ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Creation of a precise finite element model is an important basis for the finite element mechanical analysis of the spine. The reports on the precise finite element model are less. OBJECTIVE:To create L 3-L 5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model and validate this model with normal CT data. METHODS:A 39-year-old male healthy volunteer with the height of 175 cm and weighted 65 kg was selected, then the L 3-L 5 lumbar spines were scanned with 16 row spiral CT to obtain 101 CT images with the thickness of 1.25 mm. Solid geometric model was established with Geomagic9.0 software, then determined the unit type, divided the finite element mesh, and established the finite element model for loading and calculating. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A L 3-L 5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model was established. It included 213 736 nodes and 799 779 elements. The ranges of motion of L 3-L 4 and L 4-L 5 segments of the model were consistent with cadaveric biomechanical testing results, verified the effectiveness of the model, so the model could be used for experimental research.