Validation of interdependency between inner structure visualization and structural mechanics simulation

The interdependence of inner architecture of bone and its functional loading is one of the fundamental principles of Biomechanics. Our objective is to demonstrate this interdependence for the case of a human mandible by qualitative correspondences of a 3D-profile representing the organ's inner structure and simulated volumetric strain. We simulated a lateral bite on the leftmost premolar of a partially edentulous human mandible characterized by beginning atrophy of the alveolar ridge. By means of visualization techniques developed by the group, a volumetric profile of bone mineral density based on CT numbers could be given. We compared regions of elevated volumetric strain with regions of elevated tissue density and vice versa. Notably, dominant compression besides the biting tooth corresponds to the atrophied region there. Keywords: human mandible, finite element simulation, biomechanics, inner architecture of bone, inner structure visualization