The biomechanics of lumbar graded facetectomy under anterior-shear load.
In this paper, an anatomically accurate three-dimensional finite-element (FE) model of the human lumbar spine (L2-L3) was used to study the biomechanical effects of graded bilateral and unilateral facetectomies of L3 under anterior shear. The intact L2-L3 FE model was validated under compression, tension, and shear loading and the predicted responses matched well with experimental data. The gross external (translational and coupled) responses, flexibilities, and facet load were delineated for these iatrogenic changes. Results indicted that unilateral facetectomy of greater than 75% and bilateral facetectomy of 75% or more resection markedly alter the translational displacement and flexibilities of the motion segment. This study suggests that fixation or fusion to restore strength and stability of the lumbar spine may be required for surgical intervention of greater than 75% facetectomy.
Nanyang Technological University, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, 50 Nanyang Ave, Singapore 639798, Singapore. mecteo@ntu.edu.sg
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Yang
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000379:methods; D002102:Cadaver; D003198:Computer Simulation; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D009038:Motion; D033081:Shear Strength; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing