Simulating vertebroplasty using a multiphase continuum-mechanical approach : rheological characterization, numerical simulations, and experimental validation

Abstract

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure for treating vertebral fractures involving injection of a so-called "bone cement'' into the vertebra. This Ph.D. thesis aimed to develop a computational model for simulating vertebroplasty, and thereby help practitioners determine the best operating parameters specific to each patient. The computational model employs a multiphase continuum-mechanical approach based on the Theory of Porous Media, along with discretization and upscaling methods specifically chosen and modified to suit the application. Apart from this, experiments were carried out to understand the behaviour of the bone cement in the context of vertebroplasty so that its behaviour can be correctly modelled. The developed computational model is validated using experiments done using a simple benchmark experiment. The simulations shed light on some crucial mechanical aspects of vertebroplasty that could determine the success or failure of the procedure.