Subject-specific Anatomical and Finite Element Modeling of Mandible

Abstract

<p>This presentation discusses development of a subject-specific mandibular three-dimensional (3D) model -consisting of cortical bone, cancellous bone, cartilage, and teeth -from medical images. To understand the interaction of form and function, finite element analyses (FEA) of the model were performed under four loading conditions -1.Balanced loading, 2.Unbalanced loading, 3.Teeth grinding, and 4.Clenching -using bite forces and masticatory muscle forces independently. Three FEA simulations for each loading condition were performed and maximum von Mises stresses in the condylar fibrocartilage were noted. During statistical analysis -means comparison using Tukey-Kramer HSD -the maximum von Mises stresses developed in the condylar fibrocartilage during teeth grinding and clenching were found significantly different (pvalue <0.0001 at &#945; = 0.05) and higher than during balanced loading for bite as well as muscle force simulations. However, the von Mises stresses developed in the condylar fibrocartilage during unbalanced loading were not significantly different (at &#945; =0.05, pvalue = 0.4386 and 0.1967 for bite force and muscle force simulations, respectively) than during balanced loading. This suggests that the higher stresses developed in the condylar fibrocartilage during teeth grinding and clenching may lead to and/or worsen the temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>