A finite element head and neck model as a supportive tool for deformable image registration

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Computational Anatomy
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Accurate patient modeling is crucial for radiation oncology.
• Simulating realistic anatomical deformations is essential for deformable image registration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a finite element (FE) head and neck model.
• To create a tool for investigating deformable image registration and patient modeling in radiation oncology.

Main Methods:

• Constructed an FE model from cone-beam computed tomography images of a head and neck cancer patient.
• Integrated bony elements (skull, mandible, cervical spine) and joint elements into a skeletal system.
• Modeled bony and surrounding tissues as homogeneous linear elastic materials, using tetrahedral FE elements.

Main Results:

• Developed a FE head and neck model with mechanically connected skeletal elements.
• The model generates realistic, strain-free deformations for bony elements.
• Created new configurations of the skeletal system with reasonably deformed surrounding tissues.

Conclusions:

• The FE model accurately simulates realistic deformations in skeletal elements.
• Provides a method for evaluating image alignment accuracy through ground truth deformations and simulated images.
• Offers flexibility in simulating anatomical configurations using combined force and displacement conditions.