Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair

Spinal Biomechanics Laboratory

Spine Simulator with Custom-Built Capabilities!

NEW for 2023! Our new custom-built multi-axis spine simulator (PizzaCake Industries) is cutting-edge and advanced. It is capable of delivering answers to many research questions pertaining to spinal biomechanics. It can simulate cervical, lumbar, full torso, and pelvis / sacroiliac motion and deliver high-precision data.

The simulator has the following capabilities:

  • Full protocol customization (LabVIEW; National Instruments)
  • 6 DOF load cell (Omega 160; ATI Technologies)
  • 6 DOF mobility (translations / torques) provided by Arcus PMX-4EX-SA stepper motors
  • Air cylinders (Airpel; Airpot Corp.) for application of axial compression / distraction or muscle loads
  • Analog output / input
    •  Signal acquisition from extensometers, DVRTs, pressure sensors, etc.
  • Digital output
  • Full 3D motion kinematics (OptiTrack)

 

Our research capabilities are open and available to all industries, private or public. Please contact us to discuss your project needs.


MCOM Neurosurgery - Spine Simulator

Past Research Projects

  • Evaluation of absorbable Synthes cervical cage in a caprine model, time zero and longitudinal follow-up
  • Maverick total disk replacement:
    • Biomechanical performance tolerance envelope
    • Lumbar facet loads and strains following implantation
    • Analysis of Maverick placement vs. arthrodesis
  • Biomechanical comparison of Medtronic titanium vs. PEEK posterior rods for pedicle screw fixation
  • Evaluation of tensile strength and effects of biodegradation of xenograft material for rotator cuff and tendon replacement
  • Affects of torsional torque on intradiscal pressure and disc height in the human lumbar spine
  • Evaluation of Optimesh for treatment of vertebral compression fractures and affects on adjacent levels
  • Use of anterior or antero-lateral plating following ALIF vs. augmentation with pedicle screw fixation.
  • Investigation of forces applied over the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar transitional zones of the human spine
  • In vitro model of subsidence following placement of anterior cervical cages.

Contact Info

Mailing address:
Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair
2 Tampa General Circle
Tampa, FL 33606

Phone: (813) 974-1377
Email: nschilaty@usf.edu