Title : Assessing geometric simplifications in vertebral modeling for reliable numerical analysis of intervertebral discs
Abstract:
Degenerative changes in intervertebral discs (IVDs) significantly alter their mechanical properties, often leading to chronic back pain and reduced spinal function. Numerical simulations, particularly finite element analyses, are invaluable for understanding how these degenerative processes affect disc behavior under various loading conditions. However, an accurate representation of both the intervertebral disc and its adjacent vertebrae is crucial to obtain reliable results. The complexity of vertebral geometry marked by an intricate internal porous structure and irregular external shape poses a significant challenge for model development.
This study investigates the impact of various geometric simplifications of the lumbar vertebrae L1–L2 on the predicted mechanical response of intervertebral discs during numerical simulations. We generated multiple finite element models of a lumbar functional spinal unit, each employing a different level of vertebral detail. The most detailed model replicated both the intricate cancellous bone structure and the cortical shell geometry, while progressively simplified models approximated the vertebral core as a homogeneous material or employed smoothed external contours.
Our findings emphasize the need to balance high-fidelity geometric detail with computational efficiency to enhance the accuracy and feasibility of spinal biomechanical analyses. Notably, even modest simplifications in vertebral geometry can significantly affect predicted disc behavior, highlighting the clinical importance of selecting appropriate modeling approaches. By offering clear guidelines for acceptable levels of vertebral simplification, this work enables more reliable numerical evaluations of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and provides a practical framework for optimizing patient-specific spine models. This framework can be applied in both research and clinical contexts, such as surgical planning, rehabilitation programs, and long-term spine health assessments.
