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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Mouse Lumbar Vertebra Uniaxial Compression Testing with Embedding of the Loading Surface
Published on: December 1, 2023
Biomechanical evaluation of a new bone cement for use in vertebroplasty
S M Belkoff1, J M Mathis, E M Erbe
1Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Study Design:
Comparative ex vivobiomechanical study.
Objectives:
To determine the strength and stiffness of osteoporotic vertebral bodies subjected to compression fractures and subsequently stabilized via bipedicular injection of one of two bone cements: one is a commercially available polymethylmethacrylate (Simplex P) and one is a proprietary glass-ceramic-reinforced BisGMA/BisEMA/TEGDMA matrix composite that is being developed for use in vertebroplasty (Orthocomp).
Summary Of Background Data:
Osteoporotic compression fractures present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the clinician. Vertebroplasty, a new technique for treating such fractures, stabilizes vertebral bodies by injection of cement. Little is known, however, about the biomechanics of this treatment.
Methods:
Five vertebral bodies (L1-L5) from each of four fresh spines were harvested from female cadavers (age, 80 +/- 5 years), screened for bone density using DEXA (t = -3.4 to -6.4), disarticulated, and compressed in a materials testing machine to determine initial strength and stiffness. The fractures then were repaired using a transpedicular injection of either Orthocomp or Simplex P and recrushed.
Results:
For both cement treatments, vertebral body strength after injection of cement was significantly greater than initial strength values. Vertebral bodies augmented with Orthocomp recovered their initial stiffness; however, vertebral bodies augmented with Simplex P were significantly less stiff than they were in their initial condition.
Conclusions:
Augmentation with Orthocomp results in similar or greater mechanical properties compared with Simplex P, but these biomechanical results have yet to be substantiated in clinical studies.
