Introduction Bone functions are very complex, with functions fromwithstanding loads and supporting body weight toserving as a site for the development and storage ofblood cells. There are many disorders and diseases thataffect bones. Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal dis-ease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration, with a consequent
This paper establishes a non-linear finite element model (NFEM) of L4-L5 lumbar spinal segment with accurate three-dimensional solid ligaments and intervertebral disc. For the purpose, the intervertebral disc and surrounding ligaments are modeled with four-nodal three-dimensional tetrahedral elements with hyper-elastic material properties. Pure moment of 10 N·m without preload is applied to the upper vertebral body under the loading conditions of lateral bending, backward extension, torsion, and forward flexion, respectively. The simulate relationship curves between generalized forces and generalized displacement of the NFEM are compared with the in vitro experimental result curves to verify NFEM. The verified results show that: (1) The range of simulated motion is a good agreement with the in vitro experimental data; (2) The NFEM can more effectively reffect the actual mechanical properties than the FE model using cable and spring elements ligaments; (3) The NFEM can be used as the basis for further research on lumbar degenerative diseases.
Zhitao Xiao,1 Liya Wang,1 He Gong,1, ) Dong Zhu,2, ) and Xizheng Zhang3 1)Department of Engineering Mechanics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China 2)Department of Orthopaedic Trauma No.1, Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China 3)Institute of Medical Equipment, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300161, China
