title: An optimization algorithm for individualized biomechanical analysis and simulation of tibia fractures.
abstract: An algorithmic strategy to determine the minimal fusion area of a tibia pseudarthrosis to achieve mechanical stability is presented. For this purpose, a workflow capable for implementation into clinical routine workup of tibia pseudarthrosis was developed using visual computing algorithms for image segmentation, that is a coarsening protocol to reduce computational effort resulting in an individualized volume-mesh based on computed tomography data. An algorithm detecting the minimal amount of fracture union necessary to allow physiological loading without subjecting the implant to stresses and strains that might result in implant failure is developed. The feasibility of the algorithm in terms of computational effort is demonstrated. Numerical finite element simulations show that the minimal fusion area of a tibia pseudarthrosis can be less than 90% of the full circumferential area given a defined maximal von Mises stress in the implant of 80% of the total stress arising in a complete pseudarthrosis of the tibia.
authors.affiliation: Saarland University, Chair of Applied Mechanics, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. Electronic address: m.roland@mx.uni-saarland.de.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roland
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Sportstraumatology Cologne Merheim Medical Center, Chair of University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr. 200, D-51109 Cologne, Germany. Electronic address: TjardesT@kliniken-koeln.de.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tjardes
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Sportstraumatology Cologne Merheim Medical Center, Chair of University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr. 200, D-51109 Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Otchwemah
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Sportstraumatology Cologne Merheim Medical Center, Chair of University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr. 200, D-51109 Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bouillon
authors.affiliation: Saarland University, Chair of Applied Mechanics, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Diebels
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013977:Tibia / Q000503:physiopathology; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Finite element method (FEM); Fractured tibia with implant; Medical image segmentation; Optimization algorithm; Patient-specific simulations