Biomechanical alterations in intact osteoporotic spine due to synthetic augmentation: finite element investigation.

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model (FEM) was developed for a parametric study that examined the effect of synthetic augmentation on nonfractured vertebrae. The objective was to isolate those parameters primarily responsible for the effectiveness of the procedure; bone cement volume and bone density were expected to be highly important. Injection of bone cement was simulated in the FEM of a vertebral body that included a cellular model for the trabecular core.

Biomechanical effects of unipedicular vertebroplasty on intact vertebrae.

Study Design: To assess the biomechanical effects of unipedicular vertebroplasty on nonfractured vertebrae.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential benefits of vertebroplasty as a preventative treatment. To evaluate the effects of cement volume and bone mineral density on the mechanics of augmented intact vertebral bodies.