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Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Effects of nucleotomy on segmental flexibility: a numerical analysisNucleotomy, a common treatment for disc herniations, aims to relieve pressure on spinal structures. While effective in alleviating symptoms, this intervention can compromise spinal stability. However, previous in vivo studies in sheep have demonstrated conflicting results with significant long-term stiffening of the spine following nucleotomy, with occasional spontaneous fusion of the affected motion segment. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical regulation of tissue adaptation processes post-nucleotomy using computational modeling. A parametric finite element model of the L4–L5 ovine spinal motion segment, developed previously, was modified to simulate surgical procedures that have been performed in prior in vivo studies. An iterative approach was used to simulate post-surgical tissue healing and adaptation processes. Two loading scenarios were simulated: one with combined axial compression and flexion moments, and the other incorporating axial rotation. An initial decrease in stability, with stiffness reduced by up to 50% due to disc decompression and nucleus removal, was followed by a gradual increase in stiffness over time as a consequence of bone healing and remodeling, with the most pronounced stiffening – up to 350% of the intact state – observed in axial rotation. The findings align with previous in vivo observations, suggesting that spontaneous fusion and increased rigidity may be natural consequences of mechano-biological adaptation. The results of this study highlight that healing processes accompanied by adaptive bone remodeling are directed towards restoration of spinal stability after nucleotomy. These findings align with previous in vivo observations, suggesting that spontaneous fusion and increased rigidity may be a natural consequence of post-nucleotomy mechano-biological adaptation. On the other hand, the results indicate a critical role of an appropriate loading regime on the outcome of these processes.Publicationtype: Journal Article6 96 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Densification of cancellous bone with autologous particles can enhance the primary stability of uncemented implants by increasing the interface friction coefficient(2022-06-01); ; ; ; Sufficient primary stability is one of the most important prerequisites for successful osseointegration of cementless implants. Bone grafts, densification and compaction methods have proven clinically successful, but the related effects and causes have not been systematically investigated. Postoperatively, the frictional properties of the bone-implant interface determine the amount of tolerable shear stress. Frictional properties of different implant surfaces have been widely studied. Less attention has been paid to the influence of host bone modifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of densification of cancellous bone with bone particles on the interface friction coefficient. Cancellous bone samples from femoral heads were densified with bone particles obtained during sample preparation. The densification was quantified using micro-Ct. Friction coefficients of the densified and paired native samples were determined. Densification increased the BV/TV in the first two millimeters of the bone samples by 10.5 ± 2.7% to 30.5 ± 2.7% (p < 0.001). The static friction coefficient was increased by 10.5 ± 6.1% to 0.43 ± 0.03. The static friction coefficient increased with higher BV/TV of the bone interface, which is represented by the top 2 mm of the bone. The increase in contact area, intertrabecular anchorage and particle bracing could be responsible for the increase in friction. Optimization of particle shape and size based on the patient's individual bone microstructure could further increase frictional resistance. Bone densification has the potential to improve the primary stability of uncemented implants.Publicationtype: Journal ArticleScopus© Citations 2 29 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Contact conditions for total hip head-neck modular taper junctions with microgrooved stem tapers(2020-04-16); ; ; ; Implant failure due to fretting-corrosion of head-neck modular junctions is a rising problem in total hip arthroplasty. Fretting-corrosion initiates when micromotion leads to metal release; however, factors leading to micromotion, such as microgrooves on the stem taper, are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to describe a finite element analysis technique to determine head-neck contact mechanics and investigate the effect of stem taper microgroove height during head-neck assembly. Two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element models were created. Models were created for a ceramic femoral head and a CoCrMo femoral head against Ti6Al4V stem tapers and compared to available data from prior experiments. Stem taper microgroove height was investigated with a generic 12/14 model. Head-neck assembly was performed to four maximum loads (500 N, 2000 N, 4000 N, 8000 N). For the stem taper coupled with the ceramic head, the number of microgrooves in contact and plastically deformed differed by 2.5 microgrooves (4%) and 6.5 microgrooves (11%), respectively, between the finite element models and experiment. For the stem taper coupled with the CoCrMo head, all microgrooves were in contact after all assembly loads in the finite element model due to an almost identical conical angle between the taper surfaces. In the experiments, all grooves were only in contact for the 8000 N assembly load. Contact area, plastic (permanent) deformation, and contact pressure increased with increasing assembly loads and deeper microgrooves. The described modeling technique can be used to investigate the relationship between implant design factors, allowing for optimal microgroove design within material couples.Publicationtype: Journal Article213 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Micromotion at the head-stem taper junction of total hip prostheses is influenced by prosthesis design-, patient- and surgeon-related factors(2020-01-02); ; ; Taper junctions of modular hip prostheses are susceptible to fretting and crevice corrosion. Prevalence and significance increase for cobalt-chromium heads assembled on titanium-alloy stems. Retrieval and in-vitro studies have identified micromotion between the taper components to accelerate the corrosion process. The aim of this study was to identify the most critical factors contributing to increased micromotion, which is most likely influenced by design-, patient- and surgeon-related aspects. Micromotion between head and stem taper surfaces was measured for different taper surface topographies and load orientations. Consecutive visual images were recorded through windows in the head component. By image matching analysis the local micromotions at the taper junction between head and stem tapers were determined. To extend the findings to taper regions not visible through the windows, finite element models were generated. The models were further utilized to investigate the influence of head length, taper angle difference and assembly force on micromotion. Significantly higher micromotion (+20%) was found under varus loading (7.1 µm) in comparison to valgus loading (5.9 µm). Smooth and microgrooved stem tapers exhibited equal amounts of micromotion. The numerical model revealed head tilting and recurring taper contact changes in terms of cyclic engagement/disengagement during the loading sequences. Especially long heads (+240%) and low assembly forces (+53%) were found to substantially increase micromotion (from 2.7 µm to 9.3 µm and from 4.1 µm to 8.8 µm, respectively). This study accentuates the susceptibility of taper junctions to a variety of factors, which need to be appreciated in preoperative planning and surgical procedure to reduce the amount of micromotion and such minimize the risk of critical corrosion.Publicationtype: Journal Article118 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Variogram-based evaluations of DXA correlate with vertebral strength, but do not enhance the prediction compared to aBMD alone(2018-08-22); ; ; ; Ancillary evaluation of spinal Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) via variogram-based texture evaluation (e.g., Trabecular Bone Score) is used for improving the fracture risk assessment, despite no proven relationship with vertebral strength. The purpose of this study was thus to determine whether classical variogram-based parameters (sill variance and correlation length) evaluated from simulated DXA scans could help predicting the in vitro vertebral strength. Experimental data of thirteen human full vertebrae (i.e., with posterior elements) and twelve vertebral bodies were obtained from two existing studies. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was calculated from 2D projection images of the 3D HR-pQCT scan of the specimens mimicking clinical DXA scans. Stochastic predictors, sill variance and correlation length, were calculated from their experimental variogram. Vertebral strength was measured as the maximum failure load of human vertebrae and vertebral bodies from mechanical tests. Vertebral strength correlated significantly with sill variance (r = 0.727) and correlation length (r = 0.727) for the vertebral bodies, and with correlation length (r = 0.593) for full vertebrae. However, the stochastic predictors improved the strength prediction made by aBMD alone by only 11% for the vertebral bodies while no improvement was observed for the full vertebrae. Despite a correlation, classical variogram parameters such as sill variance and correlation length do not enhance the prediction of in vitro vertebral strength beyond aBMD. It remains unclear why some variogram-based evaluations of DXA improve fracture prediction without a proven relationship with vertebral strength.Publicationtype: Journal Article126 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Analysis of surface-to-surface distance mapping during three-dimensional motion at the ankle and subtalar joints(2018-07-25); ; ; ; Joint surface interaction and ligament constraints determine the kinematic characteristics of the ankle and subtalar joints. Joint surface interaction is characterized by joint contact mechanics and by relative joint surface position potentially characterized by distance mapping. While ankle contact mechanics was investigated, limited information is available on joint distance mapping and its changes during motion. The purpose of this study was to use image-based distance mapping to quantify this interaction at the ankle and subtalar joints during tri-planar rotations of the ankle complex. Five cadaveric legs were scanned using Computed Tomography and the images were processed to produce 3D bone models of the tibia, fibula, talus and calcaneus. Each leg was tested on a special linkage through which the ankle complex was loaded in dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion, and internal/external rotation and the resulting bone movements were recorded. Fiduciary bone markers data and 3D bone models were combined to generate color-coded distance maps for the ankle and subtalar joints. The results were processed focusing on the changes in surface-to-surface distance maps between the extremes of the range of motion and neutral. The results provided detailed insight into the three-dimensional highly coupled nature of these joints showing significant and unique changes in distance mapping from neutral to extremes of the range of motion. The non-invasive nature of the image-based distance mapping technique could result, after proper modifications, in an effective diagnostic and clinical evaluation technique for application such as ligament injuries and quantifying the effect of arthrodesis or total ankle replacement surgery.Publicationtype: Journal Article125 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Examining tissue composition, whole-bone morphology and mechanical behavior of GorabPrx1 mice tibiae : a mouse model of premature agingGerodermia osteodysplastica (GO) is a segmental progeroid disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the GORAB gene, associated with early onset osteoporosis and bone fragility. A conditional mouse model of GO (GorabPrx1) was generated in which the Gorab gene was deleted in long bones. We examined the biomechanical/functional relevance of the GorabPrx1 mutants as a premature aging model by characterizing bone composition, tissue-level strains, and whole-bone morphology and mechanical properties of the tibia. MicroCT imaging showed that GorabPrx1 tibiae had an increased anterior convex curvature and decreased cortical cross-sectional area, cortical thickness and moments of inertia, compared to littermate control (LC) tibiae. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging indicated a 34% decrease in mineral/matrix ratio and a 27% increase in acid phosphate content in the posterior metaphyseal cortex of the GorabPrx1 tibiae (p <.05), suggesting delayed mineralization. In vivo strain gauge measurement and finite element analysis showed ∼two times higher tissue-level strains within the GorabPrx1 tibiae relative to LC tibiae when subjected to axial compressive loads of the same magnitude. Three-point bending tests suggested that GorabPrx1 tibiae were weaker and more brittle, as indicated by decreasing whole-bone strength (46%), stiffness (55%), work-to-fracture (61%) and post-yield displacement (47%). Many of these morphological and biomechanical characteristics of the GorabPrx1 tibia recapitulated changes in other animal models of skeletal aging. Future studies are necessary to confirm how our observations might guide the way to a better understanding and treatment of GO.Publicationtype: Journal Article15 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , The effect of six degree of freedom loading sequence on the in-vitro compressive properties of human lumbar spine segments(2016-10-03); ; ; ; The complex, direction-dependent, poro-viscoelastic properties of the intervertebral disc (disc) suggest that investigations of the six degree of freedom (6DOF) behaviour may be susceptible to inter-test variation in mechanical response if the disc does not return to initial conditions between loading directions. No studies have quantified the effects of sequential multi-directional loading on the consistency of the compressive response of the disc throughout a 6DOF testing protocol. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of 6DOF loading on the compressive properties (stiffness and phase angle) of human discs, as evaluated by a reference compression test performed after each single DOF test. Fourteen intact human functional spinal units (FSU) were tested in each of ±6DOFs (shear directions followed by bending and compression) across four orders of magnitude loading frequencies (0.001–1 Hz), followed by reference compression tests while subjected to physiological preload, hydration, and body temperature conditions in a hexapod robot. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant within-subjects effects between the reference compression tests for modulus (p<0.001), stiffness (p<0.001), and phase angle (p=0.008). Significant post-hoc pairwise comparisons were initially seen between the control and other reference compression tests for stiffness and modulus after the shear DOFs, however, no significant differences were present after the final reference compression test compared to control. More pronounced effects were seen for stiffness in comparison to modulus and phase angle. These effects may be due to three potentials factors, which include the sequence of testing, the cohort of degenerative specimens, and/or cumulative creep due to the constant application of a follower load. While the sequence of test directions was chosen to minimise the biphasic effect, there may be other sequences, which could result in minimal changes in compressive properties.Publicationtype: Journal Article62 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , A description of spinal fatigue strength(2016-04-11); ; ; ; Understanding fatigue failure of the spine is important to establish dynamic loading limits for occupational health and safety. In this study experimental data were combined with published data to develop a description of the predictive parameters for spinal fatigue failure. 41 lumbar functional spinal units (FSUs) from cadaveric spines (age 49.0±11.9 yr) where cyclically loaded. Three different levels of sinusoidal axial compression (0-3 kN, 0-2 kN or 1-3 kN) were applied for 300,000 cycles. Further, published data consisted of 70 thoracic and lumbar FSUs loaded in axial compression for 5000 cycles. Cyclic forces ranged from lower peaks (Fmin) of 0.7-1 kN to upper peaks (Fmax) of 1.2-7.1 kN. Based on Wöhler analysis, a fatigue model was developed accounting for three parameters: I) specimen-specific scaling based on the endplate area, II) specimen-specific strength dependency on age or bone mineral density, III) load-specific correction factors based on Fmax and Fmin.The most predictive model was achieved for a combination of Fmax, endplate area and bone mineral density; this model explained 61% of variation (p<0.001). A model including Fmax, endplate area and age explained only 28% of variation (p<0.001). Inclusion of a load-specific correction factor did not significantly improve model prediction of fatigue failure.This analysis presents the basis for the prediction of specimen-specific fatigue failure of the lumbar spine, provided the endplate area and bone mineral density can be derived.Publicationtype: Journal Article108 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Dynamic intermittent strain can rapidly impair ventral hernia repair(2015-11-26); ; ; ; Ventral hernia repair fails frequently despite advanced mesh inserting surgery. A model for dynamic intermittent straining (DIS) of ventral hernia repairs was developed. The influence of phospholipids, position, overlap, fixation and tissue quality of various meshes on the durability of hernia repair was studied.DIS comprises the repetition of submaximal impacts delivered via a hydraulically driven plastic containment. Pig tissues simulate a ventral hernia with a standardized 5. cm defect. Commercially available meshes strengthened with tacks, glue and sutures were used to bridge this defect in an underlay (IPOM) or sublay (retromuscular) position starting with a 5. cm overlap in all directions. We tested 35 different ways of ventral hernia repair with up to 425 submaximal intermittent dynamic impacts until mesh dislocation occurred 10 times or a maximum of 4000 impacts each were withstood.The likelihood of a failing repair was related to the mesh, the lubricants, the position, the overlap, the fixation and the tissue quality. Most meshes dislocated easily and required fixation. One of the meshes tested was stable without fixation with a 5. cm overlap and failed after reducing the overlap. Phospholipids exerted a strong influence on the biomaterial tested. The sublay position was about 10% more durable in comparison to the IPOM position. DIS revealed distinct degrees of stability with primarily stable, intermediate and primarily unstable repairs.Based on the DIS results available, the currently used ventral hernia repair options can be classified. In the future, DIS investigations can improve the durability of hernia repair.Publicationtype: Journal Article146