture of the skull under cranio-facial fracture conditions. The results from the analysis then can be used to come up with optimum locations of implant for different type of impact situations. This is expected to complement the existing treatment methodologies used by surgeons and amount of trauma and pain on the patient can be reduced. Further, appropriate knowledge of fracture biomechanics can be used to create safety measures in automobile designing hence preventing and reducing severity of facial injuries. Designing guards to sport helmets can reduce the intensity of facial injuries in sport accidents.