In vivo evaluation of machining forces, torque, and bone quality during skull bone grinding

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Neurosurgical procedures often require bone grinding.
• Understanding the impact of grinding parameters on bone tissue is crucial for patient safety and healing.
• Current research lacks detailed analysis of specific parameter effects on bone integrity during grinding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of rotational speed, feed rate, and depth of cut on cutting forces and torque during skull bone grinding.
• To analyze the morphological changes in bone tissue post-grinding under varying parameters.
• To identify optimal grinding parameters for minimizing bone damage and improving surgical efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a miniature grinding burr to perform bone grinding experiments on skull bone.
• Varied rotational speed (3 levels), feed rate (3 levels), and depth of cut (3 levels).
• Measured tangential force, thrust force, and torque; conducted morphological analysis (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and elemental mapping.

Main Results:

• Increased rotational speed decreased cutting forces and torque.
• Elevated feed rate and depth of cut increased cutting forces and torque.
• Optimal parameters for minimal forces: 55,000 r/min, 20 mm/min, 0.50 mm depth.
• Morphological analysis showed cracks, delamination, and cutting streaks at higher feed rates.

Conclusions:

• Parameter selection significantly influences bone grinding forces and bone tissue integrity.
• Specific parameter settings (55,000 r/min, 20 mm/min, 0.50 mm) minimize physical stress on bone.
• Findings provide valuable insights for neurosurgeons to optimize bone grinding techniques, potentially improving bone regeneration and surgical outcomes.