Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2012, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (26): 4760-4764.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2012.26.003

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Establishing a three-dimensional finite element model of human lumbar spine based on CT images

Liu Zhi-hua1, Guan Wen-hao1, Tan Zhong-qi2   

  1. 1School of Mechanical Engineering of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China;
    2Department of Orthopedics, Liulintun Hospital of Luancheng, Luancheng 051430, Hebei Province, China
  • Received:2011-12-01 Revised:2011-12-01 Online:2012-06-24 Published:2013-11-02
  • Contact: Guan Wen-hao, Master, School of Mechanical Engineering of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China guanwenhao123@163.com
  • About author:Liu Zhi-hua☆, Doctor, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, School of Mechanical Engineering of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China liuzhihua@zzu.edu.cn

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Compared with the method of experiment biomechanics, the finite element analysis methods have unique advantages. How to establish the lumbar spine finite element model accurately is the key point of the finite element analysis.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a three-dimensional finite element model of human lumbar spine for biomechanical studies.
METHODS: A normal adult male lumbar spine was scanned by GE 64-slice spiral CT, which obtained 351-layer pictures in DICOM format, the three-dimensional reconstruction model was established by Mimics software, and then, the model was introduced into Solidworks in the format of .stl to create physical model. Finally, the model was introduced into Ansys software, a convenient finite element model was obtained after assigning parameters and meshing. The validity of the model was verified by comparing the result with that of the in vitro biomechanical experiments.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional finite element model of lumbar spine was established smoothly and distinctly. There were 144 411 nodes and 88 742 units in the model. The model had a high accuracy, and it conveniently applied the load and constraints for the finite element analysis. The way in this study was an exact and practical one to establish the finite element model of lumbar spine for clinical doctors. The model could simulate the lumbar spine biomechanical experiment.

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