The Stress Concentration and Biomechanical Properties of the Intraoral Distractors and the Extraoral Distractors Used in Treatment of Hemifacial Microsomia Patients: A Simulation Finite Element Analysis Study

An Improved Finite Element Model of Temporomandibular Joint in Maxillofacial System: Experimental Validation

Finite element (FE) analysis has become a popular method of exploring the biomechanical characteristics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, the FE model should be improved and its reliability should be verified further. This study developed a complete maxillofacial model by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The integrity and physiological environment of TMJ were considered. Then the FE model and corresponding 3D printed model were developed and loaded under the same conditions. The strains on the mandible and upper surface of the left articular disc were measured on the experimental model and compared with the FE model. The differences of the strains on the mandible were less than 6%. The strain distributions on the disc were also approximate between the experimental and simulated results. It indicated that the strains calculated from the improved FE model were reliable on the mandible and inside the TMJ.

A 3-Dimensional finite element analysis of patient-specific implant (with strut abutments) interface on stress concentration on the implant and surrounding bone in bilateral maxillary deformities

Purpose

To determine the efficacy and longevity of patient-specific implants (PSIs) with strut abutment design to rehabilitate bilateral maxillectomy defect.

Materials and Methods

Finite Element Analysis was performed on a PSI with strut abutments to repair a patient's bilateral maxillectomy defect due to COVID associated mucormycosis.

Results

The von Mises stress recorded was maximum in the zygomaticomaxillary buttress region, and displacement values were noted to be highest in the posterior-most strut, although both parameters were within acceptable limits, which is favorable.

Conclusion

The authors draw the conclusion that a PSI with strut abutments is a workable therapeutic modality for patients with these kinds of abnormalities based on this information.