Disc Stress Research Articles

Biomechanical effect of different plate-to-disc distance on surgical and adjacent segment in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion - a finite element analysis

BackgroundThe plate-to-disc distance (PDD) is an important factor affecting the degeneration of adjacent segments after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, the most suitable PDD is controversial. This study examined the adjacent intervertebral disc stress, bone graft stress, titanium plate stress and screw stress to evaluate the biomechanical effect of different PDD on surgical segment and adjacent segment following C5/C6 ACDF.MethodsWe constructed 10 preoperative finite element models of intact C4–C7 segments and validated them in the present study. We simulated ACDF surgery based on the 10 intact models in software. We designed three different distance of plate-to-disc titanium plates: long PDD (10 mm), medium PDD (5 mm) and short PDD (0 mm). The changes in C4/C5 and C6/C7 intervertebral disc stress, bone graft stress, titanium plate stress and screw stress were analyzed.ResultsThe von Mises stress of C4/C5 and C6/C7 intervertebral discs had no significant differences (P > 0.05) in three different PDD groups. Titanium plate stress increased as the PDD decreased. The bone graft stress and screws stress decreased as the PDD decreased. The maximum stress of each part occurred was mostly in the conditions of rotation and lateral bending.ConclusionsThe PDD has no effect on adjacent intervertebral disc stress, but it is an important factor that affecting the bone graft stress, titanium plate stress and screws stress after ACDF. Shorter PDD plate can provide better stability to reduce stress on screws and bone graft, which may be helpful to prevent cage subsidence, pseudarthrosis and instrument failure. This can serve as a reference for clinical choice of plate.

A biomechanical analysis of four anterior cervical techniques to treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a finite element study

BackgroundThe decision to treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the intervertebral discs at the adjacent segments and internal fixation, and to provide scientific experimental evidence for surgical treatment of MCSM.MethodsAn intact C2-C7 cervical spine model was developed and validated. Four additional models were developed from the fusion model, including multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (mACDF), anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), hybrid decompression and fusion (HDF), and mACDF with cage alone (mACDF-CA). Biomechanical characteristics on the plate and the disc of adjacent levels (C2/3, C6/7) were comparatively analyzed.ResultsOf the four models, stress on the upper (C2/3) adjacent intervertebral disc was the lowest in the mACDF-CA group and highest in the ACCF group. Stress on the intervertebral discs at adjacent segments was higher for the upper C2/3 than the lower C6/7 intervertebral disc. In all models, the mACDF-CA group had the lowest stress on the intervertebral disc, while the ACCF group had the highest stress. In the three surgical models with titanium plate fixation (mACDF, ACCF, and HDF), the ACCF group had the highest stress at the titanium plate-screw interface, while the mACDF group had the lowest stress.ConclusionAmong the four anterior cervical reconstructive techniques for MCSM, mACDF-CA makes little effect on the adjacent disc stress, which might reduce the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after fusion. However, the accompanying risk of the increased incidence of cage subsidence should never be neglected.

Effect of single and multilevel artificial inter-vertebral disc replacement in lumbar spine: A finite element study.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) in lumbar spine is one of the major musculoskeletal disorders that cause low back pain (LBP). The intervertebral disc structure and dynamics of the lumbar spine are significantly affected by lumbar DDD, leading to a reduced range of motion (ROM), muscle weakness and gradual degradation. Spinal fusion and inter-vertebral disc replacement prostheses are two major surgical methods used for treating lumbar DDD. The aim of this present study is to examine biomechanical impacts of single level (L3-L4 and L4-L5) and multi level (L3-L4-L5) inter-vertebral disc replacement in lumbar spine (L2-L5) and to compare the performance with intact spine. Finite element (FE) analysis has been used to compare the mobility and stress distribution of all the models for four physiological movements, namely flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending under 6, 8 and 10 Nm moments. Spinal fusion implants completely restrict the motion of the implanted segment and increase disc stress at the adjacent levels. In contrast to that, the results single level ADR models showed closer ROM and disc stress to natural model. At the spinal segments adjacent to the implantation, single level ADR shows lower chance of disc degeneration. However, significantly increased ROM was observed in case of double level ADR.

Experimental validation of residual stress thermomechanical simulation in as-quenched superalloy discs by using diffraction and incremental hole-drilling methods

Mechanical properties of commercial Ni-based superalloys at elevated temperature rely strongly on the cooling rate during solution heat treatment. Quenching-induced residual stress can be crucial to machining accuracy and fatigue strength of industrial superalloy components.In this study, an existing finite-element-based methodology is improved by inverse heat transfer calculation and phase transformation latent heat input, with a maximum temperature deviation of ∼44℃. The simulated thermal stress and strain rate evolution demonstrate the origin of the quenching stress field. Robust non-destructive methods, i.e., neutron diffraction and X-ray diffraction, are employed to validate the simulated surface and internal residual stresses in both air-cooled and water-quenched discs. The simulated in-depth normal residual stress profiles are proven to be consistent with the results of non-destructive measurement, with a maximum average deviation of ∼34 MPa. After a rapid quenching process, the near-surface stress gradient measured by incremental hole-drilling method at a depth of 0.45 mm is ∼150 % lower than simulation result.

Finite element analysis of wedge and biconcave deformity in four different height restoration after augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

PurposeBiomechanical comparison of wedge and biconcave deformity of different height restoration after augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was analyzed by three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA).MethodsThree-dimensional finite element model (FEM) of T11-L2 segment was constructed from CT scan of elderly osteoporosis patient. The von Mises stresses of vertebrae, intervertebral disc, facet joints, displacement, and range of motion (ROM) of wedge and biconcave deformity were compared at four different heights (Genant 0–3 grade) after T12 vertebral augmentation.ResultsIn wedge deformity, the stress of T12 decreased as the vertebral height in neutral position, flexion, extension, and left axial rotation, whereas increased sharply in bending at Genant 0; L1 and L2 decreased in all positions excluding flexion of L2, and T11 increased in neutral position, flexion, extension, and right axial rotation at Genant 0. No significant changes in biconcave deformity. The stress of T11-T12, T12-L1, and L1-L2 intervertebral disc gradually increased or decreased under other positions in wedge fracture, whereas L1-L2 no significant change in biconcave fracture. The utmost overall facet joint stress is at Genant 3, whereas there is no significant change under the same position in biconcave fracture. The displacement and ROM of the wedge fracture had ups and downs, while a decline in all positions excluding extension in biconcave fracture.ConclusionsThe vertebral restoration height after augmentation to Genant 0 affects the von Mises stress, displacement, and ROM in wedge deformity, which may increase the risk of fracture, whereas restored or not in biconcave deformity.

Analytical evaluation of transformation matrix between functional spaces and its application in obtaining exact solutions of thermo-mechanical stresses in disks

Thermo-mechanical stresses developed in a disk, inner boundary of which is subject to the nonstationary thermo-mechanical loadings due to variation in temperature and pressure inside the disk is considered in the presented paper. Problems of theoretical analysis are divided and described as follows: The first problem implies analytical solution of the heat conduction equation with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions of Robin type, and the second problem deals with obtaining analytical solution of dynamic equation of displacement for nonisothermal elastic body (Navier equation) with traction boundary conditions in the plane strain case of uncoupled thermo-elasticity. Finite Hankel transform is used to solve the problems. Two sets of orthogonal basis functions necessary for integral transform are obtained. The first one corresponds to the boundary conditions written for the heat conduction equation, and the second fits the boundary conditions for Navier equation. Integrals defining elements of transformation matrix between the two sets of basis functions are evaluated analytically. In general, convenient method of obtaining analytical solution of linear hyperbolic equation with nonhomogeneous term, which itself is solution of nonhomogeneous parabolic equation, is elaborated within the presented work. Using finite difference method, discrete counterparts of the described problems are constructed and, via the built-in ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers in MATLAB, numerical solutions are obtained, which exhibit excellent accordance with analytical ones.

Biomechanical properties of a novel nonfusion artificial vertebral body for anterior lumbar vertebra resection and internal fixation

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of a novel nonfused artificial vertebral body in treating lumbar diseases and to compare with those of the fusion artificial vertebral body. An intact finite element model of the L1–L5 lumbar spine was constructed and validated. Then, the finite element models of the fusion group and nonfusion group were constructed by replacing the L3 vertebral body and adjacent intervertebral discs with prostheses. For all finite element models, an axial preload of 500 N and another 10 N m imposed on the superior surface of L1. The range of motion and stress peaks in the adjacent discs, endplates, and facet joints were compared among the three groups. The ranges of motion of the L1–2 and L4–5 discs in flexion, extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left rotation and right rotation were greater in the fusion group than those in the intact group and nonfusion group. The fusion group induced the greatest stress peaks in the adjacent discs and adjacent facet joints compared to the intact group and nonfusion group. The nonfused artificial vertebral body could better retain mobility of the surgical site after implantation (3.6°–8.7°), avoid increased mobility and stress of the adjacent discs and facet joints.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of optimal distribution model of fillers in vertebroplasty

To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of osteoporosis and to study the stiffness recovery of injured vertebrae and stress analysis of adjacent vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty under different perfusion and distribution conditions by simulating fluid flow into the vertebral body. A male healthy volunteer was selected. CT scans were performed from T11 to L2. Mimics 15.0 and ABAQUS 6.11 software were used to extract CT images. The vertebral model of osteoporotic fracture was established. The flow physical field and conduction and diffusion physical field were coupled to simulate the process and parts of the injection of bone cement into the vertebral fracture model. The amount of bone cement injected into the vertebral fracture model was 2 ml, 4 ml, 6 ml respectively. The diffusion range of bone cement was simulated on the image, and the post injection model of bone cement was obtained. Vertical downward, forward and backward pressure of 300 N were applied on the surface of the model to simulate vertebral movement. The stress changes of upper and lower vertebrae and diseased vertebrae under different conditions were calculated. (1) The VonMises stress of T12 inferior endplate was the largest in the three states before and after fracture.(2) The VonMises stress of the intervertebral disc and each endplate after fracture was significantly higher than before fracture. When percutaneous vertebroplasty was applied, as the amount of bone cement injection increases, the VonMises stress of the adjacent vertebral endplates increases. In the diseased vertebrae, as the amount of bone cement increases, the VonMises stress of the vertebral body endplate showed a downward trend. Reliable biomechanical model of lumbar vertebral fracture can be established by using CT scanning data through software simulation. Vertebral fracture and vertebroplasty will cause biomechanical changes of adjacent vertebral bodies. With the increase of bone cement injection, the influence of biomechanical changes will increase significantly. Neighbouring vertebral fractures are more likely. For this experiment, percutaneous vertebroplasty has a suitable amount of cement injection of 4 ml.

Multi-extremum-modified response basis model for nonlinear response prediction of dynamic turbine blisk

For the nonlinear dynamic analyses of complex mechanical components, it is necessary to apply efficient modeling framework to reduce computational burden. The accurate surrogate model for approximating the nonlinear responses of several failures is a vital issue to provide robust and safe design conditions in complex engineering applications. In this paper, two different Modified multi-extremum Response Surface basis Models (MRSM) are proposed for dynamic nonlinear responses of failure capacities for turbine blisk responses. The proposed MRSM is established using two regression processes including regressed the input variables by linear or exponential basis functions in first calibrating phase and regressed the second-order polynomial basis function using inputs data provided by first stage in second calibrating procedure. A sensitivity analysis using MRSM is proposed to consider the variation of input variables on the nonlinear responses. In the sensitivity analysis procedure, the effects of input variables are evaluated using the calibrating results given from the first regressed process. To evaluate the performance of the proposed MRSM, three multi-extremum failure modes including radial deformation of compressor blisk, maximum strain, and stress of compressor blade and disk are considered. the prediction of MRSM of nonlinear responses for Thermal-fluid–structure system with dynamical nonlinear finite-element analyses is compared with response surface method (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The predicted results of modeling approaches showed that the sensitivity analysis based on MRSM accurately provided the effective degree for input variables. The gas temperature has the highest effects on nonlinear responses of turbine blisk which is followed by angular speed and material density. The MRSM combined with basic exponential function performs better than other models, while the MRSM coupled with linear function is more accurate than ANN and RSM. The proposed MRSM models have illustrated the accurate and efficient framework for approximating dynamic structural analysis of complex components.

Implications of Different Types of Decompression Spinal Stenosis Surgical Procedures on the Biomechanics of Lumbar Spine

In this paper, a 3D finite element model of L1–L5 region in spinal column was developed to investigate biomechanical behavior of spine under different types of decompression surgery, which will help spinal surgeons to have a patient-specific computational tool for optimizing surgical treatment of spinal canal pathologies. In this study, a new theoretical approach was developed to evaluate and compare different spinal surgical procedures using finite element model of lumbar spine. This model was developed by using computed tomography scanning (CT scan) of a patient with spinal canal stenosis and the computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to virtually simulate different types of surgery. The results of simulations were verified and validated through experimental data from the literature and a good agreement was found between the results. Four different types of spinal surgical procedures including unilateral laminotomy, bilateral laminotomy, laminectomy with complete facetectomy, and laminectomy with partial facetectomy were virtually simulated in model. Post-operative kinematics, various biomechanical relevant parameters of spine, such as intradiscal pressure, disc stresses, and stresses at adjacent segments were evaluated by simulating each surgical procedure and optimal procedure was specified. Results showed that laminectomy with complete facetectomy leads to big changes in spinal stability and larger intradiscal pressure and stress at the operated segment (up to 150% in comparison with intact spine). Our results represented that laminotomy is an optimal technique to reduce potential risk of adjacent segment disease and spinal instability.

Magnetostriction-induced stress in an orthotropic mechanical thin high-temperature superconducting disk based on the exponential model of critical state

In this paper, the magnetostriction and stress of an orthotropic mechanical high-temperature superconducting disk with a concentric small hole are investigated based on the exponential model of the critical state. Approximate solutions of the displacement and stress for the superconducting disk during zero-field cooling (ZFC) and field-cooling (FC) processes are obtained. The results show that tensile stresses will appear in the disk during the decreasing field of ZFC, while the stresses are always compressive during the increasing field of ZFC and FC processes. This indicates that the superconducting disk is easily damaged during the decreasing field of ZFC and FC processes. The critical point where tensile stress is largest is provided. The value of magnetostriction depends on the size of the disk, the applied field and the magnetization process. This research is helpful in the reliability design of high-temperature superconducting disks and cables with high strength for space solar power stations.

Importance of magnetic fields in highly eccentric discs with applications to tidal disruption events

ABSTRACT Whether tidal disruption events (TDEs) circularize or accrete directly as a highly eccentric disc is the subject of current research and appears to depend sensitively on the disc thermodynamics. In a previous paper, we applied the theory of eccentric discs to TDE discs using an α-prescription for the disc stress, which leads to solutions that exhibit extreme, potentially unphysical, behaviour. In this paper, we further explore the dynamical vertical structure of highly eccentric discs using alternative stress models that are better motivated by the behaviour of magnetic fields in eccentric discs. We find that the presence of a coherent magnetic field has a stabilizing effect on the dynamics and can significantly alter the behaviour of highly eccentric radiation-dominated discs. We conclude that magnetic fields are important for the evolution of TDE discs.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of "Three-Dimensional Balanced Manipulation" in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Finite Element Analysis.

Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is the most commonly encountered cervical spine disorder. Cervical manipulation has been demonstrated as an effective therapy for patients. However, the mechanisms of manipulations have not been elucidated. A total of 120 cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients were divided into the “three-dimensional balanced manipulation” treatment group (TBM group) and control group randomly. The control group was treated with traditional massage; the TBM treatment group was treated with “three-dimensional balanced manipulation” based on traditional massage. The symptoms and clinical efficacy of the patients were compared before and after treatment for one month. A three-dimensional finite element model was established. The mechanical parameters were imported to simulate TBM, and finite element analysis was performed. The results showed that the total effective rate was significantly higher in the TBM group compared with the control group. The biomechanical analysis showed the vertebral body stress was mainly distributed in the C3/4 spinous processes; the deformation mainly concentrated in the anterior processes of the C3 vertebral body. The intervertebral disc stress in the C3~C7 segment was mainly distributed in the anterior part of the C3/4 intervertebral disc, and the deformation extends to the posterior part of the C3/4 nucleus pulposus. In summary, these data are suggesting that TBM was effective in CSR treatment. The results of the finite element model and biomechanical analysis provide an important foundation for effectively avoiding iatrogenic injuries and improving the effect of TBM in the treatment of CSR patients.

The Structural Design of a High-Performance WBD Brake Disc

ABSTRACT A high performance, newly-developed wire-woven bulk diamond (WBD) ventilated brake disc is introduced to reduce the operating temperatures and mass of conventional brake discs. The use of the highly porous material requires a deeper understanding of the mechanical stresses developed within a brake disc to be developed to improve the disc core strength to withstand the high stresses developed during braking. In this study, experimentally determined solid brake disc stress distribution results, separated into the compressive stresses due to the pad clamping force and the shear stresses due to the applied brake torque, were applied to the reinforcement ofthe WBD core brake disc. The analysis was based on the maximum predicted deceleration conditions of a medium sized truck (Mercedes-Benz Atego). While the WBD core material possessed sufficient strength to withstand the shearing due to the braking torque, the pad clamping load was predicted to cause disc failure. Consequently, straight radial ribs were designed to reinforce the ventilated core, with final rib dimensions of 74x14x2.5 mm, manufactured from mild steel (SAE1006). A total of 10 ribs at 36° intervals were added to reinforce the core, increasing the mass by 0.20 kg compared to the original disc. The newly reinforced WBD brake disc remains lighter than a commercially available pin-finned disc, and is expected to maintain superior thermal performance while possessing the required mechanical strength. Additional keywords: Ventilated disc, mechanical stresses, braking, stress distribution

Biomechanical evaluation of a novel decompression surgery: Transforaminal full-endoscopic lateral recess decompression (TE-LRD)

BackgroundTransforaminal full endoscopic lateral recess decompression (TE-LRD) can decompress lateral recess stenosis transforaminally under the endoscopy procedure. However, the biomechanical effects of the TE-LRD compared to the conventional decompression techniques are not reported. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical effects of TE-LRD with conventional decompression techniques using finite element method. MethodsThree finite element models of lumbar functional spinal unit (FSU) of the L4-L5 levels were created: 1) normal disc 2) moderate grade disc degeneration 3) severe grade disc degeneration. For each of these three models, the following decompression techniques were simulated, 1) 50% TE-LRD, 2) 100% TE-LRD, 3) Unilateral laminectomy, 4) Bilateral laminectomy. The lower endplate of the fifth lumbar vertebra was fixed and 10Nm of moment in flexion/extension, left/right bending and axial rotation was applied to the upper endplate of the fourth lumbar vertebra, under a follower load of 400N. The range of motion, intervertebral disc stress, and facet joint stress were compared. Results50% TE-LRD was found to be the most stable decompression technique in all intervertebral disc models. Though the increase in the range of motion of 100% TE-LRD was higher than other decompression techniques in the normal disc model, it was not significantly different from 50% TE-LRD or unilateral laminectomy techniques in the degenerated disc models. The increase in the intervertebral disc stress was lowest for the 50% TE-LRD surgery in all intervertebral disc models. The increase in the facet stresses for 50% TE-LRD was lower than in the conventional decompression techniques for all intervertebral disc models. Conclusions50% TE-LRD was the decompression surgical technique with the least effect on spinal instability. 100% TE-LRD showed to be effective for cases with degenerative discs. 50% TE-LRD may decrease the risk of postoperative intervertebral disc and facet joint degeneration.

Biomechanical analysis of a newly developed interspinous process device conjunction with interbody cage based on a finite element model.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of a newly developed interspinous process device (IPD), called TAU. This device was compared with another IPD (SPIRE) and the pedicle screw fixation (PSF) technique at the surgical and adjacent levels of the lumbar spine.Materials and methodsA three-dimensional finite element model analysis of the L1-S1 segments was performed to assess the biomechanical effects of the proposed IPD combined with an interbody cage. Three surgical models—two IPD models (TAU and SPIRE) and one PSF model—were developed. The biomechanical effects, such as range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), disc stress, and facet loads during extension were analyzed at surgical (L3-L4) and adjacent levels (L2-L3 and L4-L5). The study analyzed biomechanical parameters assuming that the implants were perfectly fused with the lumbar spine.ResultsThe TAU model resulted in a 45%, 49%, 65%, and 51% decrease in the ROM at the surgical level in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively, when compared to the intact model. Compared to the SPIRE model, TAU demonstrated advantages in stabilizing the surgical level, in all directions. In addition, the TAU model increased IDP at the L2-L3 and L4-L5 levels by 118.0% and 78.5% in flexion, 92.6% and 65.5% in extension, 84.4% and 82.3% in lateral bending, and 125.8% and 218.8% in axial rotation, respectively. Further, the TAU model exhibited less compensation at adjacent levels than the PSF model in terms of ROM, IDP, disc stress, and facet loads, which may lower the incidence of the adjacent segment disease (ASD).ConclusionThe TAU model demonstrated more stabilization at the surgical level than SPIRE but less stabilization than the PSF model. Further, the TAU model demonstrated less compensation at adjacent levels than the PSF model, which may lower the incidence of ASD in the long term. The TAU device can be used as an alternative system for treating degenerative lumbar disease while maintaining the physiological properties of the lumbar spine and minimizing the degeneration of adjacent segments.

Non-polynomial framework for stress and strain response of the FG-GPLRC disk using three-dimensional refined higher-order theory

This article presents a non-polynomial framework for bending responses of functionally graded-graphene nanoplatelets composite reinforced (FG-GPLRC) disk based upon three-dimensional refined higher-order shear deformation theory (3D-RHOSDT) for various sets of boundary conditions. By employing Hamilton’s principle, the structure's governing equations are derived and solved with the aid of the differential quadrature method (DQM). The rule of the mixture and modified Halpin–Tsai model are engaged to provide the effective material constant of the composite layers. Afterward, a parametric study is done to present the effects of weight fraction of GPLs, three kinds of FG patterns, shape mode, three kinds of boundary conditions, and different patterns of applied load on bending characteristics of the FG-GPLRC disk. The results show that in the outer and inner layers of the GPLRC disk, the structure with GPL-X and GPL-O patterns has the highest and lowest value of the shear stress, while in the middle layer, the mentioned relation between GPL patterns and shear stress changes to reverse. Another consequence is that the GPLRC disk has the best bending and static behavior against the sinusoidal pattern of applied load, and the structure shows weaker behavior against the uniform pattern. It is also observed that as the radius ratio increases, the buckled nodes are concentrated along the circumferential direction, and the mentioned issue is more considerable at the higher mode numbers.

The Biomechanical Response of the Lower Cervical Spine Post Laminectomy: Geometrically-Parametric Patient-Specific Finite Element Analyses

This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical impact of laminectomy on cervical intersegmental motion and load sharing using a parametric patient-specific finite element (FE) model towards providing clinicians with a viable quantitative tool for informed decision-making and improved surgical planning. Ten subject-specific nonlinear osteo-ligamentous cervical spine (C3–C7) FE models were developed using X-ray image-based algorithms. The models were used to evaluate the effect of laminectomy on lower cervical spine biomechanics for two-level (C3–C4) and three-level (C3–C5) laminectomy procedures. The average cervical spine ranges of motion (ROM) for the pre-op models were 24.09 (± 8.65), 18.08 (± 7.48), 27.86 (± 6.82), and 33.18 (± 10.81) degrees, during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively, in alignment with the literature. Post laminectomy increased the intersegmental ROM, disc stress, and intradiscal pressure at the upper cervical levels during sagittal plane motion and axial rotation, while the lower levels experienced the opposite trend, as compared with intact models. No significant changes were observed in facet joint forces after surgery. The current study used a parametric personalized FE modeling technique as a practical, clinically-applicable approach to predict cervical spine biomechanics post-surgical laminectomy. Altered biomechanical responses, both in terms of kinematics and kinetics, were observed, although more pronounced in models with fewer levels of laminectomy. Overall, a higher degree of motion compensation was observed at the higher levels of the cervical spine, regardless of the laminectomy level, which suggests increased spinal instability, potential risk of post-laminectomy kyphosis, and axial neck pain.

Selection of suitable pedicle screw for degenerated cortical and cancellous bone of human lumbar spine: A finite element study.

Pedicular arthrodesis is the traditional procedure in terms of increase in the biomechanical stability with higher fixation rate. The current work aims to identify the effect of three spinal pedicle screws considering cortical and cancellous degeneracy condition. Lumbar section L2-L3 is utilized and various load and moment conditions were applied to depict the various biomechanical parameters for selection of suitable screw. Three dimensional model is considered in finite element analysis to identify the various responses of pedicle screw at bone screw juncture. Computed tomography (CT) images of a healthy male were considered to generate the finite element vertebral model. Generated intact model was further utilized to develop the other implanted models of degenerated cortical and cancellous bone models. The three fused instrumented models with different cortical and cancellous degeneracy conditions were analyzed in finite element analysis. The results were obtained as stress pattern at bone screw boundary and intervertebral disc stress. FE simulated results represents significant changes in the von Mises stress due to various load and moment conditions on degenerated bones during different body movement conditions. Results have shown that among all pedicle screws, the 6.0 mm diameter screw reflects very less stress values at the juncture. Multiple results on biomechanical aspects obtained during the FE study can be considered to design a new stabilization device and may be helpful to plan surgery of critical sections.

Structural Evaluation of Variable Gauge Railway

In the Eurasian railway network, a different gauge length is used across several countries. A railroad variable gauge allows railway vehicles in rail transport to travel across a gauge break caused by two railway networks with differing track gauges. The variable gauge railway consists of the bogie system to change the length of the wheel shaft and the gauge changing railroad track. Thus, it is important to assess the structural performance of the variable gauge system. In this study, as a performance improvement subject of the variable gauge bogie and railroad, a structural analysis using dynamic finite element calculation was performed to evaluate the reliability and life cycle of the release system and the variable gauge railway. First, the contact pressure and structural stress of the release disk and the release rail were calculated, which provided the wear condition and fatigue life prediction of variable gauge components. Second, a structural analysis of the gauge stabilization rail after the gauge release was executed. The maximum principal stress was evaluated to guarantee the required service life of the stabilization rail section. For the operational safety of the variable gauge system, the operation conditions and maintenance requirements of the variable gauge railway were proposed.