Development of a Finite Element Model of the Cervical Spine and Validation of a Functional Spinal Unit

The cervical spine is a common site of injury in the vertebral column, with severe injuries often associated damage to spinal cord. Several studies have been performed better understand mechanisms such situations and develop ways treat or even prevent them. Among most advantageous widely used methods are computational models, as they offer unique features providing information on strains stresses that would otherwise be difficult obtain. Therefore, main objective this work help mechanics neck by creating new finite element model human accurately represents its components. initial geometry was obtained using computer tomography scans 46-year-old female. complete then sectioned, functional unit consisting C6–C7 segment simulated initiate validation process. reduced validated against experimental data from vitro tests evaluated range motion various segments terms flexion–extension, axial rotation, lateral bending.