Computational modelling of spinal implants 463
15.3.2 Design and assessment of new implants
As shown in the previous sections of this chapter, the FE method is partic-
ularly adequate for detailed examination of both the possible behaviour of
implant materials in situ and the biomechanical integration of these implants
in the spine structure. As such, numerical models appear extremely useful as
a complement to the information provided by mechanical tests on implant
materials and by in vitro tests on implanted cadaveric specimens. Langrana
et al . (1991) proposed an early approach to using FE models for the explora-
tion of prototypes of biomimetic lumbar disc substitutes, based on different
synthetic materials: polyurethanes for ...