Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Bone Drilling

Drilling of bone is one of the common surgical procedures in orthopedic, nuero and dental surgeries. Large and uncontrolled penetration force and elevated temperature (around 50oC) in bone drilling process may induce stress and necrotic (dead) cells in bone tissue. Unnecessary stress and temperature above thermal threshold level seriously affect the strength of the fixative devices anchoring the bone and delay the healing process. The aim of this project is to design, fabricate and test a novel drilling system based on a dual feedback system i.e. a real-time breakthrough and temperature sensing. The real time force and temperature data will allow the drilling system to operate at safe and efficient parameters (drilling speed, feed rate). The innovative drilling system will minimize the risk of unnecessary thrust force and higher temperature in bone. Thermo-mechanical Finite element (FE) models at micro and macro levels will be developed to simulate the drilling process for force and temperature with and without cooling conditions (irrigation). Optimum drilling parameters obtained from experiments and FE simulations will provide input to the feedback control system. Investigation of the bone drilling process for safe and efficient penetration will be vital step in enhancing the current state of the orthopedic surgical procedures.