Three-dimensional finite element analysis of lumbar vertebra loaded by static stress and its biomechanical significance

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanical behavior of lumbar spine loaded by stress and provide the mechanical basis for clinical analysis and judgement of lumbar spine fracture classification, mechanical distribution and static stress.MethodsBy means of computer simulation method, the constructed lumbar spine three-dimensional model was introduced into three-dimensional finite element analysis by software Ansys 7.0. The lumbar spine mechanical behavior in different parts of the stress loading were calculated. Impact load is 0–8000 N. The peak value was 8000 N. The loading time is 0–40 minutes. The values of the main stress, stress distribution and the lumbar spine unit displacement in the direction of main stress were analyzed.ResultsThe lumbar spine model was divided into a total of 121 239 nodes, 112 491 units. It could objectively reflect the true anatomy of lumbar spine and its biomechanical behavior and obtain the end-plate images under different stress. The stress distribution on the lumbar interverte-bral disc (L3-L4) under the axial, lateral flexion and extension stress, and the displacement trace of the corresponding processus articularis were analyzed.ConclusionIt is helpful to analyze the stress distribution of lumbar spine and units displacement in static stress loading in the clinical research of lumbar spine injury and the distribution of internal stress.