The influence of image processing of μ-CT images on mechanical behavior of mandibular trabecular bone structure using micro finite element method

Computational modeling plays an important role in assessment of biomaterial structures, living tissue and their mechanical properties. Microstructure investigation of bone tissue needs high-level computational models based on mu-CT images. A crucial factor when creating a computational model is image processing using tissue segmentation. The most common method for segmentation is thresholding. Threshold value can influence the geometry model and mechanical response in the bone tissue. One of the aims of the work is to determine and analyze the apparent mechanical behavior of mandibular trabecular bone structure based on different threshold value. Another aim of this study is to assess its influence on strain intensity from a local point of view, namely on one specific trabeculae. Fifty- four computational models including detailed trabecular structure of mandible were created based on mu-CT images. The thresholding was observed to have a significant effect on mechanical behavior of the trabecular bone structure. (c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.