RESUMEN
BACKGROUND:As lumbar spine biomechanics research is unceasingly thorough and the constant development of related fusion and dynamic fixation device, the spine fusion technique which is represented by artificial disc replacement is a new choice to the spine surgeons. Therefore, it is particularly important to design reasonable artificial intervertebral disc. OBJECTIVE:To establish the finite element model of the new artificial disc replacement of the lumbar motion segment for further biomechanical study. METHODS:The L3-4 thin-section CT images of a healthy male volunteer was selected, combined with human anatomy data and applied the reverse engineering technology to rebuild the lumbar spine model with medical image software Mimics and tool software Geomagic Studio. The three-dimensional model of the silicone artificial disc was converted into a finite element model through software ANSYS12.0. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Through CT scanning, digital image processing and computer-aided design, the three-dimensional model of the lumbar motion segment and the finite element model of artificial disc replacement were successful y established. The finite element model contained 691 085 units and 1 008 913 nodes which could be applied constraint and load and could be used for spinal biomechanics and the further research of the new artificial intervertebral disc.