Spine Summit 2023

While attending the spine summit 2023 in Miami, we submitted a recorded presentation on “ Utilizing Finite Element Analysis to Assess the Mechanics of a Novel Cervical Disc Arthroplasty”. We began by talking about the limitations of the current cervical treatment options, namely fusion and Artificial disc replacement. Spinal instability cannot be treated with artificial disc replacement surgery, but it can help with mobility preservation. However, at the same time fusion surgery can treat spinal instability but cannot preserve motion resulting in lower range of motion. We created a metal spring-based prosthesis made of Ti-6AL-4V that is 3D printed and has endplates joined by four compliant metal springs that are designed to compress and bend yet resist translation. After testing, we could agree that our prosthesis was useful for providing stability in translation while being compressible and bendable.

We also presented gave a oral presentation on “Comparing Finite element analysis with Mechanical Compression Testing of a Novel Cervical Disc Arthroplast “ summarizing that in spine greater ROM is good, less stiffness is ok and what matters is real world mechanics.​