Finite element model establishment of thoracolumbar hemangioma and biomechanical analysis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most of studies focus on the biomechanical characteristics of thoracic spine neoplasm, but there is little report on the fracture risk in the patients with vertebral hemangioma through finite element analysis.OBJECTIVE: To establish a finite element model of vertebral hemangioma, and to analyze its biomechanical characteristics, and assess the risk of vertebral fracture.METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models of T12-L2 vertebrae from normal individuals, the patients with vertebral hemangioma (hemangioma accounting for 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% of the vertebral cancellous bone) and bone cement filling were established, respectively, and then the mechanical characteristics were analyzed. The stress distribution and characters of each model were determined under a vertical static pressure of 600 N.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Three-dimensional finite element models of T12-L2 vertebrae were established successfully. Under static pressure, the stress distribution of L1 cortical bone showed no significant difference among models, and the maximum stress all occurred at the base of pedicle, zygapophysial joint and isthmus. (2) The stress distribution did not differ significantly between vertebral hemangioma accounting for 20%-40% of vertebral cancellous bone with complete cortical bone and normal ones, but which differed significantly in hemangioma accounting for 60%-80%. (3) To conclude, the established thoracolumbar three-dimensional model is available. Additionally,biomechanical tests manifest that the completeness of cortical bone and destruction ratio of cancellous bone destruction are key factors for the fracture risk of vertebral hemangioma.