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A mechanically regulated computational framework for simulating infant cranial growth and craniosynostosis-associated dysmorphologies.

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Title: A mechanically regulated computational framework for simulating infant cranial growth and craniosynostosis-associated dysmorphologies.
Authors: Vafaeefar M; Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland., Quinn C; Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland., Vaughan TJ; Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland. ted.vaughan@universityofgalway.ie.
Source: Biomechanics and modeling in mechanobiology [Biomech Model Mechanobiol] 2026 Sep 09; Vol. 25 (5). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Sep 09.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 101135325 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1617-7940 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16177940 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Biomech Model Mechanobiol Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002-
MeSH Terms: Craniosynostoses*/pathology , Craniosynostoses*/physiopathology , Skull*/growth & development , Skull*/pathology , Skull*/abnormalities , Computer Simulation*, Cranial Sutures/pathology ; Humans ; Stress, Mechanical ; Models, Biological ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Algorithms ; Infant ; Finite Element Analysis ; Elastic Modulus
Abstract: In early years of life, the cranium rapidly changes in size and shape to accommodate brain growth, primarily driven by mechanical stress from brain expansion. Developmental disorders such as premature fusion of sutures in craniosynostosis disrupt normal growth process, leading to abnormal cranial shapes. Thus, understanding the interplay between biomechanical forces, soft tissues, and individual bone plates is crucial for understanding their role in shaping infant cranial development. This study develops a mechanically driven growth model to simulate healthy cranial growth in the first year. The algorithm considers simultaneous and coupled growth of brain, cranial bones, sutures, with volumetric brain expansion as the primary driver, with strain-based feedback governing growth in bone and suture tissues. A bulk bone formation approach accounts for evolving mechanical properties, with elastic moduli of bone and sutures increasing monthly. The growth algorithm was applied on an idealised geometry model of a healthy cranium, then on individual fused sutures cases, and dysmorphologies due to craniosynostosis were developed. The results showed good agreement with the typical features of clinical observations. Stress at bone-suture interfaces and elevated contact pressure under fused sutures highlighted biomechanical impacts due to the disorders. Sensitivity analysis explored how material properties and growth rates affect cranial morphology in the absence of longitudinal clinical data. This framework enhances understanding of cranial growth and is potential to be further modified and validated to support treatment planning for craniosynostosis.
(© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
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Grant Information: 101047008 HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Brain growth; Cranial development; Cranial disorders; Finite element analysis; Suture growth
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260909 Date Completed: 20260909 Latest Revision: 20260909
Update Code: 20260910
DOI: 10.1007/s10237-026-02118-x
PMID: 42714678
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1617-7940
DOI:10.1007/s10237-026-02118-x