Computer aided parametric solid modelling of the spine

The advances in computer modelling provide a safe mechanism for conducting research on the human spine. By simulating the geometry and form of the spine, true results of the ergonomic nature of designs and practices can be attained. The objectives of this study are to look at the development of a parameter driven feature based model of the human spine. The parameters have been defined and developed after a morphometric study of a spinal model. The form and dimensions of these parameters were incorporated into a computer program capable of developing this model on the Unigraphics solid modelling tool. By developing a program to generate the model, the parameters can be edited to see how different geometric properties react within a mechanical and ergonomic analysis. By changing the geometric properties of the spine it is possible to encompass a greater percentile of the human population in the research. Currently the model generated by the program reflects the nature of the spinal model used in the morphometric study. To change any of the parameters the 'C' code must be accessed and the parameters edited within. This code also calculates the positions of the features relative to other features using the parameter dimensions. The position of each vertebral segment in 3-D space is calculated in the computer code. The segments can be assembled to show a complete section of the spine, including the intervertebral disks.