Real-time in vivo loading in the lumbar spine: part 1. Interbody implant: load cell design and preliminary results

Instrumented interbody implants were placed into the disc space of a motion segment in two baboons. During the animal's activities, implants directly measured in vivo loads in the lumbar spine by telemetry transmitter.

Develop and test an interbody implant-load cell and use the implant to measure directly loads imposed on the lumbar spine of the baboon, a semiupright animal.

In vivo forces in the lumbar spine have been estimated using body weight calculations, moment arm models, dynamic chain models, electromyogram measurements, and intervertebral disc pressure measurements.

An analytical model was used to determine the force-strain relation in a customized interbody implant. After validation by finite element modeling, strain gauges were mounted onto the implant and connected to a telemetry transmitter. Implants were placed surgically into the L4-L5 disc space of skeletally mature baboons and the transmitter in the flank. After surgery, load data were collected from the animals during activities. Radiographs were taken monthly to assess fusion.

The implant-load cell is sufficiently sensitive to monitor dynamic changes in strain and load. During extreme activity, highest measurable strain values were indicative of loads in excess of 2.8 times body weight.

The study technique and technology are efficacious for measuring real-time in vivo loads in the spine. Measuring load on an intradiscal implant over the course of healing provides key information about the mechanics of this process. Loads may be used to indicate performance demands on the intervertebral disc and interbody implants for subsequent implant design.