Optimizing surgical efficiency by designing lightweight skull-PSI assemblies and curved fixture plates for cranial reconstruction using FEA

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Prashant, J, Anirudh, K, Naveen, D, Aparna, G, Vipin, G, Yvonne, R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6733-605X, Philip, B ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1006-0942 and Mamta, J, 2024. Optimizing surgical efficiency by designing lightweight skull-PSI assemblies and curved fixture plates for cranial reconstruction using FEA. Journal of Materials: Design and Applications. ISSN 1464-4207 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

Cranial reconstruction using implants is critical for protecting intracranial structures and restoring cerebral hemodynamics in cases of cranial defects caused during accidents, diseases, or cancer. Patient-specific implants(PSIs), made from materials such as polyether-ether-ketone(PEEK), are desired to be lightweight, high in strength and capable of mimicking the natural bone structure. Effective fastening mechanisms using the required number of fixture plates are essential for seamless integration between the PSI and the cavity of a defected skull for successful cranial reconstruction. This study explores the optimal number and shape of fixture plates required to join a Skull-PSI assembly, such that the overall weight of the PSI remains minimal, and this assembly does not fail when subjected to heavy external loads of 950N. PEEK material was used for PSI, natural bone for the defected skull and Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) for the fixture plates. Conventional straight shaped fixture plates often require manual bending for proper fitment on the Skull-PSI curved surface, which increases a surgeon's time and effort. Curved shaped fixture plates were designed, to save on this time and effort, and enhance the contact surface area with the Skull-PSI surface. Four, three and two numbered, straight and curved shaped fixture plates were investigated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques. Three numbered, curved shaped fixture plates were found to be optimal, to generate a 7-gram lightweight PSI that could successfully sustain external loads up-to 950N without failure.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Journal of Materials: Design and Applications
Creators:	Prashant, J., Anirudh, K., Naveen, D., Aparna, G., Vipin, G., Yvonne, R., Philip, B. and Mamta, J.
Publisher:	Sage
Date:	18 December 2024
ISSN:	1464-4207
Identifiers:	Number Type 2328356 Other
Rights:	This is the Accepted Manuscript and any re-use terms are restricted to non-commercial and no derivative uses.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	18 Dec 2024 15:22
Last Modified:	18 Dec 2024 15:22
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/52738