Optimization of titanium cranial implant designs using generalized reduced gradient method, analysis of finite elements, and artificial neural networks

Abstract

When cranial bone needs to be removed or lost, subsequent reconstruction of the defect is necessary to protect the underlying brain, correct aesthetic deformities, or both. Cranioplasty surgical procedures are performed to correct the skull defects requiring reconstruction of form and function. Personalized cranial implants can repair severe injuries to the skull can be done through This study presents the optimization of cranial titanium implants. A total of sixty different models were subjected to a simulation by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) applying the mechanical properties of a grade 5 titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implant material. The material was subjected to intracranial pressure (ICP) conditions, with a typical range (10 mm Hg) and twelve fixation points in the boundary conditions. An artificial neural network (ANN) was created to connect the designs, obtaining maximum displacements. Optimal designs were obtained using a generalized reduced gradient that minimizes the amount of material, maintaining as a restriction a maximum displacement of 0.1 mm for the 5th to 95th percentiles, which represent the group of individuals under study.