Numerical and Experimental Models of the Mandible

This study aimed to validate a numerical model of an intact mandible for further development of a new TMJ implant. Numerical and experimental models of the biomechanics of the mandible were elaborated to characterize the human temporomandibular joint and to approach the development of a condyle implant. The model of the mandible was obtained through the use of a polymeric replica of a human cadaveric mandible and through 3D geometry acquisition. The three-dimensional finite element model was generated as a tetrahedral finite element mesh. The level of mesh refinement was established via a convergence test and a model with more than 50,000 degrees of freedom was required to obtain analysis accuracy. The functional loading cases included muscle loading in four different load boundary conditions. The same boundary conditions were applied to the experimental model. The strains were measured with an experimental procedure using electric resistance strain gauges applied on the external surface of the mandible. The mechanical response is shown and discussed in terms of strains, principal numerical and measured strains. This study proved that FE models of the mandible can reproduce experimental strains within an overall agreement of 10%. The FE models correctly reproduced bone strains under different load configurations and therefore can be used for the design of a novel TMJ implant considering other load configurations and bone mechanical properties.

[1]  I. Ichim,et al.  Functional significance of strain distribution in the human mandible under masticatory load: numerical predictions. , 2007, Archives of oral biology.

[2]  R. J. Melosh,et al.  Numerical tests for assessing finite element model convergence , 1987 .

[3]  Wei Li,et al.  Mechanical responses to orthodontic loading: a 3-dimensional finite element multi-tooth model. , 2009, American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics.

[4]  A. Hannam,et al.  Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis of the dentate human mandible. , 1992, American journal of physical anthropology.

[5]  V. Parthasarathy,et al.  A comparison of tetrahedron quality measures , 1994 .

[6]  B Stegenga,et al.  The Theoretical Optimal Center of Rotation for a Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis: A Three-dimensional Kinematic Study , 1999, Journal of dental research.

[7]  M Motoyoshi,et al.  Bone stress for a mini-implant close to the roots of adjacent teeth--3D finite element analysis. , 2009, International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

[8]  I. Abe,et al.  Plated and Intact Femur Strains in Fracture Fixation Using Fiber Bragg Gratings and Strain Gauges , 2007 .

[9]  P. Maurer,et al.  Finite-element-analysis of different screw-diameters in the sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible. , 1999, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

[10]  K Tanne,et al.  Stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint produced by orthopedic chincup forces applied in varying directions: a three-dimensional analytic approach with the finite element method. , 1996, American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics.

[11]  J. H. Koolstra.  Dynamics of the human masticatory system. , 2002, Critical reviews in oral biology and medicine : an official publication of the American Association of Oral Biologists.

[12]  J. Al-sukhun,et al.  Development of a three-dimensional finite element model of a human mandible containing endosseous dental implants. I. Mathematical validation and experimental verification. , 2007, Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A.

[13]  Guernsey Lh,et al.  Alloplastic reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint. , 1986, Dental clinics of North America.

[14]  K. E. Tanner,et al.  Strain measurement in biomechanics , 1992 .

[15]  Kazutaka Kasai,et al.  Stresses in mandibular cortical bone during mastication: biomechanical considerations using a three-dimensional finite element method. , 2002, Journal of oral science.

[16]  Alex Ballu,et al.  Numerical study of the mandible geometry influences using two different TMJ implants , 2009 .

[17]  W C Van Buskirk,et al.  Modeling the biomechanics of the mandible: a three-dimensional finite element study. , 1992, Journal of biomechanics.

[18]  Scott T. Lovald,et al.  Biomechanical optimization of bone plates used in rigid fixation of mandibular fractures. , 2009, Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

[19]  J. T. Curry,et al.  Use of the Christensen TMJ Fossa-Eminence Prosthesis System: a retrospective clinical study. , 2002, Surgical technology international.

[20]  H. F. Brinson,et al.  Resistance-foil strain-gage technology as applied to composite materials , 1984 .

[21]  P. Dechow,et al.  In vitro strain measurements in the condylar process of the human mandible. , 1994, Archives of oral biology.

[22]  R. Hensher,et al.  Total prosthetic replacement of the TMJ: experience with two systems 1988-1997. , 2000, The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery.

[23]  Alex Ballu,et al.  Biomechanical analysis comparing natural and alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement using a finite element model. , 2011, Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

[24]  V K Goel,et al.  Experimental validation of a finite element model of the temporomandibular joint. , 2001, Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

[25]  Douglas J Dingwerth,et al.  Comparison of 2 temporomandibular joint total joint prosthesis systems. , 2003, Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

[26]  I. Ichim,et al.  Mandibular Biomechanics and Development of the Human Chin , 2006, Journal of dental research.

[27]  D. Manfredini,et al.  Temporomandibular joint total replacement prosthesis: current knowledge and considerations for the future. , 2008, International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

[28]  L. Mercuri,et al.  Temporomandibular joint reconstruction. , 2009, The Alpha omegan.

[29]  C. C. Perry.  The resistance strain gage revisited , 1984 .

[30]  E. Little,et al.  Perspectives of strain measurement techniques , 1992 .

[31]  A Ramos,et al.  Tetrahedral versus hexahedral finite elements in numerical modelling of the proximal femur. , 2006, Medical engineering & physics.

[32]  Marco Viceconti,et al.  Comparison of uniaxial and triaxial rosette gages for strain measurement in the femur , 1997 .