A biomechanical model of the human spinal system.

An experimental study of spinal biomechanics both in vivo and in vitro is difficult and often not reliable enough. The mathematical modelling and computer simulation approach is one that can be successfully applied. Modelling in this case is difficult due to the very complicated, heterogeneous nature of the object under investigation. The paper presents a biomechanical model of the spine system consisting of the spinal column (vertebrae, discs), ligaments, muscles directly and indirectly acting on the spinal column, as well as the rib-cage, abdomen and part of the pelvis. The finite element method combined with the optimization approach has been used for modelling. Typical results of these investigations are presented.