An interactive surgical simulation tool to assess the consequences of a partial glossectomy on a biomechanical model of the tongue

• Published in: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering Vol. 22; no. 8; pp. 827 - 839
• Main Authors: Kappert, K.D.R., van Alphen, M.J.A., van Dijk, S., Smeele, L.E., Balm, A.J.M., van der Heijden, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 11-06-2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: biomechanical model; Biomechanics; Computer simulation; finite element analysis; Finite element method; functional impairment; Iron; Maneuvers; Mechanical properties; Partial glossectomy; post-operative motion impairment; Quality of life; Surgery; Surgical instruments; Tongue; virtual surgery; virtual therapy; post-operative motion impairment; finite element method; functional impairment; Partial glossectomy; virtual surgery; virtual therapy; finite element analysis; biomechanical model
• ISSN: 1025-5842; 1476-8259
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2019.1599362

Oral cancer surgery has a negative influence on the quality of life (QOL). As a result of the complex physiology involved in oral functions, estimation of surgical effects on functionality remains difficult. We present a user-friendly biomechanical simulation of tongue surgery, including closure with suturing and scar formation, followed by an automated adaptation of a finite element (FE) model to the shape of the tongue. Different configurations of our FE model were evaluated and compared to a well-established FE model. We showed that the post-operative impairment as predicted by our model was qualitatively comparable to a patient case for five different tongue maneuvers.