title: Development of a model for occipital fixation--validation of an analogue bone material.
abstract: Several implant systems may be used to fuse the skull to the upper cervical spine (occipitocervical fusion). Current biomechanical evaluation is restricted by the limitations of human cadaveric specimens. This paper describes the design and validation of a synthetic testing model of the occipital bone. Data from thickness measurement and pull-out strength testing of a series of human cadaveric skulls was used in the design of a high-density rigid polyurethane foam model. The synthetic occipital model demonstrated repeatable and consistent morphological and biomechanical properties. The model provides a standardized environment for evaluation of occipital implants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mullett
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Donnell
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Felle
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: FitzPatrick
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001863:Bone Screws; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D018786:Bone Substitutes