The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Sep 2000
Noninvasive imaging predicts failure load of the spine with simulated osteolytic defects.
The clinical management of lytic tumors of the spine is currently based on geometric measurements of the defect. However, the mechanical behavior of a structure depends on both its material and its geometric properties. Quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were investigated as noninvasive tools for measuring the material and geometric properties of vertebrae with a simulated lytic defect. From these measures, yield loads were predicted with use of composite beam theory. ⋯ Image-predicted vertebral yield loads and analytical models that approximate loads applied to the spine during activities of daily living can be used to calculate a factor of fracture risk that can be employed by physicians to plan appropriate treatment or intervention.