Author:

Keywords:

computer-aided biomedical engineering

Abstract:

© 2005 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. The design of a personalized implant with enhanced functionality for a specific clinical problem, i.e. the reconstruction of weight-bearing bones after tumor resection surgery, is described. First, the shape of the new implant was determined using CT-scan data and strength calculations combined with material considerations. It was shown that a thin preformed titanium shell fitted on the periosteal surface of the bone and fixed with small screws provided sufficient strength for bone reconstruction in weight-bearing applications. Experimental tests were performed to determine the membrane thickness, the surface macro-structure, and the number and diameter of screws required to fix the implant to the bone, taking into account the loads acting on the bone during normal daily activities. Then, the bone-implant system was biomechanically evaluated by finite element analysis. Finally, a personalized titanium membrane was applied for the reconstruction of a distal femur after en-bloc resection of a juxta-cortical chondroma. This clinical application shows the feasibility of this new implant as well as its advantages towards the classical reconstruction methods. Future research will focus on the expansion of titanium membranes as reconstruction devices for bone to other applications in the field of bone reconstructive surgery, e.g. large bone defects (scaffolding), acetabular reconstructions or re-enforcement of osteoporotic bone, resulting in a more automated image based design and production process.