The development and implementation of a detailed model of a cervical motion segment in MADYMO is summarized. Results of simulations performed to validate the model are presented. A detailed model of a cervical motion segment (C5-C6) was developed. The model comprises vertebrae C5 and C6, both articular facet joints, the most important ligaments, and the intervertebral disc as separate elements. The vertebrae are modelled as rigid bodies. Each articular facet joint is modelled by two rigid bodies with contact interaction characteristics and connected by a spring element representing the capsular ligaments. Other relevant ligaments are included as well as linear elastic elements. The intervertebral disc is represented by a three-dimensional bilinear elastic element.
Abstract