Characterization of polyurethane-based synthetic vertebrae for spinal cement augmentation training

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Vertebral augmentation is crucial for stabilizing impacted vertebrae.
• Minimizing intraoperative risks necessitates comprehensive surgeon education.
• Current training methods may lack the fidelity required for complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a high-fidelity synthetic vertebrae simulator for surgical training.
• To provide realistic haptic feedback during cement augmentation procedures.
• To enhance surgeon education and improve patient safety in minimally invasive spine surgery.

Main Methods:

• Development of synthetic vertebrae with realistic mechanical properties.
• Validation against human vertebrae and commercial surrogates.
• Analysis of mechanical parameters: tool insertion forces, balloon dilation pressure/volume.
• Evaluation of bone cement distribution using fluoroscopy.

Main Results:

• One synthetic vertebra type accurately reflected human vertebral mechanical parameters.
• Tool insertion forces, balloon dilation pressure, and volume showed good accordance with human references.
• Bone cement application forces were consistent, but distribution accuracy was limited.
• The synthetic vertebrae provided authentic haptics for key surgical steps.

Conclusions:

• Validated synthetic vertebrae can effectively simulate surgical training for vertebral augmentation.
• The developed model enhances realism in surgical simulation for minimally invasive spine procedures.
• This tool holds significant potential for improving surgeon proficiency and patient outcomes.