Finite Element Applications in Human Cervical Spine Modeling

Abstract

The authors present a comprehensive state-of-the-art and critical review of the finite element models of the human cervical spine. They also focused on the developments in model construction (geometry generation), constitutive law (material property) identification, loading and boundary condition details, and validation, the most important phase. A data base of available experimental sources is also provided, which can be used by the modeler for validating the finite element model. The potential developments in finite element modeling of the human cervical spine are discussed.

The use of a quadruped as an in vivo model for the study of the spine – biomechanical considerations

“…It is generally widely accepted that quadruped spines are subjected to loads different from those in the upright human spine [4,10,11,15,26,45]. It must be emphasized, however, that this opinion is not substantiated in the literature: neither experimental nor theoretical studies were found that show a fundamental difference between the mechanical loading of quadruped and biped spines.…”

“…In vivo animal models are thus indispensable in the study of the process of spinal fusion [7,21,29,35,36,39]. At the same time, however, the relevance of animal models to human spine research has been questioned [4,10,11,15,26,45], and indeed there would appear to be some justification for this view since dogs, sheep and goats are quadrupeds, and their spines supposedly are subjected to loads that differ considerably from those in humans.…”

Application of the MEBDFV solver to dynamic simulation of some specific multibody systems: an example of a cervical spine model

“…Where it comes to ligaments, one can find numerous models. The simpliest way to reflect the ligaments character is to assume that they are two- [36] or three-dimensional [37] linear elements. In more advanced approaches the ligaments were considered to be linear elastic elements with the same value of Poisson's ratio and diverse stiffness coefficient [38].…”

“…In order to take into account the acting loads, the discs were divided into three parts: annulus, annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. In [33,37] authors proposed discs comprised of two bodies representing the annulus and nucleus. Goel et al [44] additionally applied a beam model for the annulus fibrosus.…”

Development of a finite element model of the human cervical spine

“…Continuous advancements in numerical techniques and computer technology have made the finite element method an effective tool in human spinal biomechanics. Finite element modeling provides researchers with different perspectives of the spinal biomechanics, that is, stress analysis; load sharing under normal, pathologic, and stabilized conditions; and the design of anthropomorphic test devices (47,49). To achieve reliable results, it is crucial to use accurate anatomy, material properties, boundary and loading conditions and validation against the appropriate experimental data.…”