Biomechanical analysis of lumbar spine stabilization by means of transpedicular stabilizer

Abstract

The fundamental purpose of research was determination of biomechanical characteristic of lumbar spine-transpedicular stabilizer system made of stainless steel (Cr-Ni-Mo) and Ti6Al4V alloy. To define biomechanical characteristic of the system finite element method was applied. Geometric models of part spine L3-L4 and stabilizer, was discretised by means of SOLID 95 element. Appropriate boundary conditions imitating phenomena in real system with appropriate accuracy were established. The aim of biomechanical analysis was calculation of displacements and stresses in the vertebras and the stabilizer in a function of the applied loading: 700 N-1600 N. The results of the numerical analysis can be applied to determine a construction features of the stabilizer, and to select mechanical properties of metallic biomaterial. The defined displacements for vertebras L3-L4 show that the proposed type of stabilizer enables correct course of treatment. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.