Numerical and experimental analyses of drills used in osteosynthesis

This paper presents the results of numerical analysis and experimental studies of the process of bone drilling using drills applied in osteosynthesis procedures. In the studies, two surgical drills with a diameter d = 4.5 mm and varying in drill point geometry 2κ were used. Thermal analysis based on FEM allowed determining the distribution of temperatures generated in the bone as a function of rotational speed of the drill. The results indicate that both drill point geometry and rotational speed of the drill have influence on temperatures generated in bone tissue. Additionally, the range was determined for possible values of rotational speed, which does not initiate the process of thermal necrosis of bone. The experimental studies of the process of drilling in a femur model showed the impact of drill point geometry on the values describing the cutting process. It was concluded that the highest values of torques and axial forces during cutting occur in the tools with angle 2κ₂ = 120°.