Optimization of Bone Drilling Process with Multiple Performance Characteristics Using Desirability Analysis

In this paper the optimization of bone drilling process with multiple performance characteristics is carried out using desirability analysis. Drilling of bone is frequently done during orthopaedic surgery for the fixation of fractured parts with screws, wires or plates. The temperature and forces induced during drilling can cause damage to the bone cells which can lead to irreversible osteonecrosis resulting in prolonged healing time or loosening of the fixation. In this study, the drilling parameters, namely feed rate and spindle speed are optimized for minimum temperature and force simultaneously during bone drilling. The percentage contribution of each drilling parameter on multiple performance index is determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result of the confirmation experiment shows that this approach can effectively reduce the drilling induced bone tissue injury.