title: Finite element methods in spine biomechanics research.
abstract: The finite element method has been used in spine biomechanics research for nearly a quarter of a century. Recent developments have made it possible to simulate a variety of clinically relevant situations in an increasingly realistic manner, elevating the finite element method into a fully complementary partnership with experimental approaches for the investigation of clinical problems in the spine. These new developments are presented in a historical context to evaluate their potential impact on future spine biomechanics research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Gilbertson
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Goel
authors.forename: W Z
authors.initials: WZ
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Clausen
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology; D007596:Joints; D008022:Ligaments / Q000502:physiology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods; D010024:Osteoporosis; D012106:Research; D012600:Scoliosis; D013131:Spine / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D013168:Spondylolisthesis; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology