Mechanical properties of open-cell foam synthetic thoracic vertebrae

This study presents comprehensive morphological and mechanical properties (static, dynamic) of open-cell rigid foams (Pacific Research Laboratories Inc. Vashon, WA) and a synthetic vertebral body derived from each of the foams. Synthetic vertebrae were comprised of a cylindrical open-cell foam core enclosed by a fiberglass resin cortex. The open-cell rigid foam was shown to have similar morphology and porosity as human vertebral cancellous bone, and exhibited a crush or fracture consolidation band typical of open-celled materials and cancellous bone. However, the foam material density was 40% lower than natural cancellous bone resulting in a lower compressive apparent strength and apparent modulus in comparison to human bone. During cyclic, mean compression fatigue tests, the synthetic vertebrae exhibited an initial apparent modulus, progressive modulus reduction, strain accumulation and S-N curve behaviour similar to human and animal vertebral cancellous bone. Synthetic open-cell foam vertebrae offer researchers an alternative to human vertebral bone for static and dynamic biomechanical experiments, including studies examining the effects of cement injection.