[Biomechanical application of finite element method in upper cervical spine]

Biomechanics plays an important role in the pathogenesis of upper cervical spine disease. Traditional biomechanical test, such as animal experiment, physical experiment and vitro experiment exists many problems. Finite element method, a new biomechanical method, can repeat in sustainability study, change quality and quantity, provide the manifestation of local and internal region and make up the deficiency of current methods. The paper summaries the biomechanical application of finite element method in upper cervical spine, including the finite element modeling, pathophysiological mechanism of upper cervical spine and biomechanical analysis of internal fixation devices.