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.
Goel
V K
VK
Department of Bioengineering and Orthopedics, 5051C Nitschke Hall, University of Toledo and Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. vijay.goel@utoledo.edu
Ebraheim
N A
NA
Biyani
A
A
Rengachary
S
S
Faizan
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*