The mechanical properties of bone filling materials affect the therapeutic effect of vertebroplasty: Biomechanical finite element analysis

Background Bone filling materials that match the mechanical properties of normal cancellous bone may be more suitable for vertebroplasty to improve the complications caused by osteoporosis. Objective To prepare and evaluate a new bone filling material (NBFM) that matches the mechanical properties of normal cancellous bone for vertebroplasty. Methods A new bone filling material (NBFM) was prepared and its biomechanical properties were compared with those of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone filling material commonly used in clinical vertebroplasty. Finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical differences between NBFM and PMMA. The lumbar spine model's biomechanical differences were assessed under four different loading conditions: flexion, extension, left flexion, and right flexion. Results The NBFM demonstrated biomechanical properties more closely matching normal cancellous bone compared to PMMA. The finite element analysis revealed that the lumbar spine model with NBFM exhibited improved biomechanical behavior under the specified loading conditions. Conclusion: Bone filling materials that match the mechanical properties of normal cancellous bone, such as the newly developed NBFM, are more suitable for vertebroplasty and may help reduce complications associated with osteoporosis.