Simulation of the spine-extrapolation of function from the 3D form of structures derived from the Visible Human CT data base

This report describes the definition of an interactive 3D simulation of the spine using the system previously developed to simulate the upper and lower extremities. Up to three effective axes of motion are defined for each spinal segment based upon the generally accepted descriptions in the literature. The effects of these functional anatomy definitions upon ligament function and structural stiffness are hypothesized using simulated motion and segment positions. Structures, developed from the NLM Visible Male CT database are sufficient for analyses at a certain level of detail, but hypotheses relating facet joint form and function will require greater detail.