Finite element (FE) modeling of the mandible: from geometric model to tetrahedral volumetric mesh.
This paper presents our experience in using FE modeling of clinically relevant cases specifically in mandibular surgery. A semi-automatic procedure integrated with a group of Virtual Basic-based codes has been developed to clean the geometric models. Consequently, the time required for generate the tetrahedral volumetric mesh of mandible from patient-specific CT data has been reduced to less than 40 hours. Pre- and post-operation FE meshes are shown to be consistent and can be used for further modeling and analysis.
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA.
Linping
L
Zhao
H
H
Han
P K
PK
Patel
G E O
GE
Widera
G F
GF
Harris
D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D019186:Mandibular Advancement; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012984:Software; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014584:User-Computer Interface