Can the foam model simulate the bone behaviour?

Abstract

Dehiscence of median sternotomy wounds due to excessive forces caused by high pressure within the chest during coughing can lead to breaking closures sternotomy. This remains a clinical problem leading to significant risks of mortality and morbidity. The evaluation of the suture and the sternotomy biomechanical feedback is tested usually on the human cadaveric sternum or in some cases using suitable animal sternum. The foam sternal model was proposed as the alternative source that provides cheap, easily accessible sternum, without mentioning other advantages. The computational approach combined with experiment can provide more information about the foam behaviour and confirm the statement: “the foam model sternum behaves as a real bone” as advertised by supplier. The foam model sternum was scanned, and digitized geometry data was used to create the virtual computational model used to simulate the laboratory experiment by means of Finite Element Method. The data collected from the two experiments, the laboratory test and computational simulation, are compared and verified against the outcome of the experiment with the sternum from cadaver.