Stress-strain distribution in intact L4-L5 vertebrae under the influence of physiological movements: A finite element (FE) investigation

Abstract

This study is aimed at finding the stress and strain distribution in functional spinal unit of L4-L5 occurring due to physiological body movements under five loading conditions, namely compression, flexion, extension, lateral bending and torsion. To this purpose, 3D finite element (FE) model has been generated using 4-noded unstructured tetrahedral elements considered both for bones and intervertebral disc, and 1D tension-only spring elements for ligaments. The analyses were performed for a compression load of 500 N and for other load cases, a moment of 10 N-m along with a preload of 500 N was applied. The model was validated against in-vitro experimental data obtained from literature and FE analysis data for a range of motion (RoM) corresponding to various loading conditions. The highest stress was predicted in the case of torsion though the angular deformation was highest in case of flexion.

Finite element analysis of an intact lumbar spine model: Effects of loading under different coordinate systems

“…Numerous FE studies considered intact and implanted lumbar spine models to compare the variations in ranges of motion (ROM), stresses, and strains due to fusion surgery. 4,[11][12][13] The follower load technique was considered in various FE studies to apply the loading and boundary conditions. [14][15][16] The outcomes of such FE studies were comparable to the results of standard experiments performed under identical conditions.…”