Mechanical characterization of the L4 and L5 lumbar vertebrae

Abstract

Compression fractures in the lumbar region are usually caused by excessive pressure at the level of the vertebral body. The fracture occurs when the vertebral body is crushed, causing the anterior part of the vertebral body to acquire a wedge shape. Bone tissue inside the vertebral body is crushed or compressed. Compression fractures due to trauma may be due to a fall, a strong jump, a car accident, or any other event that emphasizes the spine beyond its breaking point [1]. In a simulation of the fracture in recent studies, loads are applied to real vertebral samples (destructive tests), where both compression loads are fixed on the upper and lower faces of the vertebral body. The literature mentions tests with loads of approximately 8000N emulating a daily accident, so this research aims to obtain a precise model with the use of an optical scanner, which will allow the obtaining of points (meshing) of the piece in real time with an individual measurement of up to 16 million independent measurement points captured from 1 to 2 seconds. The measurement data is characterized by a very detailed reproduction and therefore also allows the measurement of sample components up to 38mm.