Finite element analysis of biconcave fracture in thoracolumbar region of spine

Abstract

Vertebral compression fractures are the most common type of fractures affecting the spinal column. They are the collapse
or reduction of height of the vertebral body. Vertebral compression fractures are mainly classified into wedge, biconcave
and burst fracture. In that about 17% of the vertebral compression fractures are biconcave fractures. The studies regarding
this fracture are limited. Morphologically in biconcave deformity the central height is lower than the anterior and posterior
parts of the vertebral body due to gradual endplate depression. The thoracolumbar region is the area which is more prone to
fractures. Biconcave fractures occur mostly in the thoracolumbar (T12-L2) region of the spine. The main aim of this project
is to study the behaviour of the thoracolumbar region under biconcave fracture condition. 3D model for thoracolumbar
region from T12-L2 is developed from the CT scan of a healthy male subject. From this surface model, the finite element
model of T12-L2 was developed and validated with literature. Then validated model is modified to biconcave fracture
condition to study the biomechanical behaviour of these segments