Verification of Human Lumbar Vertebrae and Intervertebral Disc Finite Element Models under Mechanical Forces

Abstract

Bone, being nonhomogeneous in nature need a complicated and time-consuming process to undergo computed simulation like finite element analysis. To overcome this hurdle, assuming a nonhomogeneous model as homogeneous could be a solution. The objective of this study is to focus on developing a homogeneous human lumbar finite element models and verify them under mechanical force by measuring disc stress, disc strain, disc deformation, total strain, and total deformation. Experimental and geometrical analysis were performed before verifying the lumbar model. To verify the models’ reliability, nonhomogeneous lumbar models were also developed. Five different static structural simulations were performed on four lumbar segments, and twenty parameters were measured. Numerically, out of twenty, eighteen parameters showed very less or no significant difference between homogeneous and nonhomogeneous models of the intervertebral discs and lumbar vertebrae. At the same time, proper caution to be provided while examining the results. With this validation procedure, researchers can process artifact images to get more information which enables them to contribute to the patient’s well-being.