Author(s)

Simone Borrelli, Andrea Formaggio, Vittoria Civilini & Andrea T. Lugas

Abstract

The study of the biomechanics of the human spine is not yet developed extensively. Recent developments in this field have heightened the need for observing the spine from a comprehensive perspective to understand the complex biomechanical patterns, which underlie the kinematic and dynamic responses of this multiple-joint column. Within this frame of exigence, a joint study embracing experimental tests and multibody modelling was designed. This study provides novel insights to the segmental contribution profiles in flexion and extension, analysing different forms of sagittal-plane angles. Moreover, the validation of the multibody model contributes to defining the key aspects for a consistent spine modelling as well as it introduces the basis for simulating pathological conditions and post-orthopaedic surgical outcomes.

Keywords

Lumbar spine multibody model, Lumbar spine phantom, Multi-segment spine, Sawbones lumbar spine, Spine biomechanics