METASPINE · Comprehensive experimental and computational mechanical characterisation of metastatic vertebrae

Comprehensive experimental and computational mechanical characterisation of metastatic vertebrae

Lytic spinal metastases are frequent in cancer patients and can weaken vertebrae, increasing the risk of fracture and leading to spine instability. Qualitative scoring systems are used by oncologists and orthopaedic surgeons to decide if the metastatic vertebrae need to be surgically treated. However, these guidelines are not accurate for all those patients with middle-size lesions. An accurate, quantitative and mechanistic computational model would improve the prediction of the risk of fracture in these patients. However, such models need first to be validated against well-controlled experiments in the laboratory. The main goal of METASPINE was to develop and validate FE models to study the effect of lytic metastatic lesions on the mechanical properties of spine segments. This goal was achieved by combining the excellent skills in experimental characterization of spine segments by the researcher (Dr Marco Palanca) with the cutting-edge expertise of the host institution (University fo Sheffield, Dr Enrico Dall’Ara) in imaging and computational modelling. The objectives of the study were: 1. To develop an experimental approach to measure the full-field strain maps under multi-axial loading in spine segments with and without metastatic lesions, combining high- resolution biomedical imaging, mechanical tests, and image processing techniques; 2. To develop a procedure to generate computational models of the spine segments with and without simulated metastatic lesions based on medical images and to validate the outputs of the models using the experimental data obtained in the project; 3. To evaluate the effect of lytic lesions on the structural and local mechanical properties of the spine segments in function of the lesions’ features, such as size and position. 4. To train the researcher in imaging, image processing and computational modelling for biomechanical applications. The project reached most of the objectives and added activities to maximize the scientific and clinical impact of the research.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union