title: A validated finite element analysis of nerve root stress in degenerative lumbar scoliosis.
abstract: Few studies have shown the relationship between the curve pattern and nerve root symptoms in degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and its mechanism remains unclear. We developed a finite element model of two patterns of scoliotic curves (isolated lateral bending curve, lateral bending combined with rotation curve). The stress on the nerve root was calculated on both sides (right and left) of the apex vertebra. In the lateral bending curves without rotation, the compressive nerve root stress on the concave side was greater than the tensile stress on the convex side at the apex vertebra. In contrast, when the segmental rotation of the vertebrae was added to the lateral bending curve, there was significantly higher tensile stress on the convex side, and lower compressive stress on the concave side. To conclude, rotatory listhesis may be an important pathomechanism in the development of neurologic symptoms on the convex side of the curve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine center, Kang-Nam Yonserang Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ho-Joong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Heoung-Jae
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Chun
authors.forename: Kyoung-Tak
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Hwan-Mo
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hak-Sun
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Eun-Su
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Jin-Oh
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Bo-Hyun
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Ju-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Seong-Hwan
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Moon
mesh_terms: D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008959:Models, Neurological; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical