Study Design. A three-dimensional nonlinear poroelastic finite-element mode
l of a vertebra disc was used to analyze the biomechanical effects of impac
t loading on the spinal segment.
Objectives, To predict changes in biomechanical parameters such as intradis
cal pressure, dynamic stiffness, stresses in the endplate region, and the s
hock-absorbing mechanism of the spine under different impact duration/loadi
ng rates, and to investigate the relation between the rate of loading and t
he fracture potential of the vertebral body.
Summary of Background Data. It is not practical to discern the role of impa
ct duration using experimental protocols. Analytical studies are better sui
ted to this purpose. However, previous poroelastic finite-element models of
the motion segments have dealt mostly with creep phenomena.
Methods. A three-dimensional, L3-L4 motion-segment, finite-element model wa
s modified to incorporate the poroelastic properties of the disc, endplate,
and cancellous core, and thus simulate the shock-absorbing phenomena. The
results were analyzed under variable impact durations for a constant maximu
m compressive impact load of 3 kN.
Results. For a shorter impact duration and a given F-max, relatively high c
ancellous core pressure was generated as compared with a case of long impac
t duration, although the amount of impulse was increased. In contrast, rela
tively constant pore pressures were generated in the nucleus regardless of
the impact duration. The changes in spinal segment stiffness as a function
of impact duration indicated that for a shorter duration of impact, high dy
namic stiffness increases the stability of the spinal segment against the i
mpact load. However, the corresponding increase in stresses within the vert
ebral body and endplate may produce fractures.
Conclusions. The finite-element technique was used to address the role of i
mpact duration in producing trauma to the spinal motion segment. Within the
limitations of the model, the results suggest that fractures are likely to
occur under shorter impact duration conditions. Depending on the strength
of the region, a fracture may be initiated in the endplate region or the po
sterior wall of the cortical shell. The nucleus pressure is independent of
the impact duration and depends only on the magnitude of the impact force.