[Finite element analysis of effect of different treatment methods on vertebral stability of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures]

To investigate the effect of different treatment methods on the vertebral stability of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) by finite element analysis.

Ten patients with thoracolumbar OVCF admitted between January 2020 and June 2021 were selected, 5 of whom underwent operation (operation group), 5 underwent conservative treatment (conservative treatment group). Another 5 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. There was no significant difference in gender and age between groups ( P>0.05). The operation group and the conservative treatment group received CT examination of the fractured vertebral body and adjacent segments before and after treatments, while the control group received CT examination of T ₁₂-L ₂. By importing CT data into Mimics 10.01 software, the finite element model was constructed. After comparing the finite element model of control group with the previous relevant literature measurement results to verify the validity, the spinal structural stress and range of motion (ROM) in each group under different conditions were measured.

The three-dimensional finite element model was verified to be valid. There were significant differences in spinal structural stress after treatment between groups under different conditions ( P<0.05). Before treatment, the ROMs of operation group and conservative treatment group under difference conditions were significantly lower than those of control group ( P<0.05), and there was no difference between conservative treatment group and operation group ( P>0.05). After treatment, the ROMs of the control group and the operation group were significantly higher than those of the conservative treatment group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the operation group and the control group ( P>0.05).

For patients with OVCF, the minimally invasive operation can achieve better results. Compared with conservative treatment, it can reduce the effect on spinal stability, and can be as a preferred treatment method, which is helpful to improve the prognosis of patients.