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Computational modelling of patient specific spring assisted lambdoid craniosynostosis correction
Selim Bozkurt1,2, Alessandro Borghi3,4, Lara S van de Lande3,4
1Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK. s.bozkurt@ucl.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|October 30, 2020
Summary
This study developed a finite element model to simulate spring-assisted cranioplasty for lambdoid craniosynostosis (LC). This computational model aims to optimize surgical planning and improve aesthetic outcomes for LC patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Biology
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Lambdoid craniosynostosis (LC) involves premature fusion of lambdoid sutures, causing skull asymmetry.
- Current surgical correction, spring-assisted cranioplasty, often yields suboptimal aesthetic results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a parametric finite element (FE) model of LC skulls.
- To simulate spring-assisted cranioplasty for LC.
- To provide a tool for optimizing surgical planning and improving outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Reconstructed skull geometries from pre-operative CT scans of three LC patients.
- Simulated pre-operative skull growth and post-operative healing using MSC Marc.
- Modeled osteotomies and spring implantation to replicate surgical expansion.
Main Results:
- Developed a FE model capable of simulating spring-assisted cranioplasty in LC.
- FE models showed surface deviations within ±5 mm compared to post-operative CT reconstructions.
- The simulation successfully replicated the effects of spring forces on skull expansion.
Conclusions:
- Replicating spring-assisted cranioplasty in FE models allows parameter tuning for surgical planning.
- This approach has the potential to enhance aesthetic outcomes in LC surgeries.
- FE modeling offers a promising avenue for optimizing craniofacial reconstructive surgery.
