Establishment and validation of a T12-L2 3D finite element model for thoracolumbar segments

To establish and verify the validity of a three-dimensional finite element model of the thoracolumbal segments T12-L2; the stress distribution of the model was analyzed, providing a theoretical basis for finite element analysis of thoracolumbal segment fracture as well as a surgical model.

A healthy female volunteer with no history of lumbar spine injury was selected to obtain CT scan data of the T12-L2 vertebral bodies. Mimics 3D reconstruction software was used to generate the T12-L2 3D model, and surface mesh and body mesh were generated by smoothing treatment and mesh division. The normal finite element model of the T12-L2 vertebral bodies and the finite element model of osteoporosis were established with Ansys finite element software. Under a loading force of 500 N vertically downward and a load of 7.5 N•m bending moment, seven operating conditions were simulated to analyze the displacement and stress distribution of each vertebral body and intervertebral disc, and to verify the effectiveness of the model.

There were 31,901 nodes and 64,244 elements in the thoracolumbar T12-L2 three-dimensional finite element model. These results were similar to the conclusions found in a review of the domestic and global literature, and the finite element model was validated.

The results of this experiment can provide a practical reference for clinical work and help to establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the thoracolumbar junction.