The Effect of Mesh Refinement on the Predictions of Finite Element Models of Spine

Abstract

Mesh refinement is among the verification steps crucial for developing finite element models [1]. However, it is often omitted during the development of spine models in spite of its necessity due to the geometric complexity and heterogeneity of human spine. Few studies have demonstrated convergence of certain parameter predictions [2], but no extensive study has been done on the convergence behavior of individual components and tissues in spine. In order to investigate this, we generated finite element models of the L4/L5 functional spinal unit (FSU) with varying mesh resolutions, and tested the effect of refinement under complete nonlinear loading ranges.