From in vitro evaluation of a finite element model of the spine to in silico comparison of spine instrumentations

Abstract

Growth-preserving spinal surgery suffer from high complications rate. A recent bipolar instrumentation using two anchoring points (thoracic and pelvic) showed lower rates, but its biomechanical behaviour has not been characterised yet. The aim of this work was to combine in vitro and in vivo data to improve and validate a finite element model (FEM) of the spine, and to apply it to compare bipolar and classical all-screws implants. Spinal segments were tested in vitro to measure range of motion (ROM). Thoracic segments were also tested with bipolar instrumentation to measure ROM and rod strain using a strain gage. A subject-specific FEM of the spine, pelvis and ribcage of an in vivo asymptomatic subject was built. Spinal segments were extracted from it to reproduce the in-vitro mechanical tests. Experimental and simulated ROM and rod strain were compared. Then, the full trunk FEM was used to compare bipolar and all-screws instrumentations. The FEM fell within 1° of the experimental corridors, and both in silico and in vitro instrumentation rods showed 0.01% maximal axial strain. Bipolar and all-screws constructs had similar maximal Von Mises stresses. This work represents a first step towards subject-specific simulation to evaluate spinal constructs for neuromuscular scoliosis in children.