Mechanical properties evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis with new titanium-nickel memory alloy: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: Ni-Ti memory alloys are unusual materials for hard-tissue replacement because of their unique superelasticity, good biocompatibility, high strength, low specific gravity, low magnetism, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The current study aims to evaluate its mechanical properties and provide biomechanical basis for the clinical application of the prosthesis. METHODS: Ten adult metacarpophalangeal joint specimens were randomly divided into a prosthesis group (n = 5, underwent metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis) and a control group (n = 5, underwent sham operation). Firstly, the axial compression strength was tested with BOSE material testing machine to evaluate its biomechanical strength. Secondly, these specimens were tested for strain changes using BOSE material testing machine and GOM non-contact optical strain measurement system to evaluate the stress changes. Thirdly, fatigue test was performed between groups. Lastly, the mechanical wear of the metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis was tested with ETK5510 material testing machine to study its mechanical properties. RESULTS: Axial compression stiffness in the prosthesis group was greater than that in the control group in terms of 30 ° and 60 ° flexion positions (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups with regards to axial compression stiffness and stress change test (P > 0.05). In the fatigue wear test, the mean mass loss in the prosthesis group's prosthesis was 17.2 mg and 17.619 mm3, respectively. The mean volume wear rate was 0.12%. There was no statistically significant difference in the maximum pull-out force of the metacarpal, phalangeal, and polymer polyethylene pads between the prosthesis group and the control group specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Ni-Ti memory alloy metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis conforms to the biomechanical characteristics of metacarpophalangeal joints without implants, and the fatigue strength can fully meet the needs of metacarpophalangeal joint activities after joint replacement.

Mutation in SSUH2 Causes Autosomal-Dominant Dentin Dysplasia Type I.

Dentin dysplasia type I (DDI) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder resulting from dentin defects. The molecular basis of DDI remains unclear. DDI exhibits unique characteristics with phenotypes featuring obliteration of pulp chambers and diminutive root, thus providing a useful model for understanding the genetics of tooth formation. Using a large Chinese family with 14 DDI patients, we mapped the gene locus responsible for DDI to 3p26.1-3p24.3 and further identified a missense mutation, c.353C>A (p.P118Q) in the SSUH2 gene on 3p26.1, which co-segregated with DDI. We showed that SSUH2 (p.P118Q) perturbed the structure and significantly reduced levels of mutant (MT) protein and mRNA compared with wild-type SSUH2. Furthermore, MT P141Q knock-in mice (+/- and -/-) had a unique partial obliteration of the pulp cavity and upregulation or downregulation of six major genes involved in odontogenesis: Dspp, Dmp1, Runx2, Pax9, Bmp2, and Dlx2. The phenotype of missing teeth was determined in zebrafish with morpholino gene knockdowns and rescued by injection of normal human mRNA. Taken together, our observations demonstrate that SSUH2 disrupts dental formation and that this novel gene, together with other odontogenesis genes, is involved in tooth development.

Treatment planning of implants when 3 mandibular posterior teeth are missing: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the biomechanics of 3 designs of implant treatment for 3 teeth missing in posterior low arch quadrants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A posterior portion of the human mandible missing 44, 45, 46 and three 4.1 × 10 mm threaded ITI implants with crowns were used to construct the finite element model. According to 3 implants being single, splinted or 2 implants support fixed partial denture (FPD) fixed in bone segments. Three implant support conditions were prepared with ANSYS 10.0. A load of 100 N was applied at the central fossa of the occlusal surfaces of the crowns at 45 degrees buccolingually along the triangular ridge of the buccal cusp. The von Mises stress and strain distributions in periimplant bone were observed. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the von Mises stress in the supporting bone of the 2-implant supported FPD significantly increased compared with that in the 3-implant replacement. Meanwhile, when 3 implants were splinted, only the median implant had a decreased and more homogenous stress distribution, and the other implants did not exhibit significant differences when splinted. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that when space and cost permit, a 2-implant supported FPD should not be used, and 1 implant for each missing tooth being single is recommended.

Biomechanical effect of vertebroplasty on the adjacent intervertebral levels using a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical effect of different volume, distribution and leakage to adjacent disc of bone cement on the adjacent vertebral body by three-dimensional osteoporosis finite element model of lumbar. METHODS: L(4)-L(5) motion segment data of the cadaver of an old man who had no abnormal findings on roentgenograms were obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans. Three-dimensional model of L(4)-L(5) was established with Mimics software, and finite element model of L(4)-L(5) functional spinal unit (FSU) was established by Ansys 7.0 software. The effect of different loading conditions and distribution of bone cement after vertebroplasty on the adjacent vertebral body was investigated. RESULTS: This study presented a validated finite element model of L(4)-L(5) FSU with a simulated vertebroplasty augmentation to predict stresses and strains of adjacent untreated vertebral bodies. The findings from this FSU study suggested the endplate and disc stress of the adjacent vertebral body was not influenced by filling volume of bone cement but unipedicle injection and leakage to the disc of bone cement could concentrate the stress of adjacent endplate. CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetric distributions and leakage of cement into intervertebral disc can improve the stress of endplate in adjacent vertebral body. These results suggest that optimal biomechanical configuration should have symmetric placement and avoid leakage of cement in operation.

Construction of Finite Element Model for an Artificial Atlanto-Odontoid Joint Replacement and Analysis of Its Biomechanical Properties.

AIM: To investigate the stress distribution on artificial atlantoaxial-odontoid joint (AAOJ) components during flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation of AAOJ model constructed with the finite element (FE) method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human cadaver specimens of normal AAOJ were CT scanned with 1 mm -thickness and transferred into Mimics software to reconstruct the three-dimensional models of AAOJ. These data were imported into Freeform software to place a AAOJ into a atlantoaxial model. With Ansys software, a geometric model of AAOJ was built. Perpendicular downward pressure of 40 N was applied to simulate gravity of a skull, then 1.53 N• m torque was exerted separately to simulate the range of motion of the model. RESULTS: An FE model of atlantoaxial joint after AAOJ replacement was constructed with a total of 103 053 units and 26 324 nodes. In flexion, extension, right lateral bending and right rotation, the AAOJ displacement was 1.109 mm, 3.31 mm, 0.528 mm, and 9.678 mm, respectively, and the range of motion was 1.6°, 5.1°, 4.6° and 22°. CONCLUSION: During all ROM, stress distribution of atlas-axis changed after AAOJ replacement indicating that AAOJ can offload stress. The stress distribution in the AAOJ can be successfully analyzed with the FE method.

[Finite element analysis of shape memory alloy intrasegmental fixator for lumbar spondylolysis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the tensile strength of shape memory alloy intrasegmental fixator and tensile stress distribution in the device during force loading with finite element method (FEM). METHODS: The designed parameters, scanning image, and mechanical properties of shape memory alloy intrasegmental fixator were input into computer for the construction of the FEM model of the device in inherent coordinate of ANSYS. The model was extended with restriction in different parts, and the tensile strength and the distribution of tensile stress in the model was calculated. RESULTS: When the device was loaded with pulling force to induce a relative displacement of 2 mm between the 2 hooks along the two midpoints, the pull was about 281 N, and the tensile stress concentrated more on the middle of device than on the two sides. CONCLUSION: The shape memory alloy intrasegmental fixator is strong enough against tensile stress, which concentrates in the middle portion of the device where fatigue breakage is liable to occur when excessive force is loaded.

[Reconstruction of the mandibular model using a three-dimensional laser scanner].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a three-dimensional (3D) mandibular model using a 3D laser scanner, and explore a new method for reconstructing the finite element geometry model. METHODS: A mandible specimen was scanned with the 3D laser scanner to form the point clouds of the mandibular surface, which were subsequently aligned for reconstruction of the mandibular model. RESULT: A 3D model of the mandible surface was reconstructed, which could be used for finite element simulation. CONCLUSION: The 3D laser scanning system can be used to reconstruct the 3D model with irregular geometry for finite element simulation.

[Influence of bone quality on the stress distribution for three-posterior immediately loaded implants: a three-dimensional finite element analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the peri-implant stress distribution of three posterior implants under immediate loading with 4 different bone qualities using three dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis. METHODS: A 3D finite element model representing three implants in a portion of mandible at the 654 region was developed, and three implants received a crown each. Four types of bone qualities (B1, B2, B3 and B4) were designed for the model. Load of 100 N was applied on the occlusal surfaces of the crowns at a 45° angle to the vertical axis of the implants. RESULTS: Von Mises stresses in the peri-implant bone of 4 in bone quality from B1 to B4 were (13.17 ± 9.32), (12.95 ± 9.14), (15.00 ± 9.44), and (16.81 ± 10.74) MPa, and those of 5 were (15.51 ± 10.32), (14.73 ± 8.96), (16.79 ± 8.40), and (18.34 ± 8.45) MPa. Stress in bone quality B4 showed the highest value, followed by B3 bone, the lowest stress were found in B1 and B2 bone. It was significantly different (P < 0.05). However, von Mises stresses in different quality of bone around 6 [(42.45 ± 25.71), (41.66 ± 25.29), (42.70 ± 23.24), (42.06 ± 23.66) MPa] were close to each other, and were as twice or three times as those of 4 and 5, irrespective of different bone qualities. CONCLUSIONS: The stress distribution around implant under immediate loading was not only affected by different bone qualities, but also by the direction of loading, and the latter may have a greater impact when a severe load delivered.

[Balloon inflating and cement filling for treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a three-dimensional infinite-element study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biomechanical changes of balloon inflating and cement filling in avascular necrosis of the femoral head using finite-element analysis. METHODS: The procedure of percutaneous balloon inflating and cement filling was simulated in fresh specimen of human femoral head. CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction were used to establish the three-dimensional model of the femoral head. The physiological load was analyzed using three-dimensional finite element model to simulate the load and calculate stress on the hip during walking. Finite element analysis was performed on the avascular necrosis model and balloon inflating and bone cement filling model to measure the Von-Mises force at the top, neck and weight-bearing area of the femoral head. Another 8 fresh specimens of femoral head necrosis of human were obtained to stimulate balloon inflating and bone cement filling procedures, and the displacement of the femoral head under different loads was recorded before and after the procedures. RESULTS: After bone cement filling in the necrosis area, the load reduced significantly in the weight-bearing area of the femoral head, and the load distribution became more uniform at the femoral neck and the top of the head. The anti-deformation ability of the necrosis femoral head increased after bone cement filling. The infinite-element analysis and specimen biomedical test showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous balloon inflating and bone cement filling in the necrosis area can change the biomechanics mechanism of the femoral head and neck, improve the supporting capacity under load, and prevent the progression of head collapse.

[A three dimensional finite element study on stress distribution in maxillary central incisor restored with fiber post].

OBJECTIVE: To study the stress changes of maxillary central incisor restored with or without fiber post using three dimensional finite element method, and analysis the role of fiber post in determining the stress distribution in dentin. METHODS: Three dimensional finite element models of maxillary central incisor with various remaining tooth structure were established by spiral CT, Mimics software and ANSYS software. Test samples were restored with all-ceramic crown and fiber post all-ceramic crown, respectively. The von Mises stress and maximal tensile stress of dentin were recorded. RESULTS: The stress level in dentin of maxillary central incisor restored with fiber post all-ceramic crown was smaller than that restored with all-ceramic crown, the stress distribution of both were similar. CONCLUSION: The apply of fiber post can reduce the stress level in dentin of maxillary central incisor and decrease the risk of tooth breakage, but not change the stress pattern.