Résumé
Background: Simulate the skin / subcutaneous tissue complex behavior presents many difficulties mainly related to its anatomical complexity that generates a complex mechanical behavior. Current simulation models on this subject appear mainly in the form of a homogeneous single layer of isotropic and linear elastic behavior. They never take into account the connective means of union of the skin and subcutaneous tissue which are responsible of the complexity of the mechanical behavior. The surgical tissue augmentation procedures and in particular autologous fat grafting aims to restore corporal volumes after a trauma or a carcinologic surgery. Currently, only the experience of the surgeon can predict the effect of a surgical tissue augmentation in a given preoperative context. A simulation and reliable prediction tool would improve patient adherence to certain protocols of heavy treatment, would avoid certain therapeutic impasses or could be used as a teaching aid.Objectives: As a surgical prevision and simulation tool, we wanted to develop a mechanical model of the skin / subcutaneous complex fully configurable by certain morphological data of patients and adaptable to any parts of the body. Patients and methods: To confirm the existence of a generic organizational model of subcutaneous tissue, we made several acquisitions in 3T MRI of the whole body. These acquisitions allowed us to highlight a generic pattern of organization of subcutaneous tissue that has been the basis of a generic geometric model fully configurable. To reconstruct the lobular architecture of adipose tissue and to restore the mechanical effect of the connective means of union, we constructed in a procedural manner, using a Voronoi tessellation. Hybrid mechanical modeling was performed with the SOFA framework. To validate the mechanical behavior of our model, we parametrized our generic model and transcribed the parameters of an in vivo indentation test and compare the results. Concerning tissue augmentation procedures, we simulated the phenomenon of cellulite and the effects of autologous fat grafting above and below the plane of superficial fascia. We then studied the biomechanical consequences of fasciotomies which are used in current practice. We finally included in our generic model of a face model generated from MRI acquisitions to simulate autologous adipocyte at the level of the cheek. Results: The model, allowed us to transcribe realistically indentation tests at the level of the forearm. Autologous fat injection simulations have faithfully simulate the operative findings and we have also been able to simulate the phenomenon of cellulite relying on some of its pathophysiological hypotheses. The simulation of fasciotomies has allowed us to study for the first time, the mechanical effect of this procedure. The inclusion of procedural model in a specific geometric model of the face result in an acurate simulation cheek fat grafting. Conclusion: Despite the complex mechanics of non visceral soft tissues, we have established a reliable mechanical model that can be specified parametrically. After a phase of clinical validation and some mechanical improvements, we hope to develop specific models used in surgical simulation.