title: Nonlinear finite-element analysis and biomechanical evaluation of the lumbar spine.
abstract: A finite-element analysis (FEA) model of an intact lumbar disc-body unit was generated. The vertebral body of the FEA model consisted of a solid tetrahedral core of trabecular bone surrounded by a cortical shell. The disc consisted of an incompressible nucleus surrounded by nonlinear annulus fibers embedded in a solid ground substance. The purpose was to create a FEA model suitable for clinical purposes as fracture assessment, instrumentation with pedicle screws, and bone remodeling. Testing of the FEA model was performed nonlinear for a number of loading conditions, and the results were compared with experimental data from the literature. The results showed good agreement. The formulation of the FEA model can be justified for the tested loading conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, National University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark. cw@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: P Martin
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Gehrchen
authors.forename: Tron
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Darvann
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kiaer
mesh_terms: D019245:Compressive Strength; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000502:physiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009038:Motion; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D011859:Radiography; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D019415:Torque