Evaluation of bone excision effects on a human skull model - I: Mechanical testing and digital image correlation

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Trauma Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Skull impact biomechanics can be altered by surgical interventions like bone lesion removal.
• Consequences of these alterations on subsequent head trauma are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of bone excisions on human skull impact loading and strain response.
• To develop a novel method for assessing trauma in patients with skull defects.

Main Methods:

• Created 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene human skull models from clinical CT data.
• Simulated backward falls onto the occipital lobe using a drop tower.
• Recorded impacts with high-speed cameras and analyzed occipital strain using digital image correlation.

Main Results:

• Bone excisions did not change the magnitude or sequence of fracture patterns.
• Digital image correlation revealed a significant increase in strain (0.45%-16.4%) around excised areas.

Conclusions:

• Skull defects increase localized strain during impact, potentially affecting tissue response.
• This novel methodology can inform patient care, surgical planning, and trauma research.