Mechanical evaluation by patient-specific finite element analyses demonstrates therapeutic effects for osteoporotic vertebrae.

Osteoporosis can lead to bone compressive fractures in the lower lumbar vertebrae. In order to assess the recovery of vertebral strength during drug treatment for osteoporosis, it is necessary not only to measure the bone mass but also to perform patient-specific mechanical analyses, since the strength of osteoporotic vertebrae is strongly dependent on patient-specific factors, such as bone shape and bone density distribution in cancellous bone, which are related to stress distribution in the vertebrae. In the present study, patient-specific general (not voxel) finite element analyses of osteoporotic vertebrae during drug treatment were performed over time.

Finite-element analysis on closing-opening correction osteotomy for angular kyphosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Background: Closing-opening correction (COC) osteotomy is a useful procedure for severe angular kyphosis. However, there is no previous research on the reconstructed vertebrae with kyphotic malalignment in the presence of osteoporosis. Finite-element (FE) analysis was performed to estimate the biomechanical stress with both osteoporotic grades and corrective kyphotic angles during COC osteotomy for osteoporotic angular kyphosis.

The transmission of stress to grafted bone inside a titanium mesh cage used in anterior column reconstruction after total spondylectomy: a finite-element analysis.

Study Design: A finite-element study of posterior alone or anterior/posterior combined instrumentation following total spondylectomy and replacement with a titanium mesh cage used as an anterior strut.

Objectives: To compare the effect of posterior instrumentation versus anterior/posterior instrumentation on transmission of the stress to grafted bone inside a titanium mesh cage following total spondylectomy.

Summary Of Background Data: The most recent reconstruction techniques following total spondylectomy for malignant spinal tumor include a titanium mesh cage filled with autologous bone as an anterior strut.

Reconstruction after total sacrectomy using a new instrumentation technique: a biomechanical comparison.

Study Design: The stresses exerted on the instrumentation and adjacent bone were evaluated for three reconstruction methods after a total sacrectomy: a modified Galveston reconstruction (MGR), a triangular frame reconstruction (TFR), and a novel reconstruction (NR).

Objective: To perform finite-element analysis of reconstruction methods used after a total sacrectomy.

Summary Of Background Data: When a sacral tumor involves the first sacral vertebra, a total sacrectomy is necessary.

Biomechanical evaluation of reconstructed lumbosacral spine after total sacrectomy.

When a sacral tumor involves the first sacral vertebra, total sacrectomy is necessary. It is mandatory to reconstruct the continuity between the spine and the pelvis after total sacrectomy. In this study, strain and stress on the instruments and the bones were evaluated for two reconstruction methods: a modified Galveston reconstruction (MGR) and a triangular frame reconstruction (TFR).