Role of mechanical factors in the evaluation of pedicle screw type spinal fixation devices.
Prior to implantation, spinal implants are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. A full battery of tests for the devices may include many steps ranging from biocompatibility tests to in vivo animal studies. This paper describes some of the essential tests from a mechanical engineering perspective (e.g., motion, load sharing, bench type tests, and finite element model analyses). These protocols reflect the research experience of the past decade or so.
Department of Bioengineering and Orthopedics, 5051C Nitschke Hall, University of Toledo and Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. vijay.goel@utoledo.edu
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Goel
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Ebraheim
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Biyani
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Rengachary
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Faizan
D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*