Nonlinear, Large Deformation Finite-Element Beam/Column Formulation for the Study of the Human Spine: Investigation of the Role of Muscle on Spine Stability

Abstract

A nonlinear, large deformation beam/column formulation is used to model the behavior of the human spine under compressive load. The stabilizing roles of muscles are accounted for using Patwardhan’s assumption that muscles act to direct the load along the tangent of the column. Three aspects of the spinal structure are then investigated. First, we look at the effects of two different assumptions for the action of muscles, leading to significant differences in the spine behavior. Second, the difference in mechanical properties between the vertebrae and the spinal disks is explored. Third, a nonlinear mechanical response of the spinal disk that arises from a two-step hierarchical homogenization technique is used. It is found that these factors have an important influence on the overall behavior of the spine structure. The present formulation offers a versatile model to investigate various features of the human spine, while remaining affordable computationally. It also provides an interesting framework for future multiscale studies of the human spine.