Convergence analysis and validation of a discrete element model of the human lumbar spine

Degenerative diseases of the spine can lead to or hasten onset additional spinal problems that significantly reduce human mobility. The consists vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. most degraded are body a shell (cortical bone tissue) an internal content (cancellous tissue). disc is complex structural element spine, consisting nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, cartilaginous plates. To develop numerical models for disc, first, it necessary verify validate constituent elements lumbar spine. This paper, first time, presents discrete elements-based parts their verification validation. validated using uniaxial compression experiments available in literature. model predictions good qualitative quantitative agreement with data those experiments. loading rate sensitivity analysis revealed fluid-saturated porous materials highly sensitive rate: 1000-fold increase leads effective stiffness 130 % 250-fold 50 body. developed components be used create L4-L5 segment model, which, future, will allow investigating mechanical behavior under different types loading.