A three-dimensional finite element model of the cervical spine: an investigation of whiplash injury |
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Authors: | Jian-Guo Zhang Fang Wang Rui Zhou Qiang Xue |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300222, China; |
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Abstract: | Very few finite element models of the cervical spine have been developed to investigate internal stress on the soft tissues
under whiplash loading situation. In the present work, an approach was used to generate a finite element model of the head
(C0), the vertebrae (C1–T1) and their soft tissues. The global acceleration and displacement, the neck injury criterion (NIC),
segmental angulations and stress of soft tissues from the model were investigated and compared with published data under whiplash
loading. The calculated acceleration and displacement agreed well with the volunteer experimental data. The peak NIC was lower
than the proposed threshold. The cervical S- and C-shaped curves were predicted based on the rotational angles. The highest
segmental angle and maximum stress of discs mainly occurred at C7–T1. Greater stress was located in the anterior and posterior
regions of the discs. For the ligaments, peak stress was at anterior longitudinal ligaments. Each level of soft tissues experienced
the greatest stress at the time of cervical S- and C-shaped curves. The cervical spine was likely at risk of hyperextension
injuries during whiplash loading. The model included more anatomical details compared to previous studies and provided an
understanding of whiplash injuries. |
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Keywords: | |
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