Yeditepe spine mesh: Finite element modeling and validation of a parametric CAD model of lumbar spine

Finite element analysis is a powerful tool that is often used to study the biomechanical response of the spine. The primary objective of this study was to illustrate the mechanical behavior of a previously proposed parametric CAD spine model in comparison with a segmented FSU model and the literature. In this study, two finite element models of the L4-L5 spinal level were developed from the same patient's CT scan data. The first was developed using well-known segmentation methods, whereas the second was developed from the new by using a novel parametric CAD model. Both models were subjected to the same loading and boundary conditions to perform flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation motions. The segmented finite element model was observed to be in good agreement with the literature. The parametric finite element model results were also observed to be in good agreement with the segmented finite element model and with the literature except under extension.