[Effect of enucleation on the biomechanical behavior of the lumbar motion segment].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the influence of nucleotomy for the biomechanical properties of the lumbar motion segment.


METHODS
From 11 human cadavers the lumbar-vertebral segment L3/4 was taken. The segment was tested by an 3D testing device. Measurements were taken under physiological loads up to 7 Nm. Load application was performed in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation direction. For each step translation and rotation were measured in three axis of space. Next measurement was performed after a nucleotomy simulated by rectangular excision of the anulus and total nucleotomy on an average of 6 g tissue.


RESULTS
There was a significant relation (p < 0.05) between removed disc material and flexibility of the lumbar motion segment.


CONCLUSIONS
The nucleotomy plays a crucial role in the segmental mobility.
Zöllner
J
J
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Mainz. zoellner@mail.uni-mainz.de
Heine
J
J
Eysel
P
P
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D017586:Diskectomy; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular