Comparison of Linear and Non-linear Soft Tissue Models with Post-operative CT Scan in Maxillofacial Surgery

A Finite Element model of the face soft tissue is proposed to simulate the morphological outcomes of maxillofacial surgery. Three modelling options are implemented: a linear elastic model with small and large deformation hypothesis, and an hyperelastic Mooney-Rivlin model. An evaluation procedure based on a qualitative and quantitative comparison of the simulations with a post-operative CT scan is detailed. It is then applied to one clinical case to evaluate the differences between the three models, and with the actual patient morphology. First results shows in particular that for a “simple” clinical procedure where stress is less than 20%, a linear model seams sufficient for a correct modelling.