Stress Distribution in Human Zygomatic Pillar Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

This paper aimed to analyze stress distribution in human zygomatic pillar during masseter muscle contraction using three-dimensional finite element analysis. A three-dimensional model and hemi facial skull were produced based on CT-scan data. An adult male skull with structural anatomy integrity was used as model. Muscles forces were applied at origin of elevator muscles and supports was applied at the occlusal surfaces at first and second molars to simulate a masticatory load and stimulate the zygomatic pillar. Supports were applied to the occlusal contacts. Symmetry conditions were placed at the mid-sagittal plane. For the top and back cutting plane, constraints were used. Equivalent Von-Mises Stress and Maximum Principal Stress analysis were performed from the stress fields along the zygomatic pillar. It was represented by stress concentration at the alveolar process, zygomatic bone, frontal and temporal process of zygomatic bone and superciliary arch. Stress line indicates distribution of stress from maxilla toward the frontal and temporal bone. The stresses occurred due to resultant occlusal forces is mainly supported by the zygomatic bone, non-uniformly distributed and predominantly through the zygomatic pillar. This study contributed to better understanding of stress distribution in zygomatic pillar to understand the influence of chewing on zygomatic pillar morphology and also be useful for clinical practice.

Sexual Dimorphism and Population Affinity in the Human Zygomatic Structure—Comparing Surface to Outline Data

“…A popular way to analyze the biomechanics of the human masticatory apparatus is Finite Element Analysis (FEA) (Röhrle & Pullan, ; Davis et al, ; Wroe et al, ; Prado et al, ). Prado et al () performed FEA of the human zygomatic pillar.…”

“…A popular way to analyze the biomechanics of the human masticatory apparatus is Finite Element Analysis (FEA) (Röhrle & Pullan, ; Davis et al, ; Wroe et al, ; Prado et al, ). Prado et al () performed FEA of the human zygomatic pillar. Their results show that the lateral orbital rim is particularly subjected to physical stress, which is interesting when looking at the shape differences due to population affinity found in our study: The Chinese mean shape is clearly more pronounced in this region which could result from stronger strains and stresses applied here than in Europeans (Fig.…”

“…The zygomatic bone is part of most methods concerning the determination of sex and ancestry (Steyn & Iscan, ; Oskam et al, ; Sholts et al, ; Fortes de Oliveira et al, ; Sholts & Wärmländer, ; Abdel Fatah et al, ). It is an essential part of the masticatory apparatus and hence subject to strains and stresses induced by the masticatory muscles (Kupczik et al, ; Röhrle & Pullan, ; Davis et al, ; Wroe et al, ; Prado et al, ; Smith et al, ). Diet, climate and population history have been shown to influence the shape of the zygomatic bone (González‐José et al, ; von Cramon‐Taubadel, ; Paschetta et al, ; von Cramon‐Taubadel, ; von Cramon‐Taubadel, ; Noback & Harvati, ).…”

Computer Graphics Applied to Anatomy: A Study of two Bio-CAD Modeling Methods on Finite Element Analysis of Human Edentulous Hemi-Mandible

“…However, when these computer methods are applied to the biological models, the correct morphological characteristics must be carefully worked, as these structures have a direct relation between form and function (Panagiotopoulou). Thus, methods of modeling that affects significantly the real structural morphology can results in incorrect computational simulations (Prado et al, 2013;Freire et al, 2014).…”

Generation of 3D Tooth Models Based on Three-dimensional Scanning to Study the Morphology of Permanent Teeth

“…It also allows rotation, fade in/fade out, cursor movements that reveal structures, etc. The versatility of these virtual models allows data exportation in other extension type, which enables communication with numerical simulation software, e.g., finite element analysis (Prado et al, 2013;Freire et al, 2014;Rossi et al, 2014) and biomechanical analysis (Soares et al, 2013). Thus, it can also be used in several classes at a dental school such as dental anatomy.…”