title: [Finite element analysis of lumbar facet joint contact model].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish a finite element model of the fourth and fifth lumber segments in order to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of facet joints under different pressure loads.
  
  
  METHODS
  CT sectional images of L(4-5) segments were obtained to construct a finite element model, adopting contact model to simulate the condition the superior and inferior facets were in.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The facet joint exhibited different performances under different conditions, and more loads was forced on it when the model was twirled.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The facet joints should be simulated as in condition of contact to help correct understanding of the biomechanical characteristics of the spinal segment.
authors.affiliation: Key Lab of Medical Biomechanics of PLA, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. mc_zhang@21cn.com
authors.forename: Mei-chao
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Yi-kai
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Shi-zhen
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Zhong
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003196:Computer Graphics; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed