title: Towards predicting biomechanical consequences of jaw reconstruction.
abstract: We are developing dynamic computer models of surgical jaw reconstructions in order to determine the effect of altered musculoskeletal structure on the biomechanics of mastication. We aim to predict post-reconstruction deficits in jaw motion and force production. To support these research goals we have extended our biomechanics simulation toolkit, ArtiSynth [1], with new methods relevant to surgical planning. The principle features of ArtiSynth include simulation of constrained rigid-bodies, volume-preserving finite-element methods for deformable bodies, contact between bodies, and muscle models. We are adding model editing capabilities and muscle activation optimization to facilitate progress on post-surgical simulation. Our software and research directions are focused on upper-airway and cranio-facial anatomy, however the toolset and methodology are applicable to other musculoskeletal systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. stavness@ece.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stavness
authors.forename: Alan G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Hannam
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Sidney
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fels
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003201:Computers; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000502:physiology*; D008409:Mastication; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D012984:Software