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A novel spine tester TO GO
Jan Ulrich Jansen1, Laura Zengerle1, Marcel Steiner1
1Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics Centre for Trauma Research, University Hospital Ulm Ulm Germany.
JOR Spine
|October 29, 2024
Summary
A new portable spine tester allows on-site biomechanical and histological analysis of spinal specimens. This reduces animal use and enables comprehensive testing, advancing spinal research.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Spinal Research
- Animal Model Testing
Background:
- Spinal research often requires a choice between biomechanical and histological analysis.
- Current methods necessitate shipping specimens, often frozen, precluding biological studies.
- This limits comprehensive analysis and increases the number of animals required.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a portable spine tester for on-site biomechanical analysis.
- To enable simultaneous biomechanical and biological investigations on the same specimen.
- To reduce the number of animals used in spinal research.
Main Methods:
- Designed a portable "Spine Tester TO GO" with motors for pure moments in three planes.
- Integrated a load cell and optical motion tracking for load control and measurement.
- Validated the device by comparing results with an established testing machine using bovine tail discs.
Main Results:
- The new tester accurately measured range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ).
- High correlation (R²=0.986) was observed between the new and existing machines' ROM.
- Slightly higher ROM in the new tester may be due to lower friction air bearings.
Conclusions:
- The "Spine Tester TO GO" facilitates on-site flexibility testing.
- Enables comprehensive macroscopic, biomechanical, biochemical, and histological characterization of spine units.
- Supports the 3R principle by reducing the need for experimental animals.
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