Abstract:Objective To establish models of different vertebral compression, and to analyze the correlation between vertebral compression and adjacent vertebral endplate stress with finite element analysis. Methods CT thoracolumbar data of normal adult volunteers were imported into MIMICS/3-matic. The data of three thoracolumbar segments (T11-L1) were obtained by segmentation, repair and three-dimensional grid, and imported to ABAQUS after assignment of grid material properties, and then the realistic three dimensional finite element models were obtained. The model was loaded with physiological load, and the validity of the normal model was verified. The total freedom at the bottom of the L1 model was fixed, and the T11 model was applied with flexion, extension and axial compressive load. With the frontier compression of vertebral body to 90%, 80%, 70% ...10% nine states, the MISES stresses of T11 inferior endplate and L1 superior endplate were extracted, the relationship curve between the compression state and adiacent endplate stresses was obtained. Results The results showed that the model was highly realistic and could reflect the actual stress state. The stress values of the lower endplate of T11 vertebral body and the upper endplate of L1 vertebral body were positively correlated with the anterior compression of T12 vertebral body. Conclusions Increased stress may lead to increased likelihood of endplate fracture, thereby increases the risk of adjacent vertebral fractures. Finite element analysis can provide the basis for clinical practice.
