About This Project

Commercial biomechanics testing modalities are expensive, often upwards of $200,000 for standard models. We seek to build and validate a similar machine at nearly one tenth the cost, validate the accuracy and utility of the device, and then publish the schematics for other institutions to utilize in their own research laboratories. We hope to crowd-fund a portion of the necessary funds to build the majority of the testing apparatus.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Commercial biomechanics testing equipment from companies such as Bose and MTS are extremely expensive, often costing a minimum of $150-200k. This severely limits the capabilities of academic institutions to obtain medical biomechanics testing capabilities. Surgeries such as spinal fusion, hip replacement, or pelvic stabilization require implantation of instrumentation which can be simulated and tested to improve our surgical methodology and understanding. Testing is impossible without proper equipment, and incomplete evaluation of hardware can lead to implantation of unstable or unsafe hardware which can lead to complications and poor patient outcomes.

What is the significance of this project?

The human spine undergoes compressive, rotational, and translational forces on a daily basis. Therefore, spinal implants need to be tested in a polyaxial apparatus that can simulate these forces. By building and testing a low-budget polyaxial biomechanics testing apparatus and then publishing the results as open-source schematics, we hope to allow institutions to build their own testing devices for a fraction of the typical cost. With the capability to perform in-house biomechanics testing becoming more easily accessible, we hope to improve our understanding of spinal and pelvic instrumentation.

What are the goals of the project?

Our ultimate goal is to build, test, and then validate a low-cost biomechanics testing apparatus which allows for linear testing along the X, Y, and Z axis as well as rotational Z axis testing. This would allow for the most accurate and complete evaluation of spinal hardware, as the mobile spine moves in flexion, extension, compression, and rotation. Without being able to test in each of these axis, the testing apparatus would not accurate represent physiologic conditions. In order to validate the device we will utilize load cell calibration using industry standard operating procedure in order to confirm that the device delivers torque and load force accurately to a specified magnitude. Once the device is complete, we plan to make the schematics open-source for any institution to use.