Modelling of osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae

Abstract

Osteoporosis and degenerative diseases cause low bone mass that increases fracture risks. This study presents the modelling of osteoporotic human lumbar vertebrae LI by employing finite elements method (FEM). The numerical tests of lumbar body using FEM tools were performed. It contains the analysis of stress and strain that occur due to physiological load and various degrees of bone tissue degradation. The results have shown the interdependence between strain and ratio of degradation expressed in Young's modulus of compact and porous bone. The results presented could be useful for both medical diagnosis and bone health check.