Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 19
Principal strain
distribution near the TMJ
screws
TMJ implant
8000
6000
4000
2000
Minimum strain
0
Maximum strain
−
2000
−
4000
−
6000
1 screw
2 screw
3 screw
4 screw
−
8000
hypotrophy to the bone, a strain higher than 4,000
strain is required according
to Roberts et al. [
60
], therefore it is expected that there will be bone growth or
hypotrophy on the first and last screws. To reduce the strains near these screws
more screws will need to be applied in the first part of TMJ implant (for example
parallel to the first screws). With this process, it will be possible to reduce strain and
promote the bone maintenance process. For the second and third screws, the strains
are below the hypotrophy limit presented by Roberts et al. [
60
] and then the bone
may grow.
This study proved that FE models can reproduce important information for TMJ
implant design. The knowledge obtained within this study provides a good basis
for other studies that can be performed with real bones for further development of
standardized FE pre-clinical tests for TMJ implants. Rigidity and structural integrity
of the implant are key issues to be observed.
5
Conclusions
This study proved that FE models can produce important information for TMJ
implant design. The knowledge obtained within this study provides a good basis for
further analyses that have to be performed with real bone characteristics to develop
standardized FE pre-clinical tests for TMJ implants. Rigidity and structural integrity
of the implant are key issues that can be observed.
