A finite element model for predicting the biomechanical behaviour of the human lumbar spine

A finite element model of a human spinal segment L3/4 was loaded in axial compression (600 N), torsion (25 Nm) and shearing (250 N) in the intact state and following surgical treatment using two different internal stabilization devices. Twelve human lumbar cadaveric spinal segments were loaded with the same forces and moments. The results of the cadaver biomechanical and finite element analysis were compared and the model was used to predict 1. load - sharing within healthy human lumbar spine, 2. load - sharing in osteoporotic L3/4 segment and 3. the stabilizing potential of different spinal implants in compression. Copyright (C) 2000 IFAC.