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Three-dimensional finite element analysis of Eustachian tube function under normal and pathological conditions.

ABSTRACT: A primary etiological factor underlying chronic middle ear disease is an inability to open the collapsible Eustachian tube (ET). However, the structure-function relationships responsible for ET dysfunction in patient populations at risk for developing otitis media (OM) are not known. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) modeling techniques were used to investigate how changes in biomechanical and anatomical properties influence opening phenomena in three populations: normal adults, young children and infants with cleft palate. Histological data was used to create anatomically accurate models and FE techniques were used to simulate tissue deformation and ET opening. Lumen dilation was quantified using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique and a sensitivity analysis was performed to ascertain the relative importance of the different anatomical and tissue mechanical properties. Results for adults suggest that ET function is highly sensitive to tensor veli palatini muscle (TVPM) forces and to periluminal mucosal tissue (PMT) elasticity. Young children and cleft palate subjects exhibited reduced sensitivity to TVPM forces while changes in PMT stiffness continued to have a significant impact on ET function. These results suggest that reducing PMT stiffness might be an effective way to restore ET function in these populations. Varying TVPM force vector relationships via changes in hamulus location had no effect on ET opening in young children and cleft palate subjects but did alter force transmission to the ET lumen during conditions of elevated adhesion. These models have therefore provided important new insights into the biomechanical mechanisms responsible for ET dysfunction.

SUBMITTER: Sheer FJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3267871 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Three-dimensional finite element analysis of Eustachian tube function under normal and pathological conditions.

Sheer F J FJ Swarts J D JD Ghadiali S N SN

Medical engineering & physics 20111012 5

A primary etiological factor underlying chronic middle ear disease is an inability to open the collapsible Eustachian tube (ET). However, the structure-function relationships responsible for ET dysfunction in patient populations at risk for developing otitis media (OM) are not known. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) modeling techniques were used to investigate how changes in biomechanical and anatomical properties influence opening phenomena in three populations: normal ...[more]

PMID: 21996354

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Project description:Background/objectivesTo compare the biomechanical characteristics of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners in conjunction with three types of miniscrew anchorage.Materials/methodsThree-dimensional (3D) finite element models of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners and three types of miniscrew anchorage were established, including (A) control group, (B) direct buccal miniscrew anchorage group, (C) direct palatal miniscrew anchorage group, and (D) indirect buccal miniscrew anchorage group. The 3D displacement of maxillary teeth and the principal stress (maximum tensile and compressive stress) on the root and periodontal ligament (PDL) during molar distalization were recorded.ResultsThe tooth displacement pattern during maxillary molar distalization in the four groups showed similarities, including labial tipping of anterior teeth, mesial and buccal tipping of premolars, and distal and buccal tipping of molars, but with varying magnitudes. Group C exhibited the greatest molar distalization, with the first molar achieving 0.1334 mm of crown distalization. Group D demonstrated a notable buccal crown movement (0.0682 mm) and intrusion (0.0316 mm) of the first premolar. Compared to Groups A and B, Groups C and D showed less labial crown tipping of the central incisor. Group B showed the greatest amount of maxillary incisor intrusion (central incisor: 0.0145 mm, lateral incisor: 0.0094 mm). Moreover, Groups C and D displayed significantly lower levels of compressive and tensile stress in the roots and PDL of the maxillary central and lateral incisors.LimitationMolar distalization is a dynamic process involving sequential tooth movement stages; however, our research primarily examined the tooth movement patterns in the initial aligner.Conclusions/implicationsThe use of miniscrew anchorage, especially direct palatal miniscrew anchorage, may enhance the treatment efficacy of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners, leading to increased molar distalization, reduced mesial movement of premolars, and minimized labial tipping of anterior teeth.

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Three-dimensional finite element analysis of Eustachian tube function under normal and pathological conditions.

Publications

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of Eustachian tube function under normal and pathological conditions.

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