LUMBAR SPONDYLOLYSIS:A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY / 中国运动医学杂志

ABSTRACT

A mechanical model was constructed with three-dimensional finite element method to analyse the statusof stress distribution in the isthmus of the neural arch. It was found that the stress concentrate significantlyin the isthmus with spine upright. flexed and extended, and most obviously in extension position. The auth-ors conclude that spondylolysis is mainly the fatigue fracture due to locally increased stress and is contribut-ing most by backward extension of lumbar spine.