Work

Development and validation of a thoraco-lumbar-pelvic spine finite element model: a platform for spinal loading and posture simulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Forward head posture is increasingly recognized as a contributor to lower back pain and spinal degeneration. This study presents the modification and validation of a detailed finite element (FE) model of the thoraco-lumbar-pelvic spine derived from the mesh of the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS), TLP-THUMS. The TLP-THUMS model establishes a validated biomechanical baseline for the thoracic and lumbar spine, enabling future integration with a previously validated cervical model to support whole-spine analyses of posture-related conditions. Validation was conducted at both global and segmental levels of the thoracic and lumbar spine against existing ex vivo experiments and FE models.

Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering

DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2026.2645661

Authors: Katterine N. Rios-Peralta, Afonso J. C. Silva, Ricardo J. Alves de Sousa, Kathleen M. Curran, David B. MacManus

Institutions: University College Dublin, University of Aveiro

Language: English

Topic: Automotive and Human Injury Biomechanics

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia