Establishing finite element model credibility of a pedicle screw system under compression-bending: An end-to-end example of the ASME V&V 40 standard

Computational modeling and simulation (CM&S) is a key tool in medical device design, development, and regulatory approval. For example, finite element analysis (FEA) is widely used to understand the mechanical integrity and durability of orthopaedic implants. The ASME V&V 40 standard and supporting FDA guidance provide a framework for establishing model credibility, enabling deeper reliance on CM&S throughout the total product lifecycle. Examples of how to apply the principles outlined in the ASME V&V 40 standard are important to facilitating greater adoption by the medical device community, but few published examples are available that demonstrate best practices. Therefore, this paper outlines an end-to-end (E2E) example of the ASME V&V 40 standard applied to an orthopaedic implant. The objective of this study was to illustrate how to establish the credibility of a computational model intended for use as part of regulatory evaluation. In particular, this study focused on whether a design change to a spinal pedicle screw construct (specifically, the addition of a cannulation to an existing non-cannulated pedicle screw) would compromise the rod-screw construct mechanical performance. This question of interest (?OI) was addressed by establishing model credibility requirements according to the ASME V&V 40 standard. Experimental testing to support model validation was performed using spinal rods and non-cannulated pedicle screw constructs made with medical grade titanium (Ti-6Al-4V ELI). FEA replicating the experimental tests was performed by three independent modelers and validated through comparisons of common mechanical properties such as stiffness and yield force. The validated model was then used to simulate F1717 compression-bending testing on the new cannulated pedicle screw design to answer the ?OI, without performing any additional experimental testing. This E2E example provides a realistic scenario for the application of the ASME V&V 40 standard to orthopedic medical device applications.