Session: 16-01-01: Government Agency Student Poster Competition

Paper Number: 149524

149524 - Systematic Procedure for Converting a Hollow 3d Surface Scan (3dss) to a Functional Solid Model for the Use in Finite Element Analysis 

This research is part of a broader initiative within the National Research Traineeship (NRT) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to further the development of “Human Centered Design and Manufacturing of Medical Devices and Implants”. The broader focus for this research revolves primarily around the design of patient specific titanium plates that will be manufactured using laser powder bed 3D printing. These plates are designed to be used on the radius bone after part of the bone has been harvested for maxillofacial or oromandibular reconstruction. The design of these plates will provide the patient with an effective solution to combat post-operative forearm fractures. The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap serves as a versatile donor site for various oromandibular and maxillofacial reconstruction surgeries. However, surgeons are hesitant to use this free flap as it has high donor site morbidity and post-operative radius bone fractures are common. The current solution utilizes standardized 3.5mm low-contact dynamic compression plates to stabilize the donor flap cavity. These plates have reduced the likelihood of post-operative fractures but have not eliminated the risk. The goal of our research is to improve upon the current design of these compression plates by employing the use of Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to better predict the fracture risk of these plates and use the simulations as a tool to inform more effective novel implant designs. Finite element analysis (FEA) of biological implants is an important tool for both design and manufacturing. In some cases, a 3D Surface Scan (3DSS) of bone or other irregular biological objects are the only option available for generating the model. However, currently there is no digital tool available to convert the 3DSS to a solid model usable for FEA, due to complex surface mesh and irregular surfaces created by the 3DSS. Part of the process to create a usable model involves numerous post process edits which can all influence the results from the FEA. Additionally, re-creating the internal micro-structure proves to be difficult as the scan generated is hollow and captures no internal geometric detail. In this presentation, a 3DSS of a radius bone was obtained. The hollow scan was post processed using 3D modeling software to produce a solid model that closely represents the radius bone external geometry and internal structure. The results of this study provide a comprehensive guide to processing a 3DSS to a functional finite element model. The results will allow future researchers the ability to produce accurate structural simulations of anatomical models without the need for real human bone specimens or access to medical imaging equipment.

Presenting Author: Michael Palmieri Arizona State University

Presenting Author Biography: My name is Michael Palmieri and I am a second year doctorate student at Arizona State University's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department. I am currently researching under the National Science Foundation's, Research Traineeship Program (NRT) with a focus on human centered biomedical design and manufacturing. Specifically, I am trying to advance our understanding on additively manufactured orthopedic implants. I graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Physics.

Authors:

Michael Palmieri Arizona State University
Leila Ladani Arizona State University