In-vivo indentation testing of sheep spinal cord with Meninges

Abstract

In spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy neuromodulation leads are interacting with human dura during and after their implantations. Knowledge of the mechanical properties of spinal cord with meninges is essential for lead design, development, and optimization. In this study, an in-vivo indentation test method was developed to assess the equivalent Young’s Modulus of sheep spinal cord with meninges. Histological analysis of the spinal cord with meninges was conducted. In-vivo equivalent Young’s Modulus was compared with published Young’s Modulus of cadaver dura and spinal cord respectively. The equivalent modulus has a mean of 0.022 MPa and a standard deviation of 0.014 MPa. Compared to the elastic modulus of spinal cord and the elastic modulus of dura mater, the equivalent elastic modulus of spinal cord with meninges is much smaller.