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Updated: May 1, 2026
Precision Measurements and Parametric Models of Vertebral Endplates
Published on: September 17, 2019
[Establishment and validation of three dimensional finite element model of lower cervical bilateral facet locking]
Yanhai Xi1, Xiaojian Ye1, Hailong He1
1Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200003, China.
Objective:
To establish the three dimensional finite element model of bilateral cervical articular process locking and verify its effectiveness.
Methods:
A healthy adult male underwent cervical thin-layer computed tomography (CT) scan. The software programs of Simpleware3.0, Geomagic8.0, Hypermesh9.0, Abaqus6.9 and Rhino4.0 were employed to establish a complete C4, C5 segment (including intervertebral disc and ligament tissue) finite element model. A spring force load of 180 n was applied along the direction of cervical curvature. The locking of articular process was simulated. And its effectiveness was compared with previous experiments.
Results:
Detailed anatomy structure of cervical spine was established. Simulated bilateral joints in journey finally formed. The load-displacement situations and experiment results of small joint ligament were consistent. And shear forces and displacement differences of modeling was insignificant.
Conclusion:
The three dimensional finite element model of bilateral cervical articular process locking has excellent biological fidelity. And it is suitable for clinical applications.
