A three-dimensional finite element model of the cervical spine: an investigation of whiplash injury

Abstract

Very few finite element models of the cervical spine have been developed to investigate internal stress on the soft tissues under whiplash loading situation. In the present work, an approach was used to generate a finite element model of the head (C0), the vertebrae (C1-T1) and their soft tissues. The global acceleration and displacement, the neck injury criterion (NIC), segmental angulations and stress of soft tissues from the model were investigated and compared with published data under whiplash loading. The calculated acceleration and displacement agreed well with the volunteer experimental data. The peak NIC was lower than the proposed threshold. The cervical S- and C-shaped curves were predicted based on the rotational angles. The highest segmental angle and maximum stress of discs mainly occurred at C7-T1. Greater stress was located in the anterior and posterior regions of the discs. For the ligaments, peak stress was at anterior longitudinal ligaments. Each level of soft tissues experienced the greatest stress at the time of cervical S- and C-shaped curves. The cervical spine was likely at risk of hyperextension injuries during whiplash loading. The model included more anatomical details compared to previous studies and provided an understanding of whiplash injuries.