Optimization of process parameters for drilled hole quality characteristics during cortical bone drilling using...

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Manufacturing Processes

Background:

• Orthopaedic surgery frequently requires bone drilling for fixation, posing risks of damage to bone tissue and nerves.
• Current mechanical drilling methods can impede healing and long-term bone joint viability.
• Minimizing drilling-induced damage is crucial for sustainable orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize bone drilling parameters for enhanced orthopaedic surgery.
• To investigate the impact of rotational speed, feed rate, and tool type on drilling outcomes.
• To minimize surface roughness and maximize material removal rate during bone drilling.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Taguchi optimization methodology to analyze drilling parameters at three distinct levels.
• Conducted confirmation experiments to validate optimized parameters and assess results within a confidence interval.
• Employed Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for micro-level analysis of bone damage.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal settings for rotational speed, feed rate, and tool type to reduce bone damage.
• Quantified improvements in surface integrity and material removal rate.
• SEM analysis provided detailed insights into the microstructural effects of drilling on bone tissue.

Conclusions:

• Optimized drilling parameters significantly reduce damage to bone tissue during orthopaedic procedures.
• The study provides a framework for sustainable bone drilling techniques.
• Findings contribute to improving patient recovery and long-term implant success in orthopaedic surgery.