Development and validation of a finite element model for C2-C3 cervical spine: estimating range of motions

Abstract EN

In orthopedic surgery, finite element analysis (FEA) is a very useful tool for the surgeon to predict the behavior of different fixation systems of cervical vertebrae and cages implantation before surgery.

the objective of this work is to establish the 3D re-construction, modelling and examine the validation of an intact C2-C3 level of cervical vertebrae in finite element (FE) software with respect to range of motions (ROMS).

3D re-construction of an intact C2-C3 cervical vertebrae was modeled and imported to ANSYS 2023 R1 STUDENT EDITION software.

ligaments are defined as rod connection.

the 3D model then meshed with quadratic order of tetrahedron elements.

the results showed that the range of motion of our model for flexion, extension, lateral bending right and axial rotation right is validated.

validation of the cervical vertebrae 3D model is an initial step that must be made before any study is carried out on the FE model.

this validate model is going to be very helpful to evaluate the outcomes of different fixation systems of cervical vertebrae and cages implantation before surgeries.