Investigation of the Effects of Intraosseous Pressure Rise in the Formation of Spinal Burst Fractures: A Biphasic Material Approach

Authors

Spencer Shore, Brigham Young University
Dr. Anton Bowden, Brigham Young University

Keywords

intraosseous pressure rise, spinal burst fractures, biphasic material

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Burst fractures are high-speed spine injuries caused by rapid axial compression of the vertebrae. The traditional explanation for the burst fracture mechanism points to an intraosseous pressure rise due to the entrance of the intervertebral disc through a fractured endplate. Recent experiments [1], however, indicate an actual decrease in both internal pressure and hydraulic resistance in high-speed tests that result in burst fractures. These results cast doubt on the validity of the traditional burst fracture theory. The current study seeks to model the intraosseous pressure rise using the finite element method. In this model, the trabecular core and marrow of the vertebrae are modeled as a single biphasic material using an experimentally determined hydraulic permeability. It is hypothesized that this characterization will more accurately model the effects of intraosseous pressure rise in the formation of spinal burst fractures.

Recommended Citation

Shore, Spencer and Bowden, Dr. Anton (2013) "Investigation of the Effects of Intraosseous Pressure Rise in the Formation of Spinal Burst Fractures: A Biphasic Material Approach," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1969.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1969