A vertebral finite element model and its response to loading.
A finite element model of a complete vertebra has been developed. The response of the loads applied to the model nodes were correlated with the experimentally measured pressures on the vertebral endplate. Model results were also validated against experimental data and were found to have a reasonably good correlation with measured strains. The model confirmed that there were high stresses at the junction of the pedicles with the body, along the anterior aspects of the body and near the pars interarticularis. The model was further used to simulate partial and full laminectomies on the right side of the vertebra. This resulted in high tensile stresses in the pedicles and in the region of the pars interacticularis, especially when the upper portion of the lamina was taken out.
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Department of Biomechanics, Nelson A. Rockefeller Academic Center, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury 11568.
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008954:Models, Biological; D012016:Reference Values; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength