New model of lumbar spine biomechanics with the use of simulation analysis

Łukasz Kubaszewski,Mikołaj Dąbrowski,Dominik Wilczyński,Krzysztof Talaśka,I Malujda,M Berdychowski,M Dudziak,K Talaśka,D Wojtkowiak,D Wilczyński,P Krawiec,J Górecki,Ł Warguła

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201925402031

Abstract

The existing biomechanical models of the lumbo-sacral spine do not explain the role of the dorsal extensor muscle and fascia. The study attempts to explain the action of paraspinal muscles based on the mechanism of contraction and “hydro skeleton”. It was assumed that the muscle contracting produces hydrostatic pressure and in this way is able to resist and transfer loads. In this mechanism, inside ventricular pressure can modify the load transfer through the spine. To confirm the hypothesis discussed above, a simplified simulation model of the lumbar spine was built. For this purpose, scientific software named ABAQUS, using finite element methods was used. The model of the spine was mainly a kinematic model aimed at reflecting the impact of the spinal muscle function on lumbar lordosis.

Highlights

The causes of degenerative spine conditions are not fully recognized and the treatment approach is symptomatic
The dimensions of the spinal curves do not affect the presence of degenerative changes in the lumbar section of the spine, and in the advanced stage thereof, there is a decrease lumbar lordosis [1, 2]
The changes usually begins in the area of the intervertebral disc and leads to the reduction of the intervertebral space which leads to a higher stress at the posterior spinal column [3]

Summary

Introduction

The causes of degenerative spine conditions are not fully recognized and the treatment approach is symptomatic. The changes usually begins in the area of the intervertebral disc and leads to the reduction of the intervertebral space which leads to a higher stress at the posterior spinal column [3]. Such biomechanics lead to altering the length of the spinal columns – a relative lengthening of the posterior spinal columns [4]. The proper configuration of the lordosis curvature lends itself to interpreting the biomechanics of the lumbar section of the spine as similar to a suspension bridge, this would account for the high flexibility of the entire system when transferring significant loads [5]

Functions of muscles in the spine

The simulation model to confirm the formulated hypothesis

Summary