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Thoracic spine morphology of a pseudo-biped animal model (kangaroo) and comparisons with human and quadruped animals

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Abstract

Purpose

Based on the structural anatomy, loading condition and range of motion (ROM), no quadruped animal has been shown to accurately mimic the structure and biomechanical function of the human spine. The objective of this study is to quantify the thoracic vertebrae geometry of the kangaroo, and compare with adult human, pig, sheep, and deer.

Methods

The thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12) from whole body CT scans of ten juvenile kangaroos (ages 11–14 months) were digitally reconstructed and geometric dimensions of the vertebral bodies, endplates, pedicles, spinal canal, processes, facets and intervertebral discs were recorded. Similar data available in the literature on the adult human, pig, sheep, and deer were compared to the kangaroo. A non-parametric trend analysis was performed.

Results

Thoracic vertebral dimensions of the juvenile kangaroo were found to be generally smaller than those of the adult human and quadruped animals. The most significant (p < 0.001) correlations (Rho) found between the human and kangaroo were in vertebrae and endplate dimensions (0.951 ≤ Rho ≤ 0.963), pedicles (0.851 ≤ Rho ≤ 0.951), and inter-facet heights (0.891 ≤ Rho ≤ 0.967). The deer displayed the least similar trends across vertebral levels.

Conclusions

Similarities in thoracic spine vertebral geometry, particularly of the vertebrae, pedicles and facets may render the kangaroo a more clinically relevant human surrogate for testing spinal implants. The pseudo-biped kangaroo may also be a more suitable model for the human thoracic spine for simulating spine deformities, based on previously published similarities in biomechanical loading, posture and ROM.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Ms. Reese Juel for assistance with the creation of digital artwork. This research was partly funded by Dr. Sriram Balasubramanian’s Faculty startup funds from Drexel University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Bossone 718, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Sriram Balasubramanian & James R. Peters

  2. Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Lucy F. Robinson

  3. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA, 19013, USA

    Anita Singh

  4. Mechanical and Aerospace Department, University of Virginia, 122 Engineer’s Way, P.O. Box 400746, Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4746, USA

    Richard W. Kent

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  1. Sriram Balasubramanian
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Correspondence to Sriram Balasubramanian.

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Balasubramanian, S., Peters, J.R., Robinson, L.F. et al. Thoracic spine morphology of a pseudo-biped animal model (kangaroo) and comparisons with human and quadruped animals. Eur Spine J 25, 4140–4154 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4776-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4776-x

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