Leveraging Materialise 3-matic Software for Advanced Finite Element Analysis in Orthopedic Implant Design

In the world of medical device design, especially orthopedic implants, precision is critical. Designers and engineers need accurate tools to model and simulate how their implants will behave under real-world conditions. One of the most powerful tools for this purpose is Materialise 3-matic software, which has become an essential component of the finite element analysis (FEA) process in the design of orthopedic solutions.

This blog explores the application of 3-matic software in a recent study focused on Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, showcasing how this powerful tool can revolutionize the development of biomechanically optimized implants.

What is Materialise 3-matic Software?

Materialise 3-matic software is a cutting-edge tool that transforms 3D image data, such as CT or MRI scans, into highly detailed models for medical design, analysis, and simulation. It allows engineers to convert medical scans into precise models suitable for FEA, making it an ideal choice for developing orthopedic implants and conducting biomechanical research.

The software's key features include:

3D modeling from medical imaging

Mesh generation for FEA

Accurate anatomical model creation

Preprocessing tools for design optimization and simulation

These capabilities make 3-matic software invaluable for engineers who need reliable and realistic models for simulating real-world conditions on medical devices.

materialise 3-matic in medical

(Femoral neck plate designed with 3-matic software)

The Role of 3-matic Software in Pauwels Type III Fracture Research

A recent study, focusing on Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, utilized Materialise 3-matic software to design and analyze a new femoral neck plate (NFNP). Pauwels type III fractures are high-shear fractures, and their treatment requires highly stable implants that can handle the significant stress placed on the femur.

In this research, 3-matic software was pivotal in:

Model Generation: Creating accurate, anatomical models of the femur and fractures based on CT scan data.

Fracture Simulation: Simulating Pauwels angles of 50°, 60°, and 70° to test how different fracture conditions affect implant stability.

Mesh Preparation: Optimizing mesh quality for precise stress distribution and displacement analysis under various loads.

materialise 3-matic in medical

(Mesh distribution chart in the hollow screw model of Pauwels (PCS) at a 70° angle)

By leveraging 3-matic software, the researchers could accurately simulate and analyze how the new plate design would perform, reducing the need for extensive physical testing and streamlining the design process.

materialise 3-matic in medical

Von Mises stress distribution (VMS) of two internal fixation methods under axial loads of 1400 N (top) and 2100 N (bottom). (a, b, c) New femoral neck plate method (NFNP) at Pauwels angles of (a) 50°, (b) 60°, and (c) 70°. (d, e, f) Pauwels hollow screw method (PCS) at Pauwels angles of (d) 50°, (e) 60°, and (f) 70°

materialise 3-matic in medical

The graph of peak stress for two internal fixation methods at different Pauwels angles under axial loads of 1400 N and 2100 N

materialise 3-matic in medical

The graph of displacement for two internal fixation methods at different Pauwels angles under axial loads of 1400 N and 2100 N

Read full article: Here

How Materialise 3-matic Software Improves Biomechanical Analysis

One of the most critical aspects of designing orthopedic implants is ensuring biomechanical stability. This is where Materialise 3-matic software excels. In the study, 3-matic software played a crucial role in the finite element analysis, helping to optimize the mesh for accurate stress analysis and fracture simulations.

Here’s how 3-matic software improved the study’s biomechanical analysis:

Mesh Optimization: The software’s mesh convergence study ensured optimal accuracy, with less than a 4% increase in displacement as the number of elements increased, resulting in reliable simulations.

Stress and Strain Analysis: 3-matic software allowed researchers to visualize von Mises stress (VMS) distribution on the femur, screws, and implants, providing insights into potential stress points and failure risks.

Fracture Fragment Displacement: The simulation capabilities of 3-matic software enabled accurate measurement of fracture fragment displacement, comparing the NFNP with the traditional Pauwels screw fixation.

By using 3-matic software, the researchers were able to confidently demonstrate the superior biomechanical stability of the new femoral neck plate design.

materialise 3-matic in medical

Von Mises Stress (VMS) distribution in the proximal femoral neck region under axial loads of 1400 N (top) and 2100 N (bottom). (a, b, c) New femoral neck plate (NFNP) method at Pauwels angles of (a) 50°, (b) 60°, and (c) 70°. (d, e, f) Pauwels cannulated screw (PCS) method at Pauwels angles of (d) 50°, (e) 60°, and (f) 70°

materialise 3-matic in medical

Peak stress diagram in the proximal femoral neck region for different internal fixation methods under increasing Pauwels angles with axial loads of 1400 N and 2100 N.

Learn more about applications of Materialise 3-Matic software:

The Optimal Solution for 3D printed lattice structure in aerospace field

Key Benefits of Using 3-matic Software in Medical Device Design

The study’s successful application of Materialise 3-matic software highlights several key benefits that make it indispensable for medical device designers and engineers:

Enhanced Design Iteration: With 3-matic software, engineers can iterate on designs faster, tweaking model geometries and testing new configurations before physical prototypes are created.

Virtual Biomechanical Testing: 3-matic software enables the virtual simulation of real-world conditions, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming physical testing.

Accelerated Development Cycles: By streamlining the modeling, analysis, and testing processes, 3-matic software shortens development timelines, allowing new medical devices to reach the market faster.

The study on Pauwels fractures shows how these benefits can lead to the creation of more effective and reliable implants, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

materialise 3-matic in medical

Plate and screw fixation model. (a) The plate with attached screws. (b) Orthopedic view of the plate on the femur model. (c) Lateral view of the femur model with the plate and screws

Practical Applications Beyond Pauwels Fractures

Although this study focuses on Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, the applications of Materialise 3-matic software extend across various fields. It is also valuable for designing other orthopedic devices, such as knee, hip, and spinal implants. Additionally, 3-matic seamlessly integrates with other FEA tools like ABAQUS, creating a robust workflow for developing high-performance medical devices.

In the design and development of orthopedic implants, Materialise 3-matic software has proven to be an indispensable tool. Research on Pauwels type III fractures has demonstrated how 3-matic can be used to create biomechanically optimized implants, providing stability and superior performance. From 3D modeling to finite element analysis, this software enables engineers to simulate and refine their designs with significant accuracy.

As the demand for more personalized and efficient medical devices continues to rise, 3-matic will remain crucial in advancing orthopedic implant design, aiding engineers and physicians in creating solutions that enhance patient care.

If you are a medical device designer or researcher looking to optimize your design and analysis processes, explore Materialise 3-matic today. Discover how this powerful tool can improve your product development workflow and help you create superior biomechanical implants

In addition to 3-Matic, Materialise has 2 other powerful software that greatly supported the innovation and production process. From creating complex lattice structures to precise and optimized slicing.

Some related information:

MATERIALISE MAGICS HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE MAKES GEAR 46% LIGHTER
Materialise Expands Cardiovascular Solutions with AI Technology from FEops and Mimics Planner

Conclusion

Are you looking for a tool to optimize your 3D designs? Materialise 3-matic is the perfect solution. Whether you're an aerospace engineer aiming to reduce the weight of aircraft components, or a doctor looking to create personalized medical implants, 3-matic provides the necessary tools to achieve your goals. With its ability to handle complex models and generate optimized lattice structures, 3-matic helps you save time, reduce costs, and improve product quality

If you are looking for a 3D design software solution to optimize lattice structures and achieve precise 3D printing. Materialise 3-matic will definitely be your top choice.

Contact Vinnotek right now for consultation and to find the perfect solution for your design project.

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