Creation of Three-Dimensional Solid-State Models of a Spine with Transpedicular Fixation Using a Specialized Software

Abstract

Biomechanical experiments are widely used to study the mechanical characteristics of spinal elements under various types of loading. The correct construction of three-dimensional models is especially important for studying the behavior of the spine after surgery, for example, the installation of fixing metal structures. There are several approaches to modeling each anatomical component of the spinal column. It is generally accepted to construct vertebral bodies of a simulated spinal segment based on the results of computed tomography. Then, intervertebral discs in the form of cylindrical bodies, facet joints and ligaments are modeled. This paper describes the construction of a solid-state model of the Th7-L1 spinal segment with transpedicular fixation and an interbody cage. The construction was carried out using a set of software products Materialize Mimics, 3-Matic, SolidWorks and ANSYS.

Keywords

• biomechanical modeling
• solid model
• three-dimensional model
• intervertebral disc
• facet joints
• ligaments
• vertebra