Finite element modeling of the growth plate in a detailed spine model.

Very few computer models of the spine integrate vertebral growth plates to investigate their mechanical behavior and potential impacts on bone growth. An approach was developed to generate a finite element (FE) model of the lumbar spine and their connective tissues including the growth plate, which allowed a personalization of the geometry based on patients' bi-planar radiographs. The geometrical validation was performed by deforming meshed vertebrae to reference vertebral specimens and comparing geometrical indices.