Pure Moment Testing for Spinal Biomechanics Applications: Fixed Versus 3D Floating Ring Cable-Driven Test Designs

Author(s):  
Jessica A. Tang ◽  
Justin K. Scheer ◽  
Christopher P. Ames ◽  
Jenni M. Buckley

For spine biomechanical tests, the cable-driven system in particular has been widely used to apply pure bending moments. The advantages to pure moment testing lie in its consistency as an accepted standard protocol across previous literature and its ability to ensure uniform loading across all levels of the spinal column. Of the methods used for pure moment testing, cable-driven set-ups are popular due to their low requirements and simple design. Crawford et al [1] were the first to employ this method, but prior work by our group indicated a discrepancy between applied and intended moment for this system in flexion-extension only [2]. We hypothesize that this discrepancy can be observed in other bending modes and minimized with a second-generation floating ring design to eliminate off-axis loads.

Author(s):  
Kunio Hasegawa ◽  
Yinsheng Li ◽  
Bostjan Bezensek ◽  
Phuong H. Hoang ◽  
Howard J. Rathbun

Piping components in power plants may experience combined bending and torsion moments during operation. There is a lack of guidance for pipe evaluation for pipes with local wall thinning flaws under the combined bending and torsion moments. ASME B&PV Code Section XI Working Group is currently developing fully plastic bending pipe evaluation procedures for pressurized piping components containing local wall thinning subjected to combined torsion and bending moments. Using elastic fully plastic finite element analyses, plastic collapse bending moments under torsions were obtained for 4 (114.3) to 24 (609.6) inch (mm) diameter pipes with various local wall thinning flaw sizes. The objective of this paper is to introduce an equivalent moment, which combines torsion and bending moments by a vector summation, and to establish the applicable range of wall thinning lengths, angles and depths, where the equivalent moments are equal to pure bending moments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Mushlin ◽  
Daina M. Brooks ◽  
Joshua Olexa ◽  
Bryan J. Ferrick ◽  
Stephen Carbine ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a known source of low-back pain. Randomized clinical trials support sacroiliac fusion over conservative management for SIJ dysfunction. Clinical studies suggest that SIJ degeneration occurs in the setting of lumbosacral fusions. However, there are few biomechanical studies to provide a good understanding of the effect of lumbosacral fusion on the SIJ. In the present study, researchers performed a biomechanical investigation to discern the effect of pelvic versus SIJ fixation on the SIJ in lumbosacral fusion.METHODSSeven fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens were used. There was one intact specimen and six operative constructs: 1) posterior pedicle screws and rods from T10 to S1 (PS); 2) PS + bilateral iliac screw fixation (BIS); 3) PS + unilateral iliac screw fixation (UIS); 4) PS + UIS + 3 contralateral unilateral SIJ screws (UIS + 3SIJ); 5) PS + 3 unilateral SIJ screws (3SIJ); and 6) PS + 6 bilateral SIJ screws (6SIJ). A custom-built 6 degrees-of-freedom apparatus was used to simulate three bending modes: flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). Range of motion (ROM) was recorded at L5–S1 and the SIJ.RESULTSAll six operative constructs had significantly reduced ROM at L5–S1 in all three bending modes compared to that of the intact specimen (p < 0.05). In the FE mode, the BIS construct had a significant reduction in L5–S1 ROM as compared to the other five constructs (p < 0.05). SIJ ROM was greatest in the FE mode compared to LB and AR. Although the FE mode did not show any statistically significant differences in SIJ ROM across the constructs, there were appreciable differences. The PS construct had the highest SIJ ROM. The BIS construct reduced bilateral SIJ ROM by 44% in comparison to the PS construct. The BIS and 6SIJ constructs showed reductions in SIJ ROM nearly equal to those of the PS construct. UIS and 3SIJ showed an appreciable reduction in unfused SIJ ROM compared to PS.CONCLUSIONSThis investigation demonstrated the effects of various fusion constructs using pelvic and sacroiliac fixation in lumbosacral fusion. This study adds biomechanical evidence of adjacent segment stress in the SIJ in fusion constructs extending to S1. Unilateral pelvic fixation, or SIJ fusion, led to an appreciable but nonsignificant reduction in the ROM of the unfused contralateral SIJ. Bilateral pelvic fixation showed the greatest significant reduction of movement at L5–S1 and was equivalent to bilateral sacroiliac fusion in reducing SIJ motion.


2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 444-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Galbusera ◽  
Chiara M. Bellini ◽  
Francesco Costa ◽  
Roberto Assietti ◽  
Maurizio Fornari

Object Cervical instrumented fusion is currently performed using several fixation methods. In the present paper, the authors compare the following 4 implantation methods: a stand-alone cage, a cage supplemented by an anterior locking plate, a cage supplemented by an anterior dynamic plate, and a dynamic combined plate–cage device. Methods Four finite element models of the C4–7 segments were built, each including a different instrumented fixation type at the C5–6 level. A compressive preload of 100 N combined with a pure moment of 2.5 Nm in flexion, extension, right lateral bending, and right axial rotation was applied to the 4 models. The segmental principal ranges of motion and the load shared by the interbody cage were obtained for each simulation. Results The stand-alone cage showed the lowest stabilization capability among the 4 configurations investigated, but it was still significant. The cage supplemented by the locking plate was very stiff in all directions. The 2 dynamic plate configurations reduced flexibility in all directions compared with the intact case, but they left significant mobility in the implanted segment. These configurations were able to share a significant part of the load (up to 40% for the combined plate–cage) through the posterior cage. The highest risk of subsidence was obtained with the model of the stand-alone cage. Conclusions Noticeable differences in the results were detected for the 4 configurations. The actual clinical relevance of these differences, currently considered not of critical importance, should be investigated by randomized clinical trials.


1990 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 700-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chyanbin Hwu

In the case when an anisotropic plate contains a triangular, oval, or square opening, the only solution available in the literature is an approximate solution for orthotropic plates with openings, which was obtained by Lekhnitskii using the complex variable formulation. Solutions for any kind of anisotropic plates with various openings are presented in this paper by applying the Stroh formalism and using the technique of conformal mapping. Unlike the former results, which have different orders of approximation for different openings, the solutions presented here have only one simple unified expression for various openings such as the ellipse, circle, crack, triangle, oval, and square. Two special loading conditions are considered: one is uniform loading, the other is pure bending. Through the use of identities developed in the literature, the hoop stress along the opening boundary is obtained in real form. The results show that the effect of anisotropy on the stress concentration is totally determined through the fundamental elasticity matrices N1 and N3 introduced by Stroh.


1956 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 546-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Gilman
Keyword(s):  

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 330-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Moore ◽  
Narayan Yoganandan ◽  
Frank A. Pintar ◽  
Jason Lifshutz ◽  
Dennis J. Maiman

Object The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro biomechanical responses of lumbar spinal segments after implantation of tapered cages. Methods Range of motion (ROM)– and stiffness-related data were determined in 10 human cadaveric T12–S1 columns subjected to flexion, extension, and lateral bending modes before and after anterior lumbar interbody fusion in which stand-alone LT-CAGE devices were used. The overall column showed no significant changes in ROM or stiffness. At the instrumented level, stiffness increased significantly (p < 0.05) in flexion and lateral bending modes. Indications of instability in extension were present, but these values were not statistically significant. There was no evidence of adjacent-level instability at any level in any mode, except for the segment superior to the fixation level in flexion; here there was a significant increase in ROM (p < 0.05) and a decrease in stiffness. Conclusions The anatomical conformity and bilateral placement of cages provide ample stability and rigidity at the treated level, comparable to that of other cage systems. Because hypermobility is traditionally related to early degenerative changes, the present results appear to suggest that cages do not significantly contribute to such alterations.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Bernardo de Andrada Pereira ◽  
Piyanat Wangsawatwong ◽  
Jennifer N. Lehrman ◽  
Anna G. U. Sawa ◽  
Derek P. Lindsey ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw fixation effectively enhances stability in long-segment constructs. Although S2AI fixation provides a single transarticular sacroiliac joint fixation (SIJF) point, additional fixation points may provide greater stability and attenuate screw and rod strain. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in stability and pedicle screw and rod strain with extended distal S2AI fixation and with supplemental bilateral integration of two sacroiliac joint fusion devices implanted using a traditional minimally invasive surgical approach. METHODS Eight L1–pelvis human cadaveric specimens underwent pure moment (7.5 Nm) and compression (400 N) tests under 4 conditions: 1) intact (pure moment loading only); 2) L2–S1 pedicle screw and rod with L5–S1 interbody fusion; 3) added S2AI screws; and 4) added bilateral laterally placed SIJF. Range of motion (ROM), rod strain, and screw-bending moment (S1 and S2AI) were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with S1 fixation, S2AI fixation significantly reduced L5–S1 ROM in right lateral bending by 50% (0.11°, p = 0.049) and in compression by 39% (0.22°, p = 0.003). Compared with fixation ending at S1, extending fixation with S2AI significantly decreased sacroiliac joint ROM by 52% (0.28°, p = 0.02) in flexion, by 65% (0.48°, p = 0.04) in extension, by 59% (0.76°, p = 0.02) in combined flexion-extension, and by 36% (0.09°, p = 0.02) in left axial rotation. The addition of S2AI screws reduced S1 screw-bending moment during flexion (0.106 Nm [43%], p = 0.046). With S2AI fixation, posterior L5–S1 primary rod strain increased by 124% (159 μE, p = 0.002) in flexion, by 149% (285 μE, p = 0.02) in left axial rotation, and by 99% (254 μE, p = 0.04) in right axial rotation. Compared with S2AI fixation, the addition of SIJF reduced L5–S1 strain during right axial rotation by 6% (28 μE, p = 0.04) and increased L5–S1 strain in extension by 6% (28 μE, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Long-segment constructs ending with S2AI screws created a more stable construct than those ending with S1 screws, reducing lumbosacral and sacroiliac joint motion and S1 screw-bending moment in flexion. These benefits, however, were paired with increased rod strain at the lumbosacral junction. The addition of SIJF to constructs ending at S2AI did not significantly change SI joint ROM or S1 screw bending and reduced S2AI screw bending in compression. SIJF further decreased L5–S1 rod strain in axial rotation and increased it in extension.


2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tailong Yu ◽  
Leyu Zheng ◽  
Guanghua Chen ◽  
Nanxiang Wang ◽  
Xiaoyan Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract The objective of this study was to apply a biodegradable dynamic fixation system (BDFS) for lumbar fusion between articular processes and compare the fusion results and biomechanical changes with those of conventional rigid fixation. Twenty-four mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups and subjected to either posterior lumbar fusion surgery with a BDFS or titanium rods (TRs) at the L5–L6 segments. Six animals in each group were sacrificed at 8 or 16 weeks. Fusion conditions were evaluated by computed tomography (CT), manual palpation, biomechanical tests, and histological analysis. Biomechanical tests were performed at the L4–7 (for range of motion (ROM)) and L5–6 (for fusion stiffness) segments. Histological examination was performed on organs, surrounding tissues, and the fused area. The magnesium alloy components maintained their initial shape 8 weeks after the operation, but the meshing teeth were almost completely degraded at 16 weeks. The biomechanical analysis revealed an increased lateral bending ROM at 8 weeks and axial torsion ROM at 16 weeks. The L4–5 extension–flexion ROMs in the BDFS group were 2.29 ± 0.86 deg and 3.17 ± 1.08 deg at 16 weeks, respectively, compared with 3.22 ± 0.56 deg and 5.55 ± 1.84 deg in TR group. However, both groups showed similar fusion results. The BDFS design is suitable, and its degradation in vivo is safe. The BDFS can be applied for posterior lumbar fusion between articular processes to complete the fusion well. Additionally, the BDFS can reduce the decline in lateral motion and hypermotion of the cranial adjacent segment in flexion–extension motion.


Author(s):  
Narayan Yoganandan ◽  
Prashant Khandelwal ◽  
Vaibhav Porwal ◽  
John Humm

Abstract The human thoracolumbar spinal column sustains axial loading under physiological and traumatic loading situations. Clinical studies have focused on the former scenario, and the investigation of low back pain issues and spinal stabilization using artificial devices such as arthroplasty are examples. Investigative studies have largely used quasi-static and vibration loading on the spine segment(s) and spinal columns. The traumatic loading scenario is relatively less researched, and it is a dynamic event. Injuries under this scenario occur in sports, automotive, and combat environments. Impact vectors include flexion-extension modes in automotive crash events. Vertical or caudal to cephalad oriented impacts have been identified in both automotive and military scenarios. Frontal impacts to restrained occupants in the automotive and underbody blast impacts from improvised explosive device in combat situations are examples of the vertical loading vector. Although some studies have been conducted using whole body human cadavers and isolated spinal columns, determinations have not been made of the injury risks and stress and strain responses for a variety of accelerative pulses. The aims of the present investigation were to delineate the internal biomechanics of the spinal column under this impact vector and assess the probability of injury. Male and female whole-body human finite element models were used in the study. The occupants were restrained and positioned on the seat, and caudo-cephalad impacts were applied to the base. Different acceleration-time profiles (pulse durations ranging from 50 to 200 ms and peak accelerations varying from 11 g to 46 g) were used as inputs in both male and female models. The resulting stress-strain profiles in the cortical and cancellous bones were evaluated at different vertebral levels. Using the peak transmitted forces at the thoracolumbar disc level as the response variable, the probability of injury for the male spine was obtained from experimental risk curves for the various accelerative pulses. Results showed that the shorter pulse durations and rise times impart greater loading on the thoracolumbar spine. The analysis of von Mises stress and strain distributions showed that the compression-related fractures of vertebrae are multifaceted with contributions from both the cortical and cancellous bony components of the body. Profiles are provided in the body of the paper for different spinal levels. The intervertebral disc may be involved in the fracture mechanism, because it acts as a medium of load transfer between adjacent vertebrae. Injury risks for the shortest pulse was sixty-three percent, and for the widest pulse it was close to zero, and injury probabilities for other pulses are given. The present computational modeling study provides insights into the mechanisms of the internal load transfer and describe the injury risk levels from caudal to cephalad impacts.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 620-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Nguyen ◽  
Bryant Chu ◽  
Calvin C. Kuo ◽  
Jeremi M. Leasure ◽  
Christopher Ames ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with or without partial uncovertebral joint resection (UVR) and posterior keyhole foraminotomy are established operative procedures to treat cervical disc degeneration and radiculopathy. Studies have demonstrated reliable results with each procedure, but none have compared the change in neuroforaminal area between indirect and direct decompression techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine which cervical decompression method most consistently increases neuroforaminal area and how that area is affected by neck position.METHODSEight human cervical functional spinal units (4 each of C5–6 and C6–7) underwent sequential decompression. Each level received the following surgical treatment: bilateral foraminotomy, ACDF, ACDF + partial UVR, and foraminotomy + ACDF. Multidirectional pure moment flexibility testing combined with 3D C-arm imaging was performed after each procedure to measure the minimum cross-sectional area of each foramen in 3 different neck positions: neutral, flexion, and extension.RESULTSNeuroforaminal area increased significantly with foraminotomy versus intact in all positions. These area measurements did not change in the ACDF group through flexion-extension. A significant decrease in area was observed for ACDF in extension (40 mm2) versus neutral (55 mm2). Foraminotomy + ACDF did not significantly increase area compared with foraminotomy in any position. The UVR procedure did not produce any changes in area through flexion-extension.CONCLUSIONSAll procedures increased neuroforaminal area. Foraminotomy and foraminotomy + ACDF produced the greatest increase in area and also maintained the area in extension more than anterior-only procedures. The UVR procedure did not significantly alter the area compared with ACDF alone. With a stable cervical spine, foraminotomy may be preferable to directly decompress the neuroforamen; however, ACDF continues to play an important role for indirect decompression and decompression of more centrally located herniated discs. These findings pertain to bony stenosis of the neuroforamen and may not apply to soft disc herniation. The key points of this study are as follows. Both ACDF and foraminotomy increase the foraminal space. Foraminotomy was most successful in maintaining these increases during neck motion. Partial UVR was not a significant improvement over ACDF alone. Foraminotomy may be more efficient at decompressing the neuroforamen. Results should be taken into consideration only with stable spines.


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