Using 3D Image Based Inspection and Simulation Methods for Computational Modeling and Analysis of Patient-Specific Orthopedic Joints and Implants

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Biomechanics research has a significant role on evaluation and optimization of surgical techniques for treatments of orthopedic and spine related disorders. Traditionally mechanical testing and Ex Vivo experiments have been used for assessment of surgical procedures. Also, computational modeling methods such as Finite Element analysis has been utilized for assessment of the effect of implant design or variation on the surgical setting on the outcomes of the procedures. However, with the advancement in manufacturing technology now we can design advanced structures which benefit from unique and sophisticated design features to match requirements of biological environment and patient’s anatomy.  AM of metal parts is becoming more common as an alternative approach to transform traditional production manufacturing because it has many benefits, including the seemingly limitless degree of freedom for mechanical designs as well enabling the production of complex geometries and customized parts directly from the part design without dedicated tooling. 

One of the common applications of 3D printing of metals in orthopedics is patient specific implants (PSI) where the implant intended to replace part of the bone/joint is designed to match patient’s native anatomy. Computational modeling can be used as a reliable tool to optimize the design of such PSI constructs prior to the surgery. This presentation will focus on description of a novel method and workflow for simulation of the biomechanics of a patient specific orthopedic implant using image-based modeling technique.