Biomechanical analysis of the thoracolumbar spine under physiological loadings: Experimental motion data corridors for validation of finite element models.

Biomechanical studies that involve normal, injured or stabilized human spines are sometimes difficult to perform on large samples due to limited access to cadaveric human spines and biological variability. Finite element models alleviate these limitations due to the possibility of reusing the same model, whereas cadaveric spines can be damaged during testing, or have their mechanicals behaviour modified by fatigue, permanent deformation or structural failure. Finite element models need to be validated with experimental data to make sure that they represent the complex mechanical and physiological behaviour of normal, injured and stabilized spinal segments.

Acrylic kyphoplasty in recent nonosteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbar junction: a prospective clinical and 3D radiologic study of 54 patients.

Study Design: Prospective clinical and radiological study.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of stand-alone acrylic kyphoplasty in the treatment of recent traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine in young patients.

Summary Of Background Data: The management of fractures of the thoracolumbar spine without neurological deficit remains controversial.