The analysis of mechanical changes of percutaneous vertebroplasty

In this article, a numerical analysis method of mechanical changes for percutaneous vertebroplasty is presented. Firstly, a 3D geometric model of lumbar functional spinal units has been built by segmenting computed tomography images and performing 3D reconstruction. On the basis of the geometric model, two kinds of 3D finite element models (FEM) for preoperative and postoperative vertebrae are created. Then, a numerical calculation method on FEM for the analysis of mechanical changes has been developed. The simulating calculation can reveal the stress and strain distribution and deformation of the preoperative and postoperative vertebrae. The approach could provide useful mechanical changes analysis and a fresh perspective into how the procedure can be implemented more effectively toward the goal of preventing osteoporosis-related fractures.