CT扫描结合逆向工程软件建立下胸椎三维有限元模型

Reconstruction of a three-dimensional finite element model of lower thoracic vertebrae using CT in combination with reverse engineering software

背景:脊柱生物力学的研究有赖于三维有限元模型的建立,对于下胸椎的生物力学研究,由于其结构特点,使其对有限元模型的准确性和精确性要求更高。目前脊柱有限元研究通常以颈、腰段为多见,对于下胸段方面的研究,目前文献报道不多。目的:通过CT扫描结合逆向工程软件建立下胸椎三维有限元模型,为其进一步生物力学研究奠定基础。方法:选择内蒙古医学院附属医院影像科标本1例,志愿者无脊柱疾患和骨质疏松,对试验方案知情同意。利用非脊柱疾患病例CT资料,利用医学图像处理软件Mimics实现直接从CT图像中提取数据,再利用逆向工程技术平台Geomagic,在可视化的界面下对模型进行修改,建立人完整下胸椎、椎间盘及韧带的有限元模型。结果及结论:利用Mimics,Geomagic等逆向工程软件,结合CT技术对人下胸椎进行了三维重建,精确再现了下胸椎外形解剖特征,实现了对椎体组织内部不同结构的精细区分,下胸椎共具有112540个四面体单元。提示此方法可以提高建模的效率和可操作性,能够成功的建立符合实验要求的下胸椎有限元模型。

BACKGROUND： Studies of spinal biomechanics are conducted based on three-dimensional finite element model. The biomechanics of lower thoracic vertebra requires accurate and precise finite element models due to its structural characteristics. Currently, cervical and lumbar finite element models have been explored, but the studies of lower thoracic vertebra remains unclear. OBJECTIVE： Using reverse engineering software to reconstruct three-dimensional finite element model of lower thoracic vertebra, to lay a foundation for further biomechanical research. METHODS： Imaging samples of one case with no spinal disease or osteoporosis were selected from Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical College. Informed content was obtained. Using non-spinal-disease CT data, three-dimensional finite element model of lower thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs were reconstructed with Mimics, Gomagic and Ansys softwares. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION： Using reverse engineering software in combination with CT technique, the three-dimensional finite element model of lower thoracic vertebrae was reconstructed. The model accurately showed their anatomic characteristics and discrimination of inner structure. The lower thoracic vertebrae was divided into 112 540 tetrahedron elements. Results show that using reverse engineering software, a three-dimensional finite element model of lower thoracic vertebrae was successfully reconstructed, with high efficiency of establishment and simple operation.