Patient-Specific Finite Element Modeling of the Whole Lumbar Spine Using Clinical Routine Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Data—A Pilot Study

Abstract

(1) Background: To study the feasibility of developing finite element (FE) models of the whole lumbar spine using clinical routine multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans to predict failure load (FL) and range of motion (ROM) parameters. (2) Methods: MDCT scans of 12 subjects (6 healthy controls (HC), mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 62.16 ± 10.24 years, and 6 osteoporotic patients (OP), mean age ± SD: 65.83 ± 11.19 years) were included in the current study. Comprehensive FE models of the lumbar spine (5 vertebrae + 4 intervertebral discs (IVDs) + ligaments) were generated (L1–L5) and simulated. The coefficients of correlation (ρ) were calculated to investigate the relationship between FE-based FL and ROM parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) values of L1–L3 derived from MDCT (BMDQCT-L1-3). Finally, Mann–Whitney U tests were performed to analyze differences in FL and ROM parameters between HC and OP cohorts. (3) Results: Mean FE-based FL value of the HC cohort was significantly higher than that of the OP cohort (1471.50 ± 275.69 N (HC) vs. 763.33 ± 166.70 N (OP), p < 0.01). A strong correlation of 0.8 (p < 0.01) was observed between FE-based FL and BMDQCT-L1-L3 values. However, no significant differences were observed between ROM parameters of HC and OP cohorts (p = 0.69 for flexion; p = 0.69 for extension; p = 0.47 for lateral bending; p = 0.13 for twisting). In addition, no statistically significant correlations were observed between ROM parameters and BMDQCT- L1-3. (4) Conclusions: Clinical routine MDCT data can be used for patient-specific FE modeling of the whole lumbar spine. ROM parameters do not seem to be significantly altered between HC and OP. In contrast, FE-derived FL may help identify patients with increased osteoporotic fracture risk in the future.

Stress Distribution of Different Pedicle Screw Insertion Techniques Following Single‐Segment TLIF: A Finite Element Analysis Study

“…Building on other recent studies, we have considered nonlinear elastics properties and tetrahedral element type for the model due to computational resource limitations. We aim to incorporate more realistic lumbar spine modeling in our future studies 52–55 . In addition, based on the data from different individuals and multiple models of the lumbar spine will help to validate the results of the FE studies.…”

“…We aim to incorporate more realistic lumbar spine modeling in our future studies. [52][53][54][55] In addition, based on the data from different individuals and multiple models of the lumbar spine will help to validate the results of the FE studies.…”

Development of a Computational Model of the Mechanical Behavior of the L4–L5 Lumbar Spine: Application to Disc Degeneration

“…Most of the simulation has been performed on the basis of the finite element method using the commercial software ANSYS and ABAQUS [ 19 ]. For modeling, the mechanical behavior of the spine, mainly elastic models, is used [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], where the description of the mechanical behavior of the vertebrae and discs is reduced to the linear elastic behavior of a homogeneous material with averaged properties. However, it is known that the cancellous, CEP, AF, and NP tissue, as well as the tissues of the disc, are 70–90% composed of fluid.…”