Preliminary study on biomechanics of vertebroplasty: a XXXX and solid mechanics combined approach.

@entity1 @entity4625 @entity15406 @entity12468 @entity5173
STUDY DESIGN: Algorithm development for the automatic finite element modeling of @entity1 vertebra. OBJECTIVE: To present a technique for automatic generation of @entity1 specific @entity5173 ( @entity5173 ) models for intraosseous @entity4625 cement flow simulation. The secondary objective is to demonstrate the possibility of using resultant @entity4625 cement distribution for post- @entity12468 stress-strain analyses. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are no noninvasive methods for the visualization of @entity4625 cement flow. In addition, optimum volume and distribution of @entity4625 cement are still not known. Computational models that allow @entity1 specific intraosseous @entity4625 cement flow visualization as well as postvertebroplasty mechanical evaluation would be advantageous. METHODS: We developed an algorithm coded into a custom platform that inputs @entity1 CT datasets. Hounsfield unit values were used to assign permeability values as well as modulus to the finite element model before analyses. Several user inputs are required, and these reflect the decisions made by physicians that practice vertebroplasty. As a case study, we isolated a single L1 vertebra from @entity1 CT dataset and used our platform for model generation. Simulated vertebroplasty was performed for different @entity4625 cement volumes and at different placements to study the effects of varying distribution. RESULTS: Increased needle injection pressure was observed as the volume of @entity4625 increases and as the distribution of @entity4625 is in close proximity to the cortical walls. @entity15406 also increases with increased volume of @entity4625 administered. Varying distributions, for the same volume, of @entity4625 cement did not alter stiffness drastically. CONCLUSION: Our custom platform and technique for modeling vertebral bodies may contribute significantly to the science of vertebroplasty. Intraosseous @entity4625 cement flow can be visualized before vertebroplasty, and needle position altered for optimization. Also, parametric computational studies on the postvertebroplasty biomechanical effects of vertebroplasty are now enhanced with such a modeling capability.
