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H.T. Chang, V.K. Goel, D. Wilder, M. Pope, W-Z Kong, Iowa
Spine Research Center, Departments of Biomedical Engineering
and Orthopaedics
The University of Iowa, Iowa city, IA 52242
Introduction: Lumbosacral supports offer quick, inexpensive
avenues of addressing lower back pain (the second leading cost
issue of workman's compensation claims). The mechanisms of these
supports, however, are vague. A better understanding of back
physiology and mechanics is needed in order to understand how
preventive measures can save physical and financial resources.
A finite element (FE) model in the thoracolumbar region, including
the skin, fat, muscles and intra-abdominal pressure is presented.
Development: CT scans of a cadaver spine and data from a human
skeleton were used in development of the bony structures in the
model. The remaining parts of the FE model were digitized from
the Visual Man Software Program. Muscles in this model include
the external abdominal oblique, the internal abdominal oblique,
the transverse abdominis, the rectus abdominis, the psoas, the
quadratus lumborum and the erector spinae.
Method: Effects of the lumbosacral supports are simulated
by placing a pressure mat between the support and the skin. Anterior
superior iliac spine, posterior superior iliac spine and great
trochanter anatomic landmarks are marked on the pressure mat.
Pressure data, thus obtained, will be transferred to the finite
element model and model response will be predicted.
"This model besides studying the mechanics of belt
effectiveness, will enable the authors to address other issues
such as instability of the spine, role of intra-abdominal pressure
on spine mechanics, the effects of spinal instrumentation in
the presence of soft tissues, etc."
Presented: International Society for the Study of the Lumbar
Spine Meeting, Brussels June 9 - 13, 1998.
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