Synthetic open cell foams versus a healthy human vertebra: Anisotropy, fluid flow and μ-CT structural studies.

Commercial synthetic open-cell foams are an alternative to human cadaveric bone to simulate in vitro different scenarios of bone infiltration properties. Unfortunately, these artificial foams do not reproduce the anisotropic microstructure of natural bone and, consequently, their suitability in these studies is highly questionable. In order to achieve scaffolds that successfully mimic human bone, microstructural studies of both natural porous media and current synthetic approaches are necessary at different length scales.

Analysis of bone cement distribution around fenestrated pedicle screws in low bone quality lumbosacral vertebrae.

Purpose: To study the exact distribution of bone cement around augmented fenestrated pedicle screws in both lumbar and sacral vertebrae of patients with low bone quality.

Methods: A total of 37 patients with instrumented lumbar fusion were investigated. 3D computed tomography virtual models of the injected cement and screws were obtained.