Use of Models of Finite Elements in the Biomechanics of the Lumbar Spine

Abstract

The same correspondence between general mechanics and civil engineering is true for biomechanics and surgical implants. Currently, numerous mechanical processes are required until a prosthesis is offered to its target audience. These processes typically require human or animal vertebrae, as well as all the complexity involving such tissues, for example, an ethics committee, the availability of materials, etc. Thus, finite element models (FEMs) have become a great option to carry out biomechanical tests independently from anatomical specimens, and, at the same time, to obtain mathematical data to assist in the general physical understanding. The present review discusses the mechanical principles involved in bioengineering, clarifies the steps for the development of FEMs, and shows application scenarios for these models. To the knowledge of the authors, the present paper is the first review study in Portuguese aimed to health care professionals in a language accessible to them.

Resumo

A mesma relação de correspondência que existe entre mecânica geral e construção civil ocorre entre biomecânica e implantes cirúrgicos. Atualmente, existem inúmeros processos mecânicos que são necessários até que uma prótese seja oferecida ao público alvo. Estes processos, normalmente, exigem a presença de vértebras humanas, ou mesmo de animais, e têm toda a complexidade que envolve o uso destes tecidos, como comissão de ética, disponibilidade de material, etc. Desta forma, os modelos de elementos finitos (MEFs) passaram a ser uma ótima opção, como meio de realizar testes biomecânicos e de obter independência de peças anatômicas e, ao mesmo tempo, de obter dados matemáticos que auxiliarão no entendimento geral físico. A presente revisão discute os princípios mecânicos que envolvem a bioengenharia; ademais, clarifica os passos para o desenvolvimento dos MEFs, e finaliza mostrando cenários de aplicação destes modelos. Ao conhecimento dos autores, este artigo é o primeiro estudo de revisão em português voltado para profissionais da saúde, com uma linguagem acessível para o meio médico.

Keywords

spine - finite elements - biomechanics - pedicle screw

Palavras-chave

medula - elementos finitos - biomecânica - parafuso pedicular

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