Fracture pattern projection on 3D bone models as support for bone fracture simulations

Abstract

Background and objective: Obtaining bone models that represent certain types of fractures is limited by the need for such fractures to occur in real life and to be processed from medical images. This work aims to propose a method that starts from the design of specific fracture patterns in order to be projected on 3D geometric bone models, being prepared for their subsequent geometric fracturing. Methods: The process of projecting expert-generated fracture patterns has been approached in such a way that they contain geometrical and topological information for the subsequent fracture of the triangle mesh representing the bone model, giving information about the validity of the fracture pattern due to the design process, the validation performed, and the relationships between the fracture lines. Results: Different 3D models of long bones have been used (femur, humerus, ulna and fibula). Also, different types of fracture patterns have been created. These patterns have been used to obtain their projection on three-dimensional bones. In this study, an expert validation of the fracture patterns projected on the bone models is performed. A forensic validation of the fracture patterns used as starting point for the projection is also performed for cases in which this fracture is produced by impact, for which there is scientific evidence based on forensic analysis. This validation also supports the experts, giving them the necessary feedback to complete or modify their fracture patterns according to criteria analyzed from a forensic point of view. Conclusions: The patterns fit the bone models correctly, despite the irregularities of the bone models, and correspond to the expected projection. In addition, it provides us with a clear line of work, by using the topological information of the fracture pattern and the bone model, which allows us to establish a consistent basis for future guided fractures.