Role of Finite Element Analysis in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - A Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Maxillofacial surgeries vary from simple tooth extraction to maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. The intricate anatomy of the facial bones and complex vital structures surrounding them makes it challenging for the surgical teams to perform complex surgeries. With the rapid change in technology and modern advancement in virtual surgeries, there is a leap towards improvement in healthcare. To study biomechanical properties, it is imperative to include the principles of physical science in the field of medicine. In recent times, Finite element analysis (FEA) has become a useful tool to study the biomechanical properties of craniofacial structures under different mechanical parameters. Since the human structure's biomechanics is not possible to study on an experimental basis, finite element analysis has become an emerging tool to solve these complex biomechanical equations. The finite element method uses a numerical calculation of small heterogeneous geometry into the simple linear equation and predicts biomechanical responses towards each variation. Although used extensively in engineering, this method finds extensive use in the medical field, from planning surgeries to design external prosthesis. This method's most significant advantage includes studying a model outside the body, designing an idle surgical instrument and hardware, models that can be replicated based on user requirements, no ethical consideration needed, and print prosthesis that exactly resembles a typical anatomical structure. This method has certain limitations: high cost, technical flaws, and inability to replicate exact clinical conditions. This review article covers the current FEA scope in maxillofacial surgeries, steps in planning surgeries, advantages, disadvantages and the modifications needed to refine it for future research. KEYWORDS Finite Element Analysis, Craniomaxillofacial Trauma, Orthognathic Surgery, FEA