Finite Element Modelling of a Synthetic Paediatric Spine for Biomechanical Investigation

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Paediatric Orthopaedics
• Computational Modelling

Background:

• Paediatric spine research is limited by the scarcity of actual paediatric specimens.
• Existing models using adult or porcine spines exhibit significant anatomical and geometrical differences.
• Accurate biomechanical models are crucial for understanding paediatric spinal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel synthetic paediatric spine model using finite element (FE) analysis.
• To evaluate the model's reliability by comparing its range of motion (ROM) with experimental data.
• To establish a viable alternative for paediatric spine biomechanical investigations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a synthetic paediatric spine model via FE modelling.
• Comparison of the synthetic model's ROM against validated FE models of paediatric spines.
• Application of specific moments (±0.5 Nm) to determine required forces for equivalent ROM.

Main Results:

• The synthetic spine required ±2 Nm for lateral bending and axial rotation, and ±3 Nm for flexion-extension to match paediatric ROM.
• The synthetic model demonstrated increased stiffness in flexion-extension and greater flexibility in lateral bending compared to the paediatric FE model.
• Discrepancies may stem from simplified intervertebral disc geometry and reduced disc-vertebrae bonding.

Conclusions:

• The developed synthetic paediatric spine shows potential as an alternative biomechanical model.
• Further refinement of intervertebral disc modelling is recommended for improved accuracy.
• This model offers a promising tool for advancing paediatric spine research and clinical applications.