Lower Cervical Spine Motion Segment Computational Model Validation: Kinematic and Kinetic Response for Quasi-Static...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Human body modeling

Background:

• Advanced human body models (HBM) are essential for enhanced safety assessments.
• Validation of motion segments, the basic components of neck models, is critical for reliable HBM predictions.
• Existing validation methods using single-valued data or traditional corridors may not adequately assess model biofidelity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce detailed finite element motion segment models of the lower human cervical spine.
• To assess these models under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different experimental data types and validation methods for assessing model biofidelity.

Main Methods:

• Developed finite element models of lower cervical spine segments from subject-specific scans.
• Simulated quasi-static loading (flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation) and dynamic loading (flexion, extension).
• Compared simulation results with existing experimental data and new dynamic experimental data, employing cross-correlation for continuous moment-rotation data.

Main Results:

• Single-valued experimental data proved insufficient for comprehensive model biofidelity assessment.
• Traditional corridor methods could overestimate model accuracy with highly variable data.
• Continuous moment-rotation data enabled objective assessment via cross-correlation, highlighting the importance of validating all lower cervical spine segments.

Conclusions:

• The developed finite element motion segment models provide a foundation for biofidelic spine and neck models.
• Objective assessment methods using continuous data are vital for accurate HBM validation.
• Validated HBMs are crucial for understanding and mitigating injury, ultimately improving human safety.