Finite element (FE) analyses contribute to a better understanding of the human lumbar
spine’s biomechanics and serve as an effective predictive tool. This study aims to
present the development of two L1–L5 FE models using literature-based (LBM) and patient-specific
(PSM) bone material assignment approaches. The geometry of the lumbar spine was developed
based on quantitative computed tomography scans. The LBM and the PSM were compared
under pure and combined loads. Various biomechanical parameters were investigated
to validate the models. The total range of motion of the LBM in pure flexion-extension,
lateral bending, and axial rotation were 30.9°, 29°, and 13.7°, respectively, while
for the PSM, it was 31.6°, 28.6°, and 14.1°. The required computational time of the
PSM to complete against pure and combined loads were 12.1 and 16.6 times higher on
average compared to the LBM. This study demonstrated that both models agree with experimental
and in silico results, although the cumulative distribution of the stress and characterization
of strain values showed a noteworthy difference between the two models. Based on these
findings, the clinically-focused biomechanical FE studies must perceive the differences
in internal mechanical parameters and computational demand between the different bone
modelling approaches.
