Three dimensional finite element model for a complicated craniofacial defect of human skull

Craniofacial defects (CFA) are a diverse group of deformities in the skull and facial bones. The cause is multifactorial though genes, food and environmental factors are the major causes. Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital craniofacial defect. The objective of this work is to develop a three dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of human skull with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate anomaly for clinical studies. The computed tomography (CT) images was used to construct the 3D-FE model of the human skull with the craniofacial defect. The model is constructed using image processing software MIMICS and analysis was done in ANSYS. These 3D models can then be used for a variety of engineering applications and surgery planning. The complete left sided unilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate with all the features and 3D-FE analysis was done. The load of 250N is given on each side along the two molar regions. The preliminary results reveal that cleft halve experiences more displacement comparatively to normal halve, this proves that cleft halve is prone to deformation and complications.