Generation of the Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Model Based on the Images of the Surroundings of the Object Contours

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The creation of a finite-element model of a human spine is a complex and time-consuming task. Automation of this process will reduce the time and cost of research and it will expand the application of mathematical modeling of surgical interventions, taking into account the peculiarities of the structure of the spine of various patients. OBJECTIVE: Creation of an algorithm for constructing a three-dimensional finite-element tetrahedral grid based on a set of images of contours of parallel sections of an object. METHODS: For dividing a two-dimensional surface into triangles, I use the Delaunay triangulation algorithm. All other algorithms have been developed and described in this paper. RESULTS: The results of the algorithm are presented by the example of generating a model from a set of CT images of the lumbar spine of a person. CONCLUSIONS: The models obtained using this algorithm can be used to solve any finite-element modeling problem.