ABSTRACT
The three-dimensional model of patient mandible was created in InVesaliusTM software from CT images. InVesaliusTM is “an open” source software that uses DICOM input files and can be used to segment medical images and to create 3D models, like is possible to observe in Figure 1. With the 3D model in stl form, a finite element model was developed using a tetrahedral mesh. Two plates and four screws were assembled to the model (Fig. 2). To types of plates were considered, one in titanium alloy and other in CoCr alloy, in order to study and compare the material influence in fracture stability. In this way, two analyses were performed, and only the plate’s materials are different. Plate’s geometry, bone, and muscle loads (May et al. 2001) were considered the same for both analyses.
