Vertebral fractures commonly occur at the thoracolumbar junction. These fractures can be treated with mild residual deformity in many cases, but are reportedly associated with increased risk of secondary vertebral fractures. In the present study, a three‑dimensional (3D) whole spine model was constructed using the finite element method to explore the mechanism of development of compression fractures. The 3D model of the whole spine, from the cervical spine to the pelvis, was constructed from computed tomography (CT) images of an adult male. Using a normal spine model and spine models with compression fractures at the T11, T12 or L1 vertebrae, the distribution of strain was analyzed in the vertebrae after load application. The normal spine model demonstrated greater strain around the thoracolumbar junction and the middle thoracic spine, while the compression fracture models indicated focused strain at the fracture site and adjacent vertebrae. Increased load time resulted in the extension of the strain region up to the middle thoracic spine. The present findings, that secondary vertebral fractures commonly occur around the fracture site, and may also affect the thoracic vertebrae, are consistent with previous clinical and experimental results. These results suggest that follow‑up examinations of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar junction should include the thoracic spine and adjacent vertebrae. The current data also demonstrate that models created from CT images can be used for various analyses.
Iatrogenic vertebral fracture in ankylosed spine during liver transplantation: a case report and biomechanical study using finite element method
Biomechanical investigation of long spinal fusion models using three-dimensional finite element analysis, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Mechanical changes of percutaneous kyphoplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of thoracolumbar compressive fractures in three-dimensional vertebral models
Establishment and validation of a T12-L2 3D finite element model for thoracolumbar segments. - Abstract - Europe PMC
PDF) Finite Element Method Analysis of Compression Fractures on Whole-Spine Models Including the Rib Cage
PDF] Finite element analysis of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar junction using models constructed from medical images
Biomechanical Study of Vertebral Compression Fracture Using Finite Element Analysis
The approach trajectory is determined by level, pedicle angle and
Finite Element Method Analysis of Compression Fractures on Whole-Spine Models Including the Rib Cage
Applied Sciences, Free Full-Text
Lateral X-ray of the thoraco-lumber spine showing compression fracture
A biomechanical investigation of thoracolumbar burst fracture under vertical impact loads using finite element method - ScienceDirect
PDF] Finite element analysis of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar junction using models constructed from medical images
Bioengineering, Free Full-Text