Finite element analysis of mechanical states in human lumbar facet joint capsule

A cause of low back pain is due to noxious loading of lumbar facet joint capsules, which are innervated by mechanoreceptors and nociceptors. As a first step toward examining the effect of loading the facet capsule, a 3D finite element model of the bony aspects of a lumbar facet joint was created, based on the geometry of a human L3-4 facet joint obtained through CT images. The superior and inferior facet processes were represented as 8-noded continuum brick elements. Future models will include the facet joint capsule, articular cartilage, and the ligamentum flavum. The intent of this FEM model is to accurately describe the geometry of the bony process. Further developments will address the nonlinear anisotropic, viscoelastic material properties.