Mangaleshwaran, Meera;
(2025)
A pre-clinical evaluation of an implantable instrumented spinal rod for 6 degree of freedom force measurement in vivo.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
This thesis presents the development and evaluation of an implantable instrumented spinal rod for in vivo monitoring of thoracolumbar fractures caused by spinal metastases. The device measures forces and moments in six degrees of freedom, aiming to provide real-time mechanical data to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Patients with these fractures face challenges including spinal instability, pain, and neurological problems. Current evaluation methods cannot accurately assess bone healing, leading to inconsistent clinical opinions on post- operative care and weight-bearing timing. The study encompasses design optimisation through finite element analysis, fatigue testing, six degrees of freedom calibration, and in vitro biomechanical testing using animal cadavers. The novel rod maintains standard geometry while incorporating strain gauges and telemetry capabilities. Finite element analysis guided strain gauge placement and predicted implant response to various loading conditions. Fatigue testing demonstrated long- term cyclic loading endurance. Calibration showed high accuracy in force and moment measurements. In vitro testing using porcine specimens simulated various fracture conditions and loading scenarios, providing insight into near-physiological performance. Results indicate that the instrumented rod offers a promising tool for real-time monitoring of spinal biomechanics in patients with thoracolumbar fractures. The ability to measure forces and moments in vivo could enhance understanding of fracture healing, inform clinical decision-making, and improve patient care in spinal metastasis cases. This approach addresses limitations of current management techniques and contributes to improving treatment strategies for complex spinal conditions.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | A pre-clinical evaluation of an implantable instrumented spinal rod for 6 degree of freedom force measurement in vivo |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2025. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10212320 |
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