Finite element model of human cervical spinal column

The purpose of this study was to develop a detailed anatomically accurate finite element model (FEM) of the whole cervical column (C2-T1) using sagittal and coronal computed tomography (CT) scan images and cryomicrotome anatomical sections. The bony vertebrae were defined using CT scan images. The geometrical details of intervertebral discs, uncovertebral joints and ligaments were obtained from cryomicrotome sections. The following steps were used to develop the FEM: wire mesh, surface model and solid model. The wire mesh of each vertebra and disc was generated from the CT and cryomicrotome sections, respectively. The surface model was developed by connecting the wire mesh lines. The solid model was obtained by filling the volume enclosed by the surface model. Finally, the FEM was constructed by discretizing the solid model using the mapped-mesh option. Appropriate finite element types were assigned to each component. For example, the isoparametric eight-noded solid elements were used to define the cancellous bone of a vertebra. The material properties reported in literature were adopted in the model. Commercially available software (IDEAS and ABAQUS) was used to develop the FEM.