Inter-Specimen Analysis of Diverse Finite Element Models of the Lumbar Spine

Abstract

Over the past few decades, there has been a growing popularity in utilizing finite element analysis to study the spine. However, most current studies tend to use one specimen for their models. This research aimed to validate multiple finite element models by comparing them with data from in vivo experiments and other existing finite element studies. Additionally, this study sought to analyze the data based on the gender and age of the specimens. For this study, eight lumbar spine (L2–L5) finite element models were developed. These models were then subjected to finite element analysis to simulate the six fundamental motions. CT scans were obtained from a total of eight individuals, four males and four females, ranging in age from forty-four (44) to seventy-three (73) years old. The CT scans were preprocessed and used to construct finite element models that accurately emulated the motions of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Preloads and moments were applied to the models to replicate physiological loading conditions. This study focused on analyzing various parameters such as vertebral rotation, facet forces, and intradiscal pressure in all loading directions. The obtained data were then compared with the results of other finite element analyses and in vivo experimental measurements found in the existing literature to ensure their validity. This study successfully validated the intervertebral rotation, intradiscal pressure, and facet force results by comparing them with previous research findings. Notably, this study concluded that gender did not have a significant impact on the results. However, the results did highlight the importance of age as a critical variable when modeling the lumbar spine.