OBJECTIVETo reconstruct a finite element model of human middle ear and measure characteristic dimensions of this model and calculate the mass properties of the ossicles.

METHODSThe proposed method starts with the histologic section preparation of human temporal bone. Through tracing outlines of the middle ear components on the sections in AutoCAD2005, a set of exterior contours of the components is obtained. The three-dimensional solid model of middle ear, including tympanic membrane, ossicular bones, middle ear suspensory ligaments/muscles, are reconstructed using these contours in Unigraphics (UG). To prepare for finite element analysis (FEA) of the middle ear, all surfaces of the solid model are translated into ADINA, a commercial FE model package. Based on these surfaces, FE meshes of the middle ear are created, and material properties and boundaries are set up. The characteristic dimensions of this model are measured and the mass properties of the ossicles are calculated to confirm the accuracy of the geometric model constructed following the proposed method.

RESULTSThe three-dimensional finite element model of the human middle ear that included tympanic membrane, ossicular bones and middle ear suspensory ligaments/muscles was reconstructed. The accuracy of this geometric model was confirmed with the outcome of the characteristic dimensions of this model and the mass properties of the ossicles.

CONCLUSIONSThe proposed method not only provides an effective, convenient, economic, accurate way to reconstruct the three dimensional finite element model of human middle, but also provides a detailed knowledge of middle ear geometry that is required for finite element analysis.