Development of subject-specific musculoskeletal models for studies of lumbar loading

Anatomical differences between individuals are often neglected in musculoskeletal models, but they are necessary in case of subject-specific questions regarding the lumbar spine. A modification of models to each subject is complex and the effects on lumbar loading are difficult to assess.

One objective of this work is to create a validated musculoskeletal human model, which facilitates a subject-specific modification of the lumbar geometry. In a second step, important parameters are identified in sensitivity studies and at last, a case study regarding multifidus muscle atrophy after a disc herniation is conducted.

The results of the studies indicate that lumbar motion and loading is dependent on lumbar ligament stiffness. Furthermore, subject-specific modelling of the lumbar spine should include at least the vertebral height, disc height and lumbar lordosis. The results of the case study suggest that an overloading of the multifidus muscle could follow disc herniation. Additionally, a subsequent atrophy of the muscles could expose adjacent levels to an increased loading, but these findings are highly dependent on the individual.