Engineers at Houston-based Rice University and orthopedic oncologists at the The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, also in Houston, developed patient-specific computer models to assist in planning complex pelvic reconstructions following hemipelvectomy.
Using CT and MRI scans, researchers built 3D models of a patient’s pelvis before and after tumor removal to simulate how bone grafts and implants perform under load during early recovery. Larger grafts, such as the femur and tibia, showed lower stress than thinner options like the fibula, according to a Dec.18 news release.
The team also compared implant materials, finding that metals like titanium offer greater mechanical stability, while polymers may promote long-term bone remodeling. A simplified 2D model was also created for faster presurgical comparisons.
The approach allows teams to test reconstruction strategies virtually, reducing reliance on trial and error in the OR.
