Establishment and validation of three dimensional finite element model of lower cervical bilateral facet locking

OBJECTIVE: To establish the three dimensional finite element model of bilateral cervical articular process locking and verify its effectiveness. METHODS: A healthy adult male underwent cervical thin-layer computed tomography (CT) scan. The software programs of Simpleware3.0, Geomagic8.0, Hypermesh9.0, Abaqus6.9 and Rhino4.0 were employed to establish a complete C4, C5 segment (including intervertebral disc and ligament tissue) finite element model. A spring force load of 180 n was applied along the direction of cervical curvature. The locking of articular process was simulated. And its effectiveness was compared with previous experiments. RESULTS: Detailed anatomy structure of cervical spine was established. Simulated bilateral joints in journey finally formed. The load-displacement situations and experiment results of small joint ligament were consistent. And shear forces and displacement differences of modeling was insignificant. CONCLUSION: The three dimensional finite element model of bilateral cervical articular process locking has excellent biological fidelity. And it is suitable for clinical applications.