Finite Element Modeling of the Lower Cervical Spine C4-C7 Unit Based on Crysectional Images

In order to get a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of human cervical spine,a finite element modeling method based on crysectional images was presented.In this method,reverse engineering tools were introduced and a detailed FE model with important anatomical features like cortical bone,cancellous bone,intervertebral disc,facet joint was modeled for each spinal level.This model was been validated against experimental data and other existing FE models under flexion,extension,lateral flexion,torsion and axial compression by applying physiology loads.The results show this model has a high level geometrically and mechanically accuracy and can be used for biomechanical study with more complexities.It provides a new and accurate modeling method for biomedicine digitization studies.