Development, validation and clinical application of finite element human pelvis model

by Ivanov, Alexander

Finite element analysis became a very effective and essential tool in the studies of spinal and pelvic biomechanics. Most previous pelvic models included such simplifications as non-complete pelvic structures presentation, non-physiologic properties of ligaments, model validation against just only one mode. Out study is the first attempt, to our knowledge, to generate model with physiologic non-linear characteristic of the ligamentous structures of sacroiliac joint and accurate presentation of entirely pelvic anatomy. The model validation against data in literature showed good prediction of motions in the sacroiliac joint and stress-distribution across pelvic bone. The clinical application showed increased motions and stresses across sacroiliac joint which were not previously confirmed by the clinical and experimental studies due to their low sensitivity and specificity. The developed finite element human pelvis model might be a useful instrument in further clinical and biomechanical studies.