On the level of computational model of a human skull: A comparative study

Abstract

In this study, different patient-specific computational models of the skull, which are often used in literature, were investigated, analysed and compared. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the differences in computational model creation and results in case different computational models based on same computed tomography (CT) dataset are used. The selection of computational model directly influences the values of investigated parameters. The effort is to demonstrate, how the selection of the computational model influences the results of biomechanically relevant parameters. The comparison was based on total displacement of the skull and von Mises strain investigated around predefined paths around the skull. The strain values were evaluated according to criterion from literature. The results were obtained using finite element method. The values of the displacement of the skull were higher in case of considering cancellous bone tissue due to its poor material properties or heterogeneous material properties. The same situation occurred during the evaluation of strain. The values were higher in models which include cancellous bone tissue in the structure.

Beneficial osseointegration effect of hydroxyapatite coating on cranial implant – FEM investigation

“…This assumption presents a simplification as compared to the real materials. However, it is a rather standard practice for modeling the implants [2,12,36]. The HA thin layer has not been commonly modeled in cranial implantology, so samples with this layer were sprayed and analyzed to obtain relevant input values.…”

“…The force was applied to a small circular area in the center part of the implant (denoted as red regions in Fig 2C). All analyzed models were fixed at the bottom side of the modelled part of the cranium [36].…”

Topographical mapping of the mechanical characteristics of the human neurocranium considering the role of individual layers

“…The human neurocranium forms a three-layered composite consisting of two compact tables that enclose the cancellous diploë in a sandwich-like manner 4 . In contemporary finite element models, the diploë is either neglected or represented in an oversimplified manner due to the lacking or controversial material properties that are available in the scientific literature 5 . Previous research regarding the load-deformation behavior of the human neurocranium mainly focused on full-thickness composites 6 – 17 .…”

Computational Modeling of Skull Bone Structures and Simulation of Skull Fractures Using the YEAHM Head Model

“…Other skull models have been developed for particular studies, studying very specific subjects, different from the works mentioned above that comprise the entire head structure. Chamrad et al [ 33 ] reviewed different ways to model the human skull and concluded that the skull model must have both types of bone. Additionally, the case of cortical bone modeled with shell element-layers filled with solid elements that represent trabecular bone tissue, it was found to be less precise and feasible than modeling it with solid elements.…”

“…Additionally, the case of cortical bone modeled with shell element-layers filled with solid elements that represent trabecular bone tissue, it was found to be less precise and feasible than modeling it with solid elements. Chamrad et al [ 33 ] also compared different cortical thicknesses, 1 and 2 mm, and better results were achieved with the thinner cortical layers. Nevertheless, the response might have been influenced by the simply linear-elastic material models employed.…”