Are Deer and Boar Spines a Valid Biomechanical Model for Human Spines?

Objective: To examine the validity of using cadaveric spines of deer or boars for biomechanical experiments as substitutes for the cadaveric spine of humans. Materials and Methods: Five specimens of the L3-4 functional spinal unit of human cadavers, mature deer and mature boars were prepared according to 3 models: 1) normal model, 2) injured model and 3) pedicle screw fixation model and they were evaluated in 8-direction bending and 2-direction rotation tests. The mean ROM in bending and rotation tests of each specimen and the rate of relative change of ROM were calculated. Results: Flexibility of cadaveric spine of deer and boars was slightly higher than that of cadaveric spine of humans in the bending and rotation tests, but the rates of relative change of ROM in the rotational and bending tests were similar across species. Conclusions: It is reasonable to use cadaveric spines of deer and boars as a model of the human cadaveric spine in biomechanical experiments.