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Quantifying Load-Sharing in Spinal Fusion Using Strain Sensor-Equipped Fusion Rods and Force Sensor-Equipped Intervertebral Cages
Lumbar interbody fusion has proved to be a successful approach for addressing spinal pathologies. However, complications such as pseudarthrosis and implant failure may arise, potentially requiring revision surgery. These complications are are frequently mechanical in origin, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanical function of different components within a spinal fusion system. A spinal fusion system can be divided into three main components: anatomical structures, posterior instrumentation, and, if present the intervertebral cage. To investigate the biomechanical behavior of these components, we need to measure or calculate the loads on each of them.
The load on the intervertebral cage can be directly measured using cages equipped with force load cells, a technology that has been developed within our research group. Additionally, the load on the fusion rods can be measured by utilizing fusion rods equipped with strain gauges. This methodology has been employed in a previous study conducted by our group, although the strain gauges may require further refinement. By quantifying the loads on the cages and rods, it is possible to infer the load distribution on the anatomical structures.
The study will be conducted using human cadaveric spinal samples. The project encompasses several key components: the enhancement of measurement equipment, preparation of the specimens, and the assembly of the experimental setup, which includes the integration of measurement and acquisition tools, as well as the mechanical testing apparatus. Post-experimental analysis of the data will be performed using MATLAB.
The experiments are scheduled to be conducted at the Balgrist Campus, an integrated facility that consolidates patients, physicians, researchers, and industry stakeholders to collaboratively address unresolved issues in musculoskeletal health. In 2016, the Swiss government officially designated the Balgrist Campus as a research institution of national significance, acknowledging its distinctive model of open collaboration. This model facilitates synergistic interactions among patients, clinicians, scientists, and industrial partners, all unified by the objective of advancing musculoskeletal health.
Please note that the project does not provide any financial support for accommodation and transportation, nor does it offer a salary.
The study will be conducted using human cadaveric spinal samples. The project encompasses several key components: the enhancement of measurement equipment, preparation of the specimens, and the assembly of the experimental setup, which includes the integration of measurement and acquisition tools, as well as the mechanical testing apparatus. Post-experimental analysis of the data will be performed using MATLAB. The experiments are scheduled to be conducted at the Balgrist Campus, an integrated facility that consolidates patients, physicians, researchers, and industry stakeholders to collaboratively address unresolved issues in musculoskeletal health. In 2016, the Swiss government officially designated the Balgrist Campus as a research institution of national significance, acknowledging its distinctive model of open collaboration. This model facilitates synergistic interactions among patients, clinicians, scientists, and industrial partners, all unified by the objective of advancing musculoskeletal health. Please note that the project does not provide any financial support for accommodation and transportation, nor does it offer a salary.
This study aims to quantify the load-sharing proportions among intervertebral cages, rods, and anatomical structures across various spinal fusion configurations. Our research group has previously conducted two related studies. In the first study, we measured the load proportion taken by the cage and extended this analysis to estimate the load distribution among fusion rods and anatomical structures. In the second study, currently under internal review, the load-sharing proportions of various components were determined under uniaxial compressive force. The objective of the present project is to explore the effects of different loading conditions on load-sharing proportions by varying the applied loads and analyzing the resulting changes.
This study aims to quantify the load-sharing proportions among intervertebral cages, rods, and anatomical structures across various spinal fusion configurations. Our research group has previously conducted two related studies. In the first study, we measured the load proportion taken by the cage and extended this analysis to estimate the load distribution among fusion rods and anatomical structures. In the second study, currently under internal review, the load-sharing proportions of various components were determined under uniaxial compressive force. The objective of the present project is to explore the effects of different loading conditions on load-sharing proportions by varying the applied loads and analyzing the resulting changes.
Master_Thesis_Summer-2024_Load sharing proportions in spinal fusion components.pdf
