A dynamic finite element model of human cervical spine with in vivo kinematic validation

Most previous cervical spine finite element (FE) models were validated using in vitro cadaver measurement data from literatures. Although in vitro measurement can provide valuable data for model verification, the in vivo mechanical and physiological conditions of the cervical spine during its natural motions cannot be reproduced in vitro. In this study, a human FE model of skull (C0) and spinal vertebrae (C1–T1) was developed. The in vivo kinematic characteristics of head and neck were obtained from optoelectronic system, and used for the validation of the FE model. The simulation results showed good agreement with the measured data in left/right lateral bending and left/right axial rotation, while discrepancy existed during flexion. The predicted segmental cervical vertebral angles were compared against data from previous in vivo experiment, too. Furthermore, the skin shift data from previous study was used to compensate the experimental measurement during flexion and left/right lateral bending. The results showed the model was successfully validated with the in vivo experimental data.