Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
adequately reproduces the mechanical behavior of the mandible and is essential for
predicting biomechanical changes in the mandible and long-term failure.
4
Results and Discussion: Stiffness and Screw Distributions
Within this study we compared the behavior of an intact mandible and one implanted
with a TMJ, assessing the displacements and strain distributions on the external
mandible surface. We also analyzed the influence of screws. Strain distribution is
important because the implant fixation is a critical factor for its success [
13
,
59
].
Figure
15
represents displacement in the z direction for the intact mandible and
the one with a TMJ implant. Overall, the results evidence a non-symmetrical
mechanical behavior for both the intact and implanted mandibles. However, the
implanted mandible provoked a more pronounced symmetrical behavior in the z
direction. The TMJ implanted on the left condyle influences the behavior of the
right condyle. A 10% difference in maximum displacement was observed in the
opposite condyle.
On the left condyle, where the implant was placed, maximum displacement was
observed for the TMJ implant (3.20 mm) compared with the intact situation which
was (3.16 mm). The difference on this condyle was around 5%, due to the rigidity
of the implant. Implant stiffness is an important factor for condyle mobility.
It was observed that the x displacements were not significantly affected by the
implant. Displacements in the x direction were similar for TMJ implant and the
intact mandible. The displacement distributions were symmetrical for all simulated
cases.
Fig. 15
Comparative displacement on intact and implanted mandible in z direction
