Finite element analysis of human lumbar spine

Spinal column is a complex anatomical structure which provides the basic framework of the body and protects the spinal cord. Various methods have been used to study the structure and the biomechanical functions of spine. Most of these technique use cadaver or animal data. They do not address the problem of variation between the patients. In this study, a 3D model of the spine is developed using 2D medical data such as CT data. These models are highly accurate and provide precise information about the spine. The models have many applications mainly to examine the biomechanical function of the spine, spinal performance in healthy, diseased or damaged conditions and also to validate the design and performance of spinal implant. In this study we focus mainly on the lumbar spine, L1-L5. These models can be used to calculate the stress strain relationship in these vertebrae under loaded under axial compression and unloaded condition using software like ANSYS. The 3D modeling is done using MIMICS software from the patients CT data.