Decisive factor in increase of loading at adjacent segments after lumbar fusion: operative technique, pedicle screws, or fusion itself: biomechanical analysis using finite element

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joon-Hee Park ◽  
Ho-Joong Kim ◽  
Kyoung-Tak Kang ◽  
Ka-yeon Kim ◽  
Heoung-Jae Chun ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1503
Author(s):  
Fon-Yih Tsuang ◽  
Chia-Hsien Chen ◽  
Lien-Chen Wu ◽  
Yi-Jie Kuo ◽  
Yueh-Ying Hsieh ◽  
...  

This study proposed a pedicle screw design where the proximal 1/3 of the screw is unthreaded to improve fixation in posterior spinal surgery. This design was also expected to reduce the incidence of mechanical failure often observed when an unsupported screw length is exposed outside the vertebra in deformed or degenerated segments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatigue life of the novel pedicle screw design using finite element analysis and mechanical testing in a synthetic spinal construct in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1717. The following setups were evaluated: (i) pedicle screw fully inserted into the test block (EXP-FT-01 and EXP-PU-01; full thread (FT), proximal unthread (PU)) and (ii) pedicle screw inserted but leaving an exposed shaft length of 7.6 mm (EXP-FT-02 and EXP-PU-02). Corresponding finite element models FEM-FT-01, FEM-FT-02, FEM-PU-01, and FEM-PU-02 were also constructed and subjected to the same loading conditions as the experimental groups. The results showed that under a 220 N axial load, the EXP-PU-01 group survived the full 5 million cycles, the EXP-PU-02 group failed at 4.4 million cycles on average, and both EXP-FT-01 and EXP-FT-02 groups failed after less than 1.0 million cycles on average, while the fatigue strength of the EXP-FT-02 group was the lowest at 170 N. The EXP-FT-01 and EXP-FT-02 constructs failed through fracture of the pedicle screw, but a rod fractured in the EXP-PU-02 group. In comparison to the FEM-FT-01 model, the maximum von Mises stress on the pedicle screw in the FEM-PU-01 and FEM-PU-02 models decreased by −43% and −27%, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed that having the proximal 1/3 of the pedicle screw unthreaded can reduce the risk of screw fatigue failure when used in deformed or degenerated segments.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-zhi Guo ◽  
Shun-cong Zhang ◽  
Dan-qing Guo ◽  
Yan-huai Ma ◽  
Kai yuan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation (CAPSI) to improve the fixation stability and reduce the risk of screw loosening in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine. Biomechanical researches have shown that various dose of cement (1-3ml) can be injected to enhance screw stability. To date, there have been no studies on the relationship between adjacent segment degeneration and the volume of PMMA. This study aimed to explore the influence of CAPSI with different volumes of PMMA in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over adjacent segments by using finite element analysis.Methods: Seven different finite element models were reconstructed and simulated under different loading conditions, including (1) an intact model, (2) three single-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml), and (3) three double-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml). To improve the accuracy of the finite element analysis, the models of the injectable pedicle screw and bone cement were created by using a three-dimensional scanning machine and the CAPSI patient’s CT data, respectively. The range of motion (ROM), the stress of intervertebral discs, and the stress of facet in the adjacent segment were comparatively analyzed among the different models.Results: The ROMs of the different segments were compared with experimental data, with good agreement under the different load conditions. Compared with the intact model, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress in adjacent segments were found to be higher in the six operative models. Otherwise, with a larger volume of PMMA injected, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress slightly increased at the adjacent segment. However, the differences among the augmented models were insignificant for all loading cases.Conclusions: CAPSI could increase the incidence of disk degeneration in the adjacent segment, while within a certain range, different volumes of PMMA provided an approximate impact over the adjacent segment degeneration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Tianhao Wang ◽  
Zhihua Cai ◽  
Yongfei Zhao ◽  
Guoquan Zheng ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
...  

Background. Vertebral column decancellation (VCD) is a new spinal osteotomy technique to correct thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity (TLKD). Relevant biomechanical research is needed to evaluate the safety of the technique and the fixation system. We aimed to develop an accurate finite element (FE) model of the spine with TLKD following VCD and to provide a reliable model for further biomechanical analysis. Methods. A male TLKD patient who had been treated with VCD on L2 and instrumented from T10 to L4 was a volunteer for this study. The CT scanning images of the postoperative spine were used for model development. The FE model, simulating the spine from T1 to the sacrum, includes vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal ligaments, pedicle screws, and rods. The model consists of 509580 nodes and 445722 hexahedrons. The ranges of motion (ROM) under different loading conditions were calculated for validation. The stresses acting on rods, screws, and vertebrae were calculated. Results. The movement trend, peak stress, and ROM calculated by the current FE model are consistent with previous studies. The FE model in this study is able to simulate the mechanical response of the spine during different motions with different loading conditions. Under axial compression, the rod was the part bearing the peak stress. During flexion, the stress was concentrated on proximal pedicle screws. Under extension and lateral bending, an osteotomized L1 vertebra bore the greatest stress on the model. During tests, ligament disruption and unit deletion were not found, indicating an absence of fracture and fixation breakage. Discussion. A subject-specific FE model of the spine following VCD is developed and validated. It can provide a reliable and accurate digital platform for biomechanical analysis and surgical planning.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-zhi Guo ◽  
Shun-cong Zhang ◽  
Dan-qing Guo ◽  
Yan-huai Ma ◽  
Kai yuan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation (CAPSI) to improve the fixation stability and reduce the risk of screw loosening in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine. Biomechanical researches have shown that various dose of cement (1-3ml) can be injected to enhance screw stability. To date, there have been no studies on the relationship between adjacent segment degeneration and the volume of PMMA. This study aimed to explore the influence of CAPSI with different volumes of PMMA in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over adjacent segments by using finite element analysis.Methods: Seven different finite element models were reconstructed and simulated under different loading conditions, including (1) an intact model, (2) three single-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml), and (3) three double-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml). To improve the accuracy of the finite element analysis, the models of the injectable pedicle screw and bone cement were created by using a three-dimensional scanning machine and the CAPSI patient’s CT data, respectively. The range of motion (ROM), the stress of intervertebral discs, and the stress of facet in the adjacent segment were comparatively analysed among the different models.Results: The ROMs of the different segments were compared with experimental data, with good agreement under the different load conditions. Compared with the intact model, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress in adjacent segments were found to be higher in the six operative models. Otherwise, with a larger volume of PMMA injected, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress slightly increased at the adjacent segment. However, the differences among the augmented models were insignificant for all loading cases.Conclusions: CAPSI could increase the incidence of disk degeneration in the adjacent segment, while within a certain range, different volumes of PMMA provided an approximate impact over the adjacent segment degeneration.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-zhi Guo ◽  
Shun-cong Zhang ◽  
Dan-qing Guo ◽  
Yan-huai Ma ◽  
Kai yuan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation (CAPSI) to improve the fixation stability and reduce the risk of screw loosening in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine. Biomechanical researches have shown that various dose of cement (1-3ml) can be injected to enhance screw stability. To date, there have been no studies on the relationship between adjacent segment degeneration and the volume of PMMA. This study aimed to explore the influence of CAPSI with different volumes of PMMA in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over adjacent segments by using finite element analysis.Methods: Seven different finite element models were reconstructed and simulated under different loading conditions, including (1) an intact model, (2) three single-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml), and (3) three double-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml). To improve the accuracy of the finite element analysis, the models of the injectable pedicle screw and bone cement were created by using a three-dimensional scanning machine and the CAPSI patient’s CT data, respectively. The range of motion (ROM), the stress of intervertebral discs, and the stress of facet in the adjacent segment were comparatively analysed among the different models.Results: The ROMs of the different segments were compared with experimental data, with good agreement under the different load conditions. Compared with the intact model, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress in adjacent segments were found to be higher in the six operative models. Otherwise, with a larger volume of PMMA injected, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress slightly increased at the adjacent segment. However, the differences among the augmented models were insignificant for all loading cases.Conclusions: CAPSI could increase the incidence of disk degeneration in the adjacent segment, while within a certain range, different volumes of PMMA provided an approximate impact over the adjacent segment degeneration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
Shuo Yuan ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Bagen Liao ◽  
De Liang

Abstract Background Recent studies have pointed out that arthroscopy, the commonly-used surgical procedure for meniscal tears, may lead to an elevated risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The biomechanical factors of KOA can be clarified by the biomechanical analysis after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). This study aimed to elucidate the cartilage stress and meniscus displacement of the tibiofemoral joint under flexion and rotation loads after APM. Methods A detailed finite element model of the knee bone, cartilage, meniscus, and major ligaments was established by combining computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Vertical load and front load were applied to simulate different knee buckling angles. At the same time, by simulating flexion of different degrees and internal and external rotations, the stresses on tibiofemoral articular cartilage and meniscus displacement were evaluated. Results Generally, the contact stress on both the femoral tibial articular cartilage and the meniscus increased with the increased flexion degree. Moreover, the maximum stress on the tibial plateau gradually moved backward. The maximum position shift value of the lateral meniscus was larger than that of the medial meniscus. Conclusion Our finite element model provides a realistic three-dimensional model to evaluate the influence of different joint range of motion and rotating tibiofemoral joint stress distribution. The decreased displacement of the medial meniscus may explain the higher pressure on the knee components. These characteristics of the medial tibiofemoral joint indicate the potential biomechanical risk of knee degeneration.


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