Simulation of high energy vertebral fractures on complete porcine specimens

This work presents a novel method creating high energy vertebral fractures on complete swine specimens to investigate realistic vertebral fracture mechanisms. An apparatus was developed to maintain a porcine specimen in an upright position and apply a caudal impact simulating a fall. Five mature minipigs were impacted with varying impact magnitude. Computed tomography scans were used to assess the resulting fracture type, fracture level, spinal canal encroachment and fractures of adjacent bony structures. Lumbar fractures were produced on four specimens: three inferior endplate burst fractures (L2) and one superior endplate burst fracture (L5). One trial resulted in a hyperextension fracture between L2 and L3 vertebrae. Spinal canal encroachment was important for three specimens. No fracture was created on the pelvis or hind limbs. The proposed method developed and the resulting swine model of high energy vertebral fractures could be used to instigate novel biomechanical studies, to validate finite element models or to investigate surgical strategies.