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Related Experiment Videos

Spinous process strength.

D E Shepherd1, J C Leahy, K J Mathias

  • 1Department of Biomedical Physics and Bioengineering, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. d.shepherd@biomed.abdn.ac.uk

Spine
|March 7, 2000
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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The strength of lumbar spinous processes was measured using mechanical testing. Bone mineral density significantly correlated with bone strength, indicating its importance for fixation device success.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic biomechanics
  • Spinal anatomy
  • Bone densitometry

Background:

  • The spinous process is a critical attachment point for spinal fixation devices.
  • The load-bearing capacity of the spinous process was previously unknown.
  • Understanding spinous process strength is vital for device design and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a method for measuring lumbar spinous process strength.
  • To assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of vertebrae used in testing.
  • To establish the relationship between BMD and spinous process failure load.

Main Methods:

  • Mechanical testing of 32 cadaveric lumbar vertebrae to failure.
  • Utilized a custom rig to apply tensile load via a spinous process hook.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure vertebral BMD.

    • Main Results:

    • Specimens failed at a mean load of 339 N (log load = 2.53 ± 0.3).
    • Vertebral bone mineral density ranged from 0.263 to 0.997 g/cm².
    • A strong linear correlation (P < 0.0001) was observed between bone strength and BMD.

    Conclusions:

    • Lumbar spinous processes in the tested BMD range failed at 339 N when loaded through a fixation hook.
    • Bone mineral density is a significant predictor of spinous process strength.
    • These findings inform the biomechanical considerations for spinal fixation device application.