Development and validation of a viscoelastic finite element model of an L2/L3 motion segment

The prediction of the time dependent response of the spine to dynamic loading conditions is essential in understanding the injury mechanisms leading to occupationally related low back disorders (OLBD). Many previous finite element (FE) models of the lumbar spine have over-simplified the geometry and the material properties of their elements, yielding results limited generalizability. This study reports on the development and validation of a nonlinear viscoelastic FE model that can quantify the mechanical responses of the L2/L3 motion segment to time varying external loads. This model was developed by consideration of the intrinsic material properties of its individual constituents. A piecewise parameter identification method was adopted due to the inherent complexity in determining the role and contribution of each element to the overall behavior of the motion segment. The results of simulation of four loading conditions (quasistatic, constant loading rate, creep and cyclic relaxation) showed a satisfactory agreement with experimental observations in the literature. The detailed estimates of the state of stress/strain of this validated FE model can be used to test the role of epidemiological risk factors such as prolonged awkward posture, speed of lift (strain rate effect) and complex repetitive loading in OLBD.