Engineering Commons^™

Biomechanical And Radiographic Evaluation Of An Ovine Model For The Human Lumbar Spine, Nina E. Easley, M. Wang, Linda M. Mcgrady, Jeffrey M. Toth

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

While various species of animal models have been used in preclinical investigations of spinal implant devices to assess their biological adaptation and biomechanical performance, few studies have made comprehensive comparisons to validate their suitability of modelling the human spine. The purpose of this study was to assess essential biomechanical behaviours and disc morphology of the ovine lumbar model. Flexibility testing was conducted on the spines (L3—L4 and L4—L5) of nine skeletally matured sheep. Segmental rotation and intradiscal pressure were measured and load sharing between the intervertebral disc and posterior elements were calculated on the basis of a simplified parallel spring …

Bioresorbable Polylactide Interbody Implants In An Ovine Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Model: Three-Year Results, Kevin A. Thomas, Jeffrey M. Toth, Neil R. Crawford, Howard Seim, Lewis L. Shi, Mitchel B. Harris, Anthony S. Turner

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design.

In vivo study of anterior discectomy and fusion using a bioresorbable 70:30 poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) interbody implant in an ovine model.

Objective.

To evaluate the efficacy of the polylactide implant to function as an interbody fusion device, and to assess the tissue reaction to the material during the resorption process.

Summary of Background Data.

The use of polylactide as a cervical interbody implant has several potential advantages when compared with traditional materials. Having an elastic modulus very similar to bone minimizes the potential for stress shielding, and as the material resorbs additional loading is transferred to the developing fusion mass. …