Numerical and experimental analysis of spine’s transpedicular stabilizer

Purpose: The aim of the work was a numerical and experimental analysis of spine’s transpedicular stabilizer on lumbar part of spine. The result of the analysis was determination of displacements of the stabilizers’ elements. Design/methodology/approach: To define numerical characteristic of the lumbar spine – transpedicular spine stabilizer system, the finite element method was applied. Geometrical models of lumbar part of spine and transpedicular stabilizer were discretized by SOLID95 element. The boundary conditions imitating phenomena in real system with appropriate accuracy were established. The experimental analysis was carried out for spine’s transpedicular stabilizers which were implanted on lumbar part of pig spine. The analysis was realized by means of testing machine MTS Insight with the use of videoextensometer. Numerical and experimental analysis were carried out for stabilizer made of stainless steel Cr-Ni-Mo. System was loaded by uniaxial compression with forces from 50 N to 1600 N. Findings: The result of analysis was calculation of relative displacements of the transpedicular stabilizer in a function of the applied loading; F = 700 1600 N for numerical model and F = 50 1600 N for experimental model. Research limitations/implications: The results of numerical analysis for transpedicular stabilizer obtained by finite element method were used to determine a construction features of the stabilizer, and to select mechanical properties of metallic biomaterial. The calculation of displacements for stabilizer show that the proposed type of stabilizer enables correct stabilization of spine. Practical implications: Both results of numerical and experimental analysis showed correct selection of mechanical properties of metallic biomaterial which were used to made the proposed type of transpedicular stabilizer. Originality/value: Advantageous results of analysis showed that the type of stabilizer may be used in clinical practice.