title: An Automated Method for Landmark Identification and Finite-Element Modeling of the Lumbar Spine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the automated creation of finite-element models of the lumbar spine.
  
  
  METHODS
  Custom scripts were written to extract bone landmarks of lumbar vertebrae and assemble L1-L5 finite-element models. End-plate borders, ligament attachment points, and facet surfaces were identified. Landmarks were identified to maintain mesh correspondence between meshes for later use in statistical shape modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  90 lumbar vertebrae were processed creating 18 subject-specific finite-element models. Finite-element model surfaces and ligament attachment points were reproduced within 1e-5 mm of the bone surface, including the critical contact surfaces of the facets. Element quality exceeded specifications in 97% of elements for the 18 models created.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current method is capable of producing subject-specific finite-element models of the lumbar spine with good accuracy, quality, and robustness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The automated methods developed represent advancement in the state of the art of subject-specific lumbar spine modeling to a scale not possible with prior manual and semiautomated methods.
authors.forename: Julius Quinn
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Petrella
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed