Considerations in the finite element modelling of vertebrae in children and adults: a preliminary study

In similar accident situations, the observed lesions differ between individuals. The variability in biological tissue properties among people is believed to explain these differences. Among the factors, which have an impact, age is of particular importance. Its effect on the properties of bone has been demonstrated (Yamada 1970; Currey and Butler 1975; Burstein et al. 1976). As a consequence, it appears to be important to take into account this parameter when realising a finite element model of the human body. This can be done either by scaling and detailing the geometry of the model or by modifying the mechanical properties of the biological tissues (Kumaresan et al. 2000; Mizuno et al. 2005). This study analyses the influence of age on the behaviour of an idealised vertebra model of a child and an adult, under dynamic compression loading condition. In addition, the influences of other modelling parameters were also tested through sensitivity analyses.