A biomechanical finite element study to assess the suitability of implantation on lumbar vertebrae L4-L5

Abstract

Instability in the spinal section along with the cases of degeneration is commonly cured by the pedicle screw fixation system. The present work aims at the identification of suitable instrumentation at the spinal segment L4-L5 through finite element method and compared with an intact spine. Vertebral section (L3- Coccyx) upper surface L3 were subjected to various axial compressive forces for the body weights of 17, 67, 100 and 167 kg under the different physiological motion conditions such as rotation, flexion, extension and bending. Considering Intact as 100% the calculated results of equivalent stress on IVD-L34, L45 and L5S are as 90%, 43% and 76% during flexion, for extension 118%, 26% and 108%, during bending 58%, 58% and 80% and during rotation 57%, 46%, 74% respectively are the lowest for 6 mm instrumentation as compared to other instrumentation model. It was also observed that the load on the cortical and annulus region were highest as compared to the cancellous and nucleus region. The results of the present study can contribute to explaining fracture and intervertebral disc replacement cases subjected to pedicle screw implantation.