Validation of a finite element model of pediatric patient-specific mandible

A finite element (FE) model of pediatric patient-specific mandible is presented as a component of craniofacial surgery planning to predict more precisely the complex biomechanical reactions under mechanical loading. Such model needs to be validated prior to application. The FE model validation, however, is a challenge since invasive tests and measurements on a pediatric patient are prohibited. This study developed a procedure to partially validate a FE model of a pediatric patient-specific mandible. An experimental study was carried out under various loading conditions using an acrylic model of the mandible and skull. The model was created using a rapid prototyping technique based on clinically available patient-specific CT data. A comparison between experimental and numerical data was performed to evaluate the validity of the FE model. The measured strains were in good agreement with the computed strains; the correlation coefficient between measured and computed strain values was 0.9968.