Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2015, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (4): 455-460.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2015.04.018

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Finite element analysis of lumbar disc degeneration on the biomechanical properties of the cartilage endplate effects

ZHAO Liang1, YAN Guang-hua2, QU Dong-bin3, ZHAO Wei-dong4, SHI Zhan-jun1, ZHANG Mei-chao4   

  1. 1.Department of Othorpaedic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;  2.The First Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China;  3.Department of Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou  510515, China; 4. Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
  • Received:2014-08-24 Online:2015-07-25 Published:2015-08-14

Abstract:

Objective To study the compressive stress properties of the lumbar endplate distribution of different sites, and analyze the impact of the biomechanical properties of the cartilage endplate lumbar disc degeneration. Methods A lumbar motion segment was obtained from a fresh corpse of young age, which then underwent continuous spiral CT scans to provide data for  establishment of L4/5 motion segment finite element analysis model using the finite element method and subsequently for establishment of disc degeneration model. The intervertebral disc degeneration state and normal state were simulated, and nodes were selected on L4, L5 vertebral endplates represent the central area, the left and right margins, and the anterior-central area. Stress distribution was then performed on these areas to using finite element analysis.  Results Compared with the normal endplate, stress distribution were significantly increased on the disc degeneration group. Inferior endplate stress distribution in the end plates were significantly increased compared with the normal state when load was imposed in the axis, flexion, extension, left and right rotation (P<0.05). Conclusions The lumbar disc degeneration factors have a significant impact on the stress distribution endplate. Under the state of disc degeneration, endplate cartilage stress significantly increases.

Key words:  Lumbar, Cartilage endplate, Lumbar disc degeneration, Biomechanics