BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT OF BONE DENSITY, POROSITY AND STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN FACIAL SKELETAL BONES UNDER TRAUMATIC LOADING
Keywords:
facial skeleton; bone density; porosity; finite element analysis; biomechanics; traumatic brain injuryAbstract
Largely on their structural and morphological characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate bone density, porosity, and stress distribution patterns in facial skeletal bones using computed tomography and finite element analysis. Quantitative assessment of bone density was performed using Hounsfield unit measurements obtained from computed tomography scans. Bone porosity and pore size distribution were analyzed using three-dimensional image reconstruction techniques. Finite element modeling was applied to simulate dynamic impact scenarios and assess stress distribution, head acceleration, and the Head Injury Criterion (HIC). The results demonstrated substantial variations in bone density and porosity among different anatomical regions of the facial skeleton. Frontal and zygomatic bones exhibited the highest density and lowest porosity, whereas orbital and nasal bones showed lower density and increased porosity. Finite element simulations revealed that regions with lower density and higher porosity were associated with increased stress concentration under traumatic loading. Increased impact energy resulted in higher HIC values and a greater risk of traumatic brain injury. The findings highlight the important role of bone microarchitecture in determining biomechanical behavior and susceptibility to injury. The combined use of computed tomography and finite element analysis may improve the prediction of fracture-prone regions and support personalized approaches to maxillofacial trauma assessment.
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