Model simulation for restoration of trunk in complete paraplegia by functional electrical stimulation

Purpose: To design a musculo-skeletal dynamic spine model with which we can perform FES effectively as well as the simulation of spinal motion and analysis of stress distribution to the vertebra. Method: The skeletal model was designed from computed tomography (CT) data of a young male healthy volunteer. The muscles, discs and ligaments were attached to the skeletal model correctly as possible as we could. Physical properties of the muscles, discs and ligaments, which could be used to design this model, were mainly obtained from past literatures. The simulation of dynamic spinal motion and analysis of vertebral von Mises stress were performed simultaneously by means of using 3D analysis software “Visual Nastran 4D”. Result: The spinal dynamic motion and vertebral stress distribution were observed from our spinal model. Conclusion: We designed the musculo-skeletal spine model that would be useful for the simulation of dynamic motion and analysis of stress distribution with a role of FES to the trunk extensor muscles.