How can the orientation of CT scanning undermine the biomechanical performance of the intact mandible? A finite element study

The bone structures present a complex geometry with non-homogenous mechanical properties. The geometric construction of these in vivo structures involves the computer tomography (CT scan) acquisition. The objective of this work was to analyse the influence of CT scanning and image acquisition of the geometry of the mandible and how it can undermine its biomechanical behaviour using finite element simulation. Two different orientations of CT scans were considered for the same mandible. For the finite element analysis models, six muscle forces (on each side) and three constraints were considered. The results showed that the orientation of scanning modifies the geometry of the mandible and changes the total volume around 21%. Since different strain distributions at the outer side surface of the mandible were observed. The assign properties according CT scan numbers in some regions charge the local behaviour.