Implementation of FEM and rapid prototyping in maxillofacial surgery

This paper investigates the opportunity of implementing FE simulations and rapid prototyping tecniques on titanium implant in maxillofacial surgery case based on osteotomy. Maxilla region was recorded by Cone Beam CT with high resolution and optimal radiation. Then, it followed the medical image reconstruction into 3D voxelized model. This model was converted both, to stl surface model for rapid prototyping, CAD modeling and FE mesh for simulation purposes with keeping good volume and dimensional consistency. Stl meshed surface was imported into CAD software, as initial 3d structure, which is used for parametric and customized design of implant. Since, the osteotomy is final application, it wassimulated the cutting and shifting of maxilla for proper correction by digital prototyping. Then, the fixation points for shifted maxilla were determined by surgeon to provide steady and tight joints between implanting screws and maxilla. Applied implant was given in initial standard flat configuration. Flat implant configuration was adapted by complex 3D bending in CAD software to be customized towards surface conformity of maxillofacial anatomy. By FE simulation in MSC Patran/Nastran, it was performed the stress analysis of implant with different thickness configurations and 3D bending, which provides the optimized implant model with best fit dimensions. Optimized implant model and corresponding body model were converted into physical models. RP model of maxilla was post-processed by cutting and boring to provide an adequate implant positioning according to digital prototypes. This approach facilitated the preparation of complex shaped implants in swept and lofted form, what had to be in high degree of conformity to anatomy surface. To approve a good practical opportunity, it was applied and tested in concrete surgery case of maxillofacial osteotomy.