Modeling and Simulation of Lumbar Spine Dynamics

A.H. Kassem, A. Sameh (Egypt), and T.S. Keller (USA)

Keywords

Lumbar spine, Optimization, Genetic Algorithms, simulation, parameter estimation.

Abstract

A general framework for modeling and simulation of the dynamic, three-dimensional motion response of the human lumbar-spine is presented. Lumbar vertebrae were modeled as rigid bodies and all other flexible joint structures (i.e. ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and tendons) were modeled collectively as massless springs and dampers. Coupling coefficients, providing additional constraints, were incorporated in the model. Unknown model coefficients (nominally spring, damping and coupling coefficients) were automatically determined by systematically matching the model predictions to spine displacement-time data. A robust parameter optimization module (Monte Carlo routine and genetic algorithm) was developed for this purpose. A visualization module enables animation of the model predicted dynamic lumbar segment motion response.

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