Precision Measurements and Parametric Models of Vertebral Endplates

Detailed and comprehensive geometric data of vertebrae endplates is important and necessary to improve the fidelity of finite element models of the spine, design and ameliorate spinal implants, and understand degenerative changes and biomechanics. In this protocol, a high-speed and highly accurate scanner is employed to convert morphology data of endplate surfaces into a digital point cloud. In the software system, the point cloud is further processed and reconstructed into three dimensions. Then, a measurement protocol is performed, involving a 3D coordinate system defined to make each point a 3D coordinate, three sagittal and three frontal surface curves that are symmetrically fitted on the endplate surface, and 11 equidistant points that are selected in each curve. Measurement and spatial analyses are finally performed to obtain geometric data of the endplates. Parametric equations representing the morphology of curves and surfaces are fitted based on the characteristic points. The suggested protocol, which is modular, provides an accurate and reproducible method to obtain geometric data of vertebral endplates and may assist in more sophisticated morphological studies in the future. It will also contribute to designing personalized spinal implants, planning surgical acts, making clinical diagnoses, and developing accurate finite element models.