Effect of pedicle-screw fixation on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine: A Case Study finite element analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medical Science and Technologies, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The pedicle-screw fixation is widely used for the surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar disease. The biomechanical effects of the fusion on the vertebral bodies have not still been investigated in detail. In this study, we intended to calculate the stress and strain of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine after posterior pedicle-screw fixation (PPSF). A three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific finite element (FE) model of the human L1 to L5 spine was established based on the computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. A preload along with a sinusoidal load, were applied to the proximal end (L1). The distal end (L5) was fixed in all directions. The highest stress and strain were observed in the intervertebral disc of L4-L5 and L1-L2. The stress and strain of the unilateral pedicle-screw were higher than the bilateral ones. The results suggested that the unilateral pedicle-screw provides greater stability comparing to bilateral fixation in posterior bending position. The results have implications not only for understanding the stress and strain of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs but also, they give comprehensive information to the biomechanical and medical experts concerning the stability of the spine in the posterior bending position.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics