Numerical evaluation of sequential bone drilling strategies based on thermal damage

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Sequential bone drilling is crucial for joint fusion but generates significant heat.
• This heat accumulation can lead to thermal osteonecrosis and surgical complications.
• Current clinical practices often lack effective heat management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a 3D finite element model for simulating heat propagation during sequential bone drilling.
• To investigate the thermal effects of different drilling tools and parameters.
• To evaluate potential clinical solutions for mitigating thermally-induced bone damage.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 3D finite element model incorporating bone material properties and a necrosis criteria.
• Simulation of sequential drilling using Kirschner wires and twist drills.
• Experimental validation of bone temperature measurements.
• Finite element analysis of three heat reduction strategies: tool selection, time interval, and drilling sequence.

Main Results:

• Twist drills generate less heat than Kirschner wires, making them preferable.
• Shorter time intervals between drilling passes reduce overall heat exposure.
• Optimizing the drilling sequence can decrease thermal damage, though the effect may be limited.

Conclusions:

• The developed finite element model is a feasible tool for studying clinical issues related to bone drilling.
• Clinical strategies like using twist drills and adjusting drilling intervals can effectively reduce thermal osteonecrosis.
• This computational approach can inform the development of safer surgical techniques.