Elaboração de modelos de elementos finitos da coluna vertebral cervical de dogue alemão

Abstract

Finite element models aid in understanding dynamic processes in the study of diseases and treatments. Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), also called wobbler syndrome, is a disease that affects mainly large- and giant-breed dogs, and seems to have a static and dynamic component in its pathophysiology. The present objective was to create a finite element model representing the C2-C7 segment of the vertebral column of a Great Dane dog without abnormalities, as well as the adaptation of this model to represent a dorsal laminectomy and a hemilaminectomy at C5-C6. This is expected to contribute to the investigation of the biomechanical component of CSM, as well as allow a comparison of the various surgical methods proposed for treatment of this syndrome. A 2-year-old Great Dane dog without neurologic or imaging changes in the cervical region of the vertebral column was selected. Computed tomography images from this dog were processed to construct a finite element model representing vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments. Material properties were adapted from the literature. Range of motion of the model under 2Nm for flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending were compared with literature. Range of motion was observed to be lesser than cited for cadavers of a different breed. This difference could be considered as resulting from differences between breeds and the use of human material properties. When comparing the intact model with the modified laminectomy and hemilaminectomy models, an influence of the hemilaminectomy was observed in range of motion, especially in axial rotation to the side opposite the simulated procedure. Construction of these models would be the first step to applying finite element analysis to the study of CSM in Great Danes.