Effect of Model Parameters on the Biomechanical Behavior of the Finite Element Cervical Spine Model

Abstract

Finite element (FE) models have frequently been used to analyze spine biomechanics. Material parameters assigned to FE spine models are generally uncertain, and their effect on the characterization of the spinal components is not clear. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of model parameters on the range of motion, stress, and strain responses of a FE cervical spine model. To do so, we created a computed tomography-based FE model that consisted of C2-C3 vertebrae, intervertebral disc, facet joints, and ligaments. A total of 32 FE analyses were carried out for two different elastic modulus equations and four different bone layer numbers under four different loading conditions. We evaluated the effects of elastic modulus equations and layer number on the biomechanical behavior of the FE spine model by taking the range of angular motion, stress, and strain responses into account. We found that the angular motions of the one- and two-layer models had a greater variation than those in the models with four and eight layers. The angular motions obtained for the four- and eight-layer models were almost the same, indicating that the use of a four-layer model would be sufficient to achieve a stress value converging to a certain level as the number of layers increases. We also observed that the equation proposed by Gupta and Dan (2004) agreed well with the experimental angular motion data. The outcomes of this study are expected to contribute to the determination of the model parameters used in FE spine models.

Validation and Estimation of Obesity-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration through Subject-Specific Finite Element Modelling of Functional Spinal Units

“…Furthermore, the gap between superior and inferior facet cartilage was varied, as this parameter cannot be easily determined from CT scans [104]. Variability in assigning material properties to biological tissues is challenging due to their high nonlinearity, heterogeneity and time-dependent nature [4]. The boundary conditions applied in computational models may not precisely mimic the exact complex physiological loading conditions and differences between in vitro and in vivo conditions can also contribute to uncertainties in FSU model [105,106].…”

“…Finite element (FE) modelling is vital for understanding FSU biomechanics under external forces [4]. Critical understandings of FSU responses to treatments come from clinical studies, experiments, and animal models.…”

Effect of ACDF combined with different degrees of partial resection of uncovertebral joints on cervical stability and degeneration: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

“…Our study has several limitations. The standard model was validated using an indirect method of comparison with published data [ 34 , 35 ]. Although finite element analysis is an effective validation method, the accuracy of the results is reduced because of unclear in vitro experimental conditions, large standard deviations, and a lack of specific material properties in previous studies.…”

Retracted: Effect of Model Parameters on the Biomechanical Behavior of the Finite Element Cervical Spine Model

“…This article has been retracted by Hindawi, as publisher, following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [ 1 ]. This investigation has uncovered evidence of systematic manipulation of the publication and peer-review process.…”