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Computational design optimization of the bearing of a spinal implant
Following accidents or due to ageing it can be necessary to replace an intervertebral disc with an implant, a so-called Total Disc Replacement (TDR). Such devices enable motion though a bearing. While this treatment is clinically successful, there is still room for improvement in terms of complication and reoperation rates. Therefore, we are optimizing the design of such an implant to address these issues.
While many different designs are used in clinical practice, there is no consensus on which design is most beneficial. However, it is hypothesized, that replicating the situation that is present in healthy humans as closely as possible, is optimal. Therefore, this master’s thesis project aims at optimizing the implants bearing to replicate the healthy loads in the spine (in the facet joints, ligaments and possibly in the IVDs of the adjacent levels).
This is done using parametric design optimization in the optimization software LS-OPT based on finite element simulations and a surrogate model. Multiple load cases are considered.
This project builds upon previous work on the optimization of the bearing and the bone-implant interface.
MasterArbeit_ArticulationOptimizationTDR.pdf
