Sarah Fakher Fakhouri

Analysis of stress induced by screws in the vertebral fixation system

Objective: To compare, using photoelasticity, internal stress produced by USS II type screw with 5.2 and 6.2 mm external diameters, when submitted to three different pullout strengths. Methods: Two photoelastic models were especially made. The simulation was performed using loads of 1.8, 2.4 e 3.3 kgf.The fringe orders were evaluated around the screws. In all the models analyzed the shear stress were calculated. Results: Independently of the applied load, the smaller screw showed higher values of shear stress. Conclusion: According to the analysis performed, we observed that the place of highest stress was in the first thread of the lead, close to the head of the screws. Experimental study.

Photoelastic and Finite Element Stress Analysis of the Gap between the L4 and L5 Vertebrae

The purpose of this study was to analyze the stresses on the intervertebral disc between vertebrae L4 and L5 when a compressive load is applied on vertebra L4 using the photoelasticity transmission technique and the finite element method. Nine photoelastic models were used and were divided into three groups. Each group was formed by three models, according to the localization of the sagittal cut on vertebrae L4-L5. Simulation was carried out using a load of 23 N. The fringe orders were assessed by points close to the edge of the intervertebral disc using the Tardy compensation method. The analyses using the photoelasticity technique and the model of the finite elements showed that the stress generated by the vertebrae on the intervertebral disc was higher in the posterolateral region. Thus, this region is more susceptible to pathologies such as hernia and disc degeneration.

Biomechanical Study of the Pullout Resistance in Screws of a Vertebral Fixation System

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of varying the outer diameter of screws of a vertebral fixation system by submitting them to mechanical tests and photoelasticity. The pullout mechanical test was performed in 20 swine lumbar vertebrae, divided into two groups based on the screw outer diameter: 5.0 and 6.0 mm. The maximal pullout strengths and stiffness were evaluated. For the photoelasticity, eight models were used and divided into the same groups. The maximal pullout strength was 974.12 ± 144.44 N in the 5.0 mm screws and 1537.42 ± 326.95 N in the 6.0 mm screws (P ┼ 0.001). The stiffness was 418.60 ± 62.58 103N/m in the 5.0 mm screws and 502.12 ± 133.45 103N/m in the 6.0 mm screws (P = 0.09). The mean ± SD shear stress of the 5.0 mm screws was 12.90 ± 1.87 KPa and 11.99 ± 2.01 KPa for the 6.0 mm screws. Thus, the 5.0 mm screw had lower pullout and higher shear stress, suggesting that this screw is more susceptible to loosening.

Análise fotoelástica de parafuso de sistema de fixação vertebral

Introduction: The photoelasticity is used for assessing the tensions/deformations involved in photoelastic materials when submitted to a given load by the observation of optical effects. The screw performance and mechanical functions are directly associated to the quality of the screws fixation in the vertebrae. Photoelasticity is an important tool to perform comparative studies of this nature. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare, by using photoelasticity, internal stresses produced by the screw with an external diameter of 6 mm, when submitted to two different pullout strengths. Materials and Methods: For this, four photoelastic models were produced. The simulation was conducted by using two pullout strengths: 0.75 and 1.50 kgf. The maximum shear stresses were calculated on 19 points around the screws, using the Tardy compensation method. Results:The values of maximum shear stress were higher with the load of 1.50 kgf. Conclusion: Thus, the screw will be more susceptible to pullout when heavier loads are applied. According to our analysis, we also found that the site with the highest maximum shear stress was found to be at the peak of creast, particularly near the tips of the screws, regardless of the load employed.

Análise fotoelástica de um modelo de vértebra humana com parafuso pedicular

INTRODUCTION: The vertebrae fixation system using pedicular screws is one of the most efficient methods to treat vertebral spine pathologies. When the screw is submitted to pullout strength, it causes internal tension near the medullar canal and this situation can be analyzed by using the photoelasticity technique. OBJECTIVE: Were analyzed those internal tensions near the medullar canal of photoelastic vertebra models using different sizes of screws of the vertebral fixation system submitted to pullout strength. METHODS: A lumbar vertebral model made of photoelastic material with three different USS1-type pedicular screw sizes (5, 6, and 7mm) was used. The internal tensions around the screw were tested in 12 predetermined points by a plain transmission polaroscope. RESULTS: The areas of greater tension concentration were between the medullar canal and the curves of the transverse process. Comparing the maximum average pulling tension, statistical differences were observed between screws 5 and 7, and 6 and 7. On the other hand, for screws 5 and 6, there were no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The study evidenced that the internal tensions are greater in irregular areas, next to the medullar canal, showing that this is a critical region.

Photoelastic evaluation of pathological axis deviation of the femur in the frontal plane

The objective of this study is to evaluate the repercussions of the pathological deviation of the coxa brevis, femur, and tibia without the pathological deviation of the axis in the femoral or tibial frontal plane. The stress distribution in the proximal and distal joints was evaluated in relation to the deviations using transmission photoelasticity. Two-dimensional femur and tibia models were developed from frontal panoramic radiographs, which were later used to fabricate molds and photoelastic models. A force of 8 N was applied to the top of the femoral head. For the deviation of the coxa brevis and for the femur and tibia without pathological deviation, the stresses were more critical in the calcar region of the proximal femur. In the distal femur and proximal and distal tibia, the stress distributions were in accordance with the models, the proposed fixation conditions, and the long bone geometries. The most important conclusion of this investigation was that joint deviation also alters the stress on all primary joints of the lower extremities. From this study, it will be possible to develop better correction criteria for angular deviations and discharges of bone and joint forces of the lower extremities and to provide refinements to prostheses.

Análise fotoelástica da região inferior do corpo vertebral L4

Objective: To analyze the shear forces on the vertebral body L4 when submitted to a compression force by means of transmission photoelasticity. Methods: Twelve photoelastic models were divided into three groups, with four models per group, according to the positioning of the sagittal section vertebrae L4-L5 (sections A, B and C). The simulation was performed using a 15N compression force, and the fringe orders were evaluated in the vertebral body L4 by the Tardy compensation method. Results: Photoelastic analysis showed, in general, a homogeneous distribution in the vertebral bodies. The shear forces were higher in section C than B, and higher in B than A. Conclusion: The posterior area of L4, mainly in section C, showed higher shear concentrations, corresponding to a more susceptible area for bone fracture and spondylolisthesis. Economic and Decision Analyses – Development of an Economic or Decision Model. Level IObjective To analyze the shear forces on the vertebral body L4 when submitted to a compression force by means of transmission photoelasticity. Methods Twelve photoelastic models were divided into three groups, with four models per group, according to the positioning of the sagittal section vertebrae L4-L5 (sections A, B and C). The simulation was performed using a 15N compression force, and the fringe orders were evaluated in the vertebral body L4 by the Tardy compensation method. Results Photoelastic analysis showed, in general, a homogeneous distribution in the vertebral bodies. The shear forces were higher in section C than B, and higher in B than A. Conclusion The posterior area of L4, mainly in section C, showed higher shear concentrations, corresponding to a more susceptible area for bone fracture and spondylolisthesis. Economic and Decision Analyses - Development of an Economic or Decision Model. Level I