A digital spine geometry database to inform computational modeling

Accurate representation of spinal geometry is necessary in biomechanical modelling to properly understand the function of the spine. The objective of this study was to create a large database of image-derived digital spine surface models for geometric studies and computational biomechanics investigation. Computed tomography scan data was acquired from 60 asymptomatic subjects (30 males and 30 females). Subjects ranged in age from 20 to 68 with equal numbers selected in each 10-year age bracket. Three-dimensional geometric surface models were generated for each subject's spine. A series of distance measures were also computed for each vertebral body to assess variation in the population. Geometric measures were able to show the significant variation in vertebrae size and shape within the subject population and as a function of vertebral level, gender, and age. This database enables the biomechanical evaluation of the variation in spinal loads that occurs within the population due to geometry.