Finite element investigation on the stress distribution and load transfer of cervical spinal motion segments after different stages of physiotherapy

• Main Author: Chan, Nicholas Kit Joo
• Other Authors: Teo Ee Chon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60983
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The purpose of this project is to study the finite element investigation of stress experienced on neck after physiotherapy. X-ray images of day 1, day 7, day 16 and day 21 after physiotherapy were obtained to analyse the progression of the physiotherapy session. ScanIP and Ansys were used to process the X-ray images and to carry out analysis respectively. Also, four different criterions were used to simulate human's neck motion which are compression, tension, flexion and extension. Force concentration and Von Mises Stress of the intervertebral disc and facet joint between C2 to C7 were collected. The result showed that there is significant force and Von Mises stress acting on the first level of intervertebral disc and facet joint which are held between C2 and C3 vertebrae. Overall, the analysis showed positive result on the first level of intervertebral disc and facet joint. It can be seen that the force concentration and Von Mises stress were reduced at this region while distributing the force and stress to other part of the neck as the day past. The result also showed significant stress acting on the facet joint for flexion and extension criterion. In conclusion, finite element analysis could be performed to analyse the cervical spine structure. It could help physiotherapist to monitor the conditions of the spine and advise necessary precaution.