Computer methods and programs in biomedicine
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Comput Methods Programs Biomed · Aug 2019
Influence of passive elements on prediction of intradiscal pressure and muscle activation in lumbar musculoskeletal models.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporating various passive elements, which could represent combined or individual effects of intervertebral disc, facet articulation and ligaments, on the prediction of lumbar muscle activation and L4-L5 intradiscal pressure. ⋯ Caution must be taken while modeling facet articulation as elements with rotational stiffness, as they may lead to overestimation of intradiscal pressure in trunk axial rotation. The inclusion of ligaments as spring-like elements may improve the simulation of flexion-relaxation phenomenon in trunk flexion. Future models considering detailed properties of passive elements are needed to allow more access to understanding the mechanics of the lumbar spine.