Projects / P-05
Engineering & modelling
Finite element analysis of spinal fixation
Modelling vertebrae in Abaqus to see whether adding screws and rods reduces the mechanical load on the joints between them.
P-052025
- Project
- How screws and rods change the load on the spine
- Context
- MSc, University of Sheffield
Abaqusfinite element model
2cases compared: with and without hardware
The question
Does spinal fixation hardware reduce stress at the joints between vertebrae?
What I did
- Built a finite element model of vertebrae in Abaqus.
- Modelled the spine with and without fixation hardware (screws and rods).
- Compared stress and pressure distribution at the joints to measure how the hardware changes load transfer.
- Used the comparison to draw evidence-based conclusions, the same pattern as an engineering analysis that supports a design decision.