Systematic review of finite element analysis utilisation in craniofacial gunshot wounds

Abstract

The study of wound ballistics should include biomechanical science for better results in diagnosis, treatments and prognosis. Finite Element Analysis can provide interesting tools when human head injuries need to be evaluated. This work is the first step in a systematic study of the use of finite element analysis in craniofacial gunshot wounds. The study aimed to systematically: (1) review the use of Finite Element Analysis on heads injuries, especially gunshot wounds; (2) review the safety of using standard patterns of Finite Element Analysis; and (3) analyse and discuss the advantages and deficiencies of finite element models. Electronic research databases, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Knowledge, were searched using the restricted key words: finite element gunshot. Studies were included if they reported finite element analysis in heads, simulating gunshot injuries. Excluded studies were those that did not clearly describe their methods and results, had significant discrepancies, were not published in the English language or were not published yet. There were 30 references identified by the bibliographic search strategy. Fourteen manuscripts were eligible for inclusion and were fully critically appraised. The collected data were able to furnish details about the simulations as well as some variables that may affect the predictive accuracy of the simulation.

Keywords:

• Finite Element Analysis
• gunshot wounds
• craniofacial injuries

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful for the financial support granted by Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level or Education Personnel (Capes) and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).