Finite element analysis of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar junction using models constructed from medical images

Nakashima,Daisuke; Kanchiku,Tsukasa; Nishida,Norihiro; Ito,Saki; Ohgi,Junji; Suzuki,Hidenori; Imajo,Yasuaki; Funaba,Masahiro; Chen,Xian; Taguchi,Toshihiko

doi:10.3892/etm.2018.5848

Finite element analysis of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar junction using models constructed from medical images

Authors:
- Daisuke Nakashima
- Tsukasa Kanchiku
- Norihiro Nishida
- Saki Ito
- Junji Ohgi
- Hidenori Suzuki
- Yasuaki Imajo
- Masahiro Funaba
- Xian Chen
- Toshihiko Taguchi
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Affiliations: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755‑8505, Japan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi 755‑8611, Japan
Published online on: February 7, 2018 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2018.5848
Pages: 3225-3230
Copyright: © Nakashima et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Vertebral fractures commonly occur at the thoracolumbar junction. These fractures can be treated with mild residual deformity in many cases, but are reportedly associated with increased risk of secondary vertebral fractures. In the present study, a three‑dimensional (3D) whole spine model was constructed using the finite element method to explore the mechanism of development of compression fractures. The 3D model of the whole spine, from the cervical spine to the pelvis, was constructed from computed tomography (CT) images of an adult male. Using a normal spine model and spine models with compression fractures at the T11, T12 or L1 vertebrae, the distribution of strain was analyzed in the vertebrae after load application. The normal spine model demonstrated greater strain around the thoracolumbar junction and the middle thoracic spine, while the compression fracture models indicated focused strain at the fracture site and adjacent vertebrae. Increased load time resulted in the extension of the strain region up to the middle thoracic spine. The present findings, that secondary vertebral fractures commonly occur around the fracture site, and may also affect the thoracic vertebrae, are consistent with previous clinical and experimental results. These results suggest that follow‑up examinations of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar junction should include the thoracic spine and adjacent vertebrae. The current data also demonstrate that models created from CT images can be used for various analyses.

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