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Review
. 2021 Feb 15;8(2):25.
doi: 10.3390/bioengineering8020025.

Computational Challenges in Tissue Engineering for the Spine

André P G Castro  1
Affiliations
Review

Computational Challenges in Tissue Engineering for the Spine

André P G Castro. Bioengineering (Basel). .

Abstract

This paper deals with a brief review of the recent developments in computational modelling applied to innovative treatments of spine diseases. Additionally, it provides a perspective on the research directions expected for the forthcoming years. The spine is composed of distinct and complex tissues that require specific modelling approaches. With the advent of additive manufacturing and increasing computational power, patient-specific treatments have moved from being a research trend to a reality in clinical practice, but there are many issues to be addressed before such approaches become universal. Here, it is identified that the major setback resides in validation of these computational techniques prior to approval by regulatory agencies. Nevertheless, there are very promising indicators in terms of optimised scaffold modelling for both disc arthroplasty and vertebroplasty, powered by a decisive contribution from imaging methods.

Keywords: biomechanics; finite element modelling; intervertebral disc; spine; tissue engineering; vertebrae.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Example of a common pathway for patient-specific finite element (FE) modelling of the spine, going from medical imaging to the final FE model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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