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Open Access Research Article Issue
Biomechanical Evaluation of Two Posterior Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion Surgical Scenarios Reinforced by a Rigid Posterior Fixation System in the Vertebral Column Analyzed by the Finite Element Method
Nano Biomedicine and Engineering 2018, 10 (3): 258-278
Published: 30 August 2018
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Lumbar interbody fusion is a common procedure for treating lower back pain related to degenerative disc diseases, the following two scenarios of posterior lumbar interbody fusion cage (PLIF) were usually used, i.e., Model (Ⅰ) posterior lumbar intersomatic fusion cage bilateral approach filled with bone graft (1) and (2), (Model Ⅱ) PLIF with cage made of PEEK or titanium (Ti) materiel filled with bone graft. But the benefits or adverse effects among the two surgical scenarios were still not fully understood. In this regard, we installed these discs between the two vertebrae L5 and S1 of the spine, to ensure spinal stability and avoid slipping, we have used a posterior attachment system (6 screws plus 2 rods) at the pedicular levels of the lumbar vertebra (S1-L5, L5-L4). Finite element analysis (FEA), as an efficient tool for the analysis of lumbar diseases, was used to establish a three-dimensional nonlinear TH1-pelvic FE model (Intact Model) with the ligaments of solid elements. Then it was modified to simulate the two scenarios of PLIF. Two anterior bending moments (P2 and P3) with a P1 compression loading were applied to the 3D model of the spine (TH1-pelvic), respectively. Different mechanical parameters were calculated to evaluate the differences among the three surgical models. The results of numerical values show that these disks played a very important role in the absorption of the stresses and to minimize, On the other hand, the lumbar inter-somatic cage (Model Ⅱ) filled with cancellous bone is too great a role in reducing the stress compared to another synthetic (Model Ⅰ) disc. In general, the new model of the inter-somatic cage filled with cancellous bone and reinforced by a posterior fixation system has given a lower level of stress in the cortical bone and the spongy bone of the lumbar vertebra (L5) compared to the healthy disk (D1). The findings provide theoretical basis for the choice of a suitable surgical scenario for different.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Numerical Study of the Effect of Elastomer and Cement of Stress Absorbers on the Reduction of Stresses in Tibia and Tibial Bone Analysed by Finite Element Method
Nano Biomedicine and Engineering 2018, 10 (1): 56-78
Published: 29 March 2018
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Metal alloys have been the materials of choice since the start of orthopaedic surgery. Orthopedic materials must fulfill the mechanical, biological and physical necessities of their proposed utilization. Knee joint is the most complex joint in human body, which gets the discriminating loads in different moving conditions. Accordingly, the material utilized for knee implant is assumed the exceptionally essential part for long survival of knee prosthesis. The materials that are utilized as biomaterials incorporate polymers, metals, ceramics and composites. Out of those materials, cobalt-chromium alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steel and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene are the most usually utilized biomaterials for knee implants. The objective of this paper is to prepare three models of prosthesis knee joint from available literature and study on the distribution of von Mises stresses and strains in different components of knee prosthesis. It is known that the total displacement between the intact model and the artificial model of knee, 3D modeling software Solidworks 2016 is used for 3D modeling of knee prosthesis, and that finite element analysis software ANSYS 16.2 was used for numerical estimation of von Mises stresses and strains. We found in this study that the maximum von Mises stresses and strains at the level of the tibial and tibial bone decreased, that is to say, the cement and the elastomer played a very important role in the absorption of the stresses and their minimization. On the other hand, the four knee prostheses (model Ⅰ (Ti6Al4V), model Ⅱ (CoCrMo), model Ⅲ (316L SS), model Ⅳ (ZrO2)) implanted by elastomer contributed significantly to the reduction of stresses in the patella bone compared to the intact model. In general, both models of the knee prosthesis and those reinforced by a stress reduction system (cement or elastomer) gave a lower stress level in the tibia and tibial bone of a normal person compared to a healthy model. The results obtained provide a theoretical basis for choosing an appropriate surgical model.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Numerical Study of the Effect of Rigid and Dynamic Posterior Attachment Systems on Stress Reduction in Cortical and Spongy Bones of the Lumbar Segments L4-L5
Nano Biomedicine and Engineering 2017, 9 (3): 249-274
Published: 30 September 2017
Abstract PDF (9.2 MB) Collect
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Posterior instrumentation is a common fixation method used in the treatment of spinal diseases. However, the role of different models of fixation system in improving fixation stability in these fractures has not been established. Comparative investigation between posterior rigid fixation (pedicle screw) and four models of posterior dynamic fixation (B Dyne, Elaspine, Bioflex, Coflex rivet) may elucidate the efficacy of each design. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical differences between rigid fixation and dynamic fixation implantation by using finite element analyses. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of five fixation systems mounted on L4-L5 motion segment. In this numerical study, finite element model of an L4-L5 segment was developed from computed tomography image datasets. Five fixation devices were also implanted internally to the motion segment. Another model with an intact intervertebral disc was also analysed for comparison. Loads simulating the physiological flexion, extension and lateral bindings were applied to the superior surface of L4. Results showed that the Elaspine, Bioflex, Coflex rivet and pedicle screw fixation implantation could provide stability in all motions and reduce von Mises stress in the cortical and spongy bone at the surgical segment L4-L5. Moreover, maximal von Mises stress in the annulus disc was observed in dynamic systems but within the safe range. The greater movement of the motion segment was also appeared in dynamic fixations. Existence of the fixation systems reduced the stress on the intervertebral disc which might be exerted in intact cases. Use of the fixation devices could considerably reduce the load on the discs and prepare conditions for healing of the injured ones. Furthermore, dynamic modes of fixation conferred the possibility of movement to the motion segments in order to facilitate the spinal activities. The numerical results showed that the posterior fixation system (rigid and dynamic) played a very important role in the absorption and minimization of stresses. On the other hand, the tow systems (rigid fixation and dynamic fixation) played such a great role in reducing the stress compared to other synthetic discs. In general, the posterior fixation system gave a lower level of stress in the cortical bones and the spongy bones of the L4-L5 lumbar segment compared to the intact model.

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