CuraBone · Predictive models and simulations in bone regeneration: a multiscale patient-specific approach

Predictive models and simulations in bone regeneration: a multiscale patient-specific approach

Bone injuries generate high costs for the European health system. Currently different types of surgeries are conducted, depending on the fracture or bone deformation of the patient. Corrective surgeries are commonly used to improve patients' situation. Traditionally, the treatment relies on classical orthopaedic techniques, but nowadays it is possible to design and fabricate patient-specific implants. Also scaffolds – bone like structures replacing bone - can be printed easily with spongy structures. Thanks to the current advances in image-based technologies, the patients' bone shape can be replicated with a 3D-model and even 3D-printed. Using imaging techniques like CT or MRI helps to visualize the actual inner structures of a patient. Well-fitted 3D-models of implants or scaffolds can be designed directly on the patients' actual surface of his/her broken bone. Although, it is not possible to predict the outcome of different treatments (bone ingrowth into the implant, healing and regeneration). In fact, surgeons, clinical engineers and industry should develop the implant together to ensure the best outcome. CuraBone aimed to bridge the gap between research and Industry, focusing on three main orthopaedic applications: knee and shoulder joints and cranio-maxillofacial surgery and additionally evaluated different bioresorbable and non-resorbable scaffold solutions. To accomplish this aim, CuraBone has comprised three objectives. First, musculoskeletal patient-specific models were created. These models used individual patient data like bone geometries or muscle attachment locations to calculate the loads acting on the bone-implant-composition. Second, a computational-based platform was developed to simulate the impact of therapeutic treatment, optimizing the design of implants and providing personalized rehabilitation therapies. Finally, a systematic methodology was implemented to validate the developed computational models. A quantitative comparison between clinical and numerical results was conducted resulting in accurate personalized predictive models for each situation. The three objectives were successfully achieved during CuraBone development. Using computer simulation technologies CuraBone has achieved optimized, patient-specific treatments of bone injuries and rehabilitation therapies. We based the processes on image analysis to define a predictive methodology in order to meet every patients' needs to its best. In short, CuraBone has focused on the development of a predictive computer-based platform for the creation of patient-fitted implants for cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) applications and knee and shoulder joints.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз