Finite Element Analysis of a New Type of Spinal Protection Device for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Abstract

To study the effectiveness of a new spinal protection device for preventing and treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) by finite element analysis (FEA). Methods:One healthy volunteer and one patient with 1-segment lumbar vertebral compression fractures were included in this experimental study. The DICOM files of two different lumbar spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were converted into STL files, and 3D finite element models of the lumbar spine were generated for normal and L1 vertebral fracture spines. A new type of spinal protection device was applied to reduce the stress on the anterior vertebral edge and direct the center of gravity posteriorly. The stress distribution characteristics of different finite element models of the lumbar spine were analyzed, revealing the characteristics of the stress distributed along the spine under the action of the new spinal protection device.Results: Under normal conditions, the stress was mainly distributed in the middle and posterior columns of the spine.When the anterior border of the L1 vertebral body was fractured and collapsed, the stress distribution shifted toward the anterior column due to the center of gravity being directed forward. According to finite element analysis of the spine with the new protection device, the stress in the middle and posterior columns tended to increase, and that in the anterior column decreased. After the new type of spinal fixation device was applied, the stress at the L1 and L2 vertebral endplates decreased to a certain extent, especially that at the L1 vertebral body. The maximum stress on the L1 vertebral body decreased by 20% after the auxiliary device was applied.Conclusions: According to the FEA results, the new spinal protection device can effectively prevent and treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), and can alter the stress distribution in the spine and reduce the stress in the anterior column of the vertebral body, especially in vertebral compression fractures.

Precision medicine strategies for spinal degenerative diseases: Injectable biomaterials with in situ repair and regeneration

“…The nature of vertebral degeneration is osteoporosis, which manifests as decreased calcium deposition in vertebral bone and obvious bone loss, resulting in bone microstructure destruction and a decreased elastic modulus. The weight bearing capacity of the vertebral body is significantly reduced, and spinal compression fracture may occur after even a minor trauma [ 13 ]. The composition of the spine and the pathogenesis of degenerative disease are shown in Fig.…”

Correlation Analysis between Residual Pain after Vertebral Augmentation and the Diffusion Distribution of Bone Cement: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…OVCFs are commonly found in the elderly and can lead to chronic pain, motor disorders, spinal deformity, decreased quality of life and increased mortality, seriously afect human physical health and quality of life, and place a heavy burden on families and society [4][5][6]. Currently, conservative treatment usually adopts bed rest, nonsteroidal anti-infammatory drugs, antiresorptive medications, external fxed braces, traditional Chinese medicine functional reduction, and other methods [7]. However, conservative treatment increases the risk of bone nonunion, bedsores, venous thromboembolism, persistent pain, and spinal deformity [8,9].…”