Morphometrics and biomechanics for craniofacial surgical outcomes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterising biomechanical behaviour and morphological changes for improving craniofacial surgical outcomes
IRAS ID
336327
Contact name
Alana Sharp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
This is a project using routinely collected clinical data only, however due to the identifiable nature of the data, and the rarity of some of the conditions, we are seeking prospective consent from all the participants/families. There are no new interventions or samples to be taken as part of this study.
The primary purpose of this project is to investigate the impact of surgical techniques, exploring the role of various tissues (temporal fascia and cranial sutures), shape changes, and function during craniofacial growth and chewing. Using medical imaging (from existing routine pre- and post-surgery CT and MRI), this research will characterise biomechanical behaviour and morphological changes due to common craniofacial surgeries by building, analysing and validating biomechanical models of the human skull and jaw muscles.
This study uses both geometric morphometric (statistical shape analysis) and biomechanical modelling to assess the impact of surgery on craniofacial shape and function. We will assess how different surgical techniques and implant methods change the shape of the craniofacial skeleton and impact function during chewing and growth.
Addressing concerns of surgical techniques on craniofacial shape, the function of tissues during growth, can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Craniofacial surgery, including cranial vault remodelling, is technically demanding, resource intense and can carry significant morbidity for patients. Successful complete rehabilitation with restoration of normal craniofacial shape and function, including patient’s dental occlusion, requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary team.
We will address two main aims:
(1) We will investigate shape changes post-surgery for children with craniosynostosis, compare different surgical techniques, and analyse the stability of the shape change at 7-10 years old.
(2) We will investigate the impact of removing the temporal fascia during surgery for different age groups using detail 3D finite element (FE) models.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0804
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion