Kyphoplasty of Osteoporotic Fractured Vertebrae: A Finite Element Analysis about Two Types of Cement

If conservative treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures fails, vertebro- or kyphoplasty is indicated. Usually, polymethylmethacrylate cement (PMMA) is applied coming along with many disadvantageous features. Aluminum-free glass-polyalkenoate cement (GPC) appears to be a benefit alternative material. This study aimed at comparing the mean stress values in human vertebrae after kyphoplasty with PMMA and GPC (IlluminOss™) at hand of a finite element analysis. Three models were created performing kyphoplasty using PMMA or IlluminOss™, respectively, at two native, human lumbar vertebrae (L4) while one remains intact. Finite element analysis was performed using CT-scans of every vertebra. Moreover the PMMA-treated vertebra was used as a model as analyses were executed using material data of PMMA and of GPC. The unimpaired, spongious bone showed potentials of 0.25 MPa maximally. After augmentation stress levels showed fivefold increase, rising from externally to internally, revealing stress peaks at the ventral border of the spinal canal. At central areas of cement 1 MPa is measured in both types of cement. Around these central areas the von Mises stress decreased about 25-50% (0.5-0.75 MPa). If workload of 500 N was applied, the stress appeared to be more centralized at the IlluminOss™-model, similar to the unimpaired. Considering the endplates the GPC model also closely resembles the unimpaired. Comparing the PMMA-treated vertebral body and the GPC-simulation, there is an obvious difference. While the PMMA-treated model showed a central stress peak of 5 MPa, the GPC-simulation of the same vertebral body presents lower stress of 1.2-2.5 MPa. Finite element analysis showed that IlluminOss™ (GPC), used in kyphoplasty of vertebral bodies, creates lower level stress and strain compared to standardly used PMMA, leading to lower stress concentrations on the cranial and caudal vertebral surface especially. GPC appears to own advantageous biological and clinical relevant features.