| Summary: | This final year project aims to create a feasible three-dimensional (3D) model of the
human shoulder Rotator Cuff and its four tendons – Subscapularis, Supraspinatus,
Infraspinatus and Teres Minor. The resulting computerized models are to be
subsequently utilized for the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) – an attempt to simulate
force, stress and strain distribution patterns that the human shoulder joint undergoes in different scenarios. The ultimate aim is to practically but virtually simulate the origination and consequences of muscular tears in the shoulder region which become a common problem in the aged people and in those subjected to repeated or
excessive use.
This project is in fact a continuation from the past year’s project. The senior student
had already set up a basic methodology on creating 3D models from MRI Images.
He had successfully created the three-dimensional model of rotator cuff. However,
due to the limitations he had, such as the poor resolution of the MRI images he was
provided with, he did not complete modeling of the four tendons. Nevertheless, the
author finds that the senior’s contribution has been very helpful – a very good
standing ground to start off with.
The author, likewise, continues to makes use of MIMICS (Materialise’s Interactive
Medical Image Control System) software version 10 since it is still the best tool
available within the reach. For the choices of subsequent model pre-processing
softwares, the author ventures into different paths by varying combinations of
softwares to come up with the most convenient way of “getting it done” without
compensating the accuracy of the models. The main 3D pre-processor which will be
utilized is SolidWorks® 2009. Finally, after getting the model done, the author
intends to countercheck the workability of the created models in FEA applications
such as ANSYS®, Abaqus® or any other well-recognized FEA tools.
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