OBJECTIVETo construct a human cervical spine with bilateral vertebral artery fluid-solid coupling model.

METHODSHelical CT images under the principle of reverse engineering and meshed in finite element model（FEM） related software were used to establish a human cervical spine with bilateral vertebral artery fluid-solid coupling model. In the process of modeling of vertebral body, vertebral artery, ligament, intervertebral disc, cartilage and endplate large anatomic data and cadaver experiments results were referenced. From the morphology and function the simulation of model with real physiological status was tested.

RESULTSThe study showed that the stress concentration on the surface of vertebral body and the blood wall of the bilateral vertebral artery, and the result of the volume flow rate-time curve of bilateral vertebral artery of the model were consistent with the published literatures. This model was well consistent with the clinical phenomenon.

CONCLUSIONThe three-dimensional FEM of the human cervical spine established by the introduced method has been effectively verified. The modeling method would provide a new tool for research on the cervical spine biomechanics.