A subject-specific analogue model for spinal motion segments

Human cadaveric tissues are incredibly variable and difficult to preserve [1], thus making frequent biomechanical testing with these materials challenging. Available funds and ethical procedures will also limit their availability [2]. Due to these restrictions, animal bone models are often used. However, as all biological tissues, those models present variable mechanical properties depending on a number of factors [3]. For the above reasons subject-specific analogues are very attractive, particularly in the field of forensic and injury biomechanics. The analogue proposed in this study was 3D-printed from micro-CT (Computed Tomography) dataset of real bone, through generation of a 3D model. Both cadaveric and analogue segments were mechanically tested in axial compression. And surface displacement was computed via digital image correlation (DIC). The proposed protocol has the potential to be applied in the prediction and modelling of bone behaviour.