4. Biomechanical modeling and simulation

Biomechanical modeling is an established method to simulate physics and physiology of a human body. Depending on the scientific question, it is possible to create whole body models for humans [11, 12] or parts of the body like the human heart [13, 14] or the spine [15, 16]. A distinction can be made between the multibody simulation (MBS) modeling and the finite element (FE) modeling. Depending on the scientific question, either the MBS or the FE simulation method can be used. For analyzing highly sophisticated problems, the FE modeling is the appropriate modeling method. The system is divided into a finite number of small geometric elements, called the finite elements. At the connection point, the so-called nodes, boundary and transition conditions are defined in accordance to specific material laws [17]. If the biomechanical behavior of high dynamic movements or larger parts or the entire of the human body is the focus, the MB simulation is the suitable method. A further possibility is to combine MBS and FE to ensure a higher degree of fine specific structure modeling. Due to such hybrid models (e.g. MBS-coupled with FE models), short computing times are guaranteed. The rapid availability of results enables a future usability in medical routine for spinal operation planning. Further detailed explanations of the basics of simulations can be taken out of [18].
