The effects of vertebral morphology on human lumbar spine with progressive decrease in bone mineral density – An FEM study

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis are major bone metabolic diseases among people especially in women aged above 50 years old. The bone related problems pose an increasing economic demand in our healthcare system. Study and research in bone and tissues has grown exponentially over the last years. The knowledge of the mechanical properties of bone will enhance the understanding of the effect of bone related fractures. In people affected with low bone mineral density, the fractures are common in the vertebral bodies of the spine. In this study, Computed tomography images of human lumbar spine is segmented in the required region (L3 to L5). The three dimensional model of the segmented image was used to develop finite element model. Further, model of the human lumbar spine L3 to L5 was validated with literature. This validated model of human lumbar spine is modified to osteopenia and osteoporosis conditions with different mechanical properties and range of motion is analyzed. The analysis and the comparison is made with that of normal human lumbar spine. The results produced in this study can be used in studies related to vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. (paper)