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Development of a three‐dimensional finite element model of a human mandible containing endosseous dental implants. I. Mathematical validation and experimental verification
Author(s) -
AlSukhun Jehad,
Kelleway John,
Helenius Miia
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.30894
Subject(s) - finite element method , strain gauge , materials science , premolar , linear variable differential transformer , biomedical engineering , endosseous implants , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , structural engineering , orthodontics , implant , composite material , transformer , engineering , molar , surgery , medicine , botany , electrical engineering , distribution transformer , voltage , osseointegration , biology , genus
The purpose of this study was to mathematically validate and clinically verify a finite element model (FEM) of the human mandible and to compare the functional deformation predicted by the model with that detected clinically. Mandibular surface strain, using 11 single strain gauges, and medial convergence (MC), using a custom‐fabricated linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), were recorded in a dried human jaw. The mandible was treated with two endosseous implants, placed bilaterally in the premolar area, and mounted in a rig that simulated natural function of the jaw. Measurements were made in real time using a multichannel analogue/digital converter and a personal computer for data storage and analysis. A FEM of the mandible was constructed, using commercially available finite element software, based on CT scan images of the jaw. MC was predicted as the linear change in the orientation of the two implants in the horizontal plane. Predicted and measured values of MC ranged between 60 and 109 μm. The differences between the measured and predicted strain magnitudes were expressed as absolute percentages of the measured values and ranged between 3 and 18%. The limits of agreement between the predicted and measured strain values, as suggested by Bland and Altman (Lancet 1986; 1:307–310), were small enough for the predictions from the FEM to be considered clinically acceptable. The good agreement between the predicted and measured strain values indicates the accuracy of the present FEM. Finite element analysis is a powerful technique that provides a better insight into understanding the complex phenomena of mandibular functional deformation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007