Experimental and Computational Comparison of Intervertebral Disc Bulge for Specimen-Specific Model Evaluation Based on Imaging.

Finite element modelling of the spinal unit is a promising preclinical tool to assess the biomechanical outcome of emerging interventions. Currently, most models are calibrated and validated against range of motion and rarely directly against soft-tissue deformation. The aim of this contribution was to develop an methodology to measure disc bulge and assess the ability of different specimen-specific modelling approaches to predict disc bulge.

Development of robust finite element models of porcine tibiofemoral joints loaded under varied flexion angles and tibial freedoms.

The successful development of cartilage repair treatments for the knee requires understanding of the biomechanical environment within the joint. Computational finite element models play an important role in non-invasively understanding knee mechanics, but it is important to compare model findings to experimental data. The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology for generating subject-specific finite element models of porcine tibiofemoral joints that was robust and valid over multiple different constraint scenarios.

An In Vitro Study of the Intervertebral Disc Structure Using 3 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Study Design: An in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study.

Objective: Investigate the potential of high-field MRI for producing higher quality images of the intervertebral disc (IVD) to better distinguish structural details.

Summary Of Background Data: Higher spatial and contrast resolution are important advantages when imaging the complex tissue structures in the spine such as the IVDs.

Methodology to Produce Specimen-Specific Models of Vertebrae: Application to Different Species.

Image-based continuum-level finite element models have been used for bones to evaluate fracture risk and the biomechanical effects of diseases and therapies, capturing both the geometry and tissue mechanical properties. Although models of vertebrae of various species have been developed, an inter-species comparison has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to derive species-specific modelling methods and compare the accuracy of image-based finite element models of vertebrae across species.

A Nondestructive Method to Distinguish the Internal Constituent Architecture of the Intervertebral Discs Using 9.4 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Study Design: An in vitro study of the intervertebral disc (IVD) structure using 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Objective: Investigate the potential of ultrahigh-field strength MRI for higher quality 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric MRI datasets of the IVD to better distinguish structural details.

Derivation of inter-lamellar behaviour of the intervertebral disc annulus.

The inter-lamellar connectivity of the annulus fibrosus in the intervertebral disc has been shown to affect the prediction of the overall disc behaviour in computational models. Using a combined experimental and computational approach, the inter-lamellar mechanical behaviour of the disc annulus was investigated under conditions of radial loading. Twenty-seven specimens of anterior annulus fibrosus were dissected from 12 discs taken from four frozen ovine thoracolumbar spines.

Vertebroplasty: Patient and treatment variations studied through parametric computational models.

Background: Vertebroplasty is increasingly used in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. However there are concerns that this intervention may lead to further fractures in the adjacent vertebral segments. This study was designed to parametrically assess the influence of both treatment factors (cement volume and number of augmentations), and patient factors (bone and disc quality) on the biomechanical effects of vertebroplasty.