Abstract:

Objective　To explore the new 3D reconstruction aiming at FEA (Finite Element Analysis) in Mimics.　Methods　Importing CT images into Mimics software, selecting adequate "Thresholding", reserving holistic CT images of C3~6, distinguishing spaces of adjacent cervical vertebrae by single pels (picture element) erase Circle tool of Edit Masks, and adopting "Calculate 3D"tool to reconstruct C3~6 models were performed one by one.　Results　The front and rear spaces of vertebral body between adjacent vertebrae wee smaller than that of the middle. The articular process spaces between adjacent vertebrae showed rather low pels (one or zero). The amount of triangular plates of four cervical vertebrae was about 78300, and that of the nodes was 39133. Spaces of adjacent 3D models of C3~6 were sharp and tiny, which was valuable to be used in grids partitioning and analysis FEM (Finite Element Method).　Conclusions　It is an effective method to exert grids partitioning and analysis FEM, by reserving holistic CT images of C3~6 and distinguishing spaces of adjacent cervical vertebrae though single pels (picture element) erase Circle tool of Edit Masks.

Key words: FEA (Finite Element Analysis), Cervical vertebrae, 3D reconstruct, Mimics