Pickering Edmund, Pivonka Peter, Little J Paige
School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Biomechanics and Spine Research Group, Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021 Feb 15;9:632408. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.632408. eCollection 2021.
Patient specific finite element (FE) modeling of the pediatric spine is an important challenge which offers to revolutionize the treatment of pediatric spinal pathologies, for example adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). In particular, modeling of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a unique challenge due to its structural and mechanical complexity. This is compounded by limited ability to non-invasively interrogate key mechanical parameters of a patient's IVD. In this work, we seek to better understand the link between mechanical properties and mechanical behavior of patient specific FE models of the pediatric lumbar spine. A parametric study of IVD parameter was conducted, coupled with insights from current knowledge of the pediatric IVD. In particular, the combined effects of parameters was investigated. Recommendations are made toward areas of importance in patient specific FE modeling of the pediatric IVD. In particular, collagen fiber bundles of the IVD are found to dominate IVD mechanical behavior and are thus recommended as an area of primary focus for patient specific FE models. In addition, areas requiring further experimental research are identified. This work provides a valuable building block toward the development of patient specific models of the pediatric spine.
针对小儿脊柱的患者特异性有限元（FE）建模是一项重大挑战，有望彻底改变小儿脊柱疾病（如青少年特发性脊柱侧弯，AIS）的治疗方式。特别是，由于椎间盘（IVD）的结构和力学复杂性，对其进行建模是一项独特的挑战。此外，非侵入性询问患者IVD关键力学参数的能力有限，这使问题更加复杂。在这项研究中，我们试图更好地理解小儿腰椎患者特异性有限元模型的力学性能与力学行为之间的联系。我们对IVD参数进行了参数研究，并结合了当前小儿IVD知识的见解。特别是，我们研究了参数的综合影响。针对小儿IVD患者特异性有限元建模中的重要领域提出了建议。特别是，发现IVD的胶原纤维束主导着IVD的力学行为，因此建议将其作为患者特异性有限元模型的主要关注领域。此外，还确定了需要进一步进行实验研究的领域。这项工作为开发小儿脊柱患者特异性模型提供了宝贵的基础。
