FINITE ELEMENT REPRESENTATION OF THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINES

摘要

A finite element representation of thoracic and lumbar spines represents 3D vector computer image of vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks of thoracic and lumbar spines as finite element grid, and loading mechanism. The image is based on subsequent raster tomography scans of these spines. The representation additionally comprises lower support representing elements of computer program to which lower vertebral body of spine is “fixed”, implant simulator representing an element of computer program allowing alternatively “install” different implants on vertebral bodies and “arrange” thereof in different ways relative to spine segment to be fixed. The loading mechanism representing elements of computer program as well can create physiological load of required value both along gravitational spinal line and in other prescribed direction.