Finite element analysis of degenerative scoliosis biomechanics / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Spine is relatively complex in structure, shape, material properties, and load bearing. The traditional biomechanical method cannot solve these problems. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the stress distribution of intervertebral disc, zygapophysial joints and vertebral body of degenerative scoliosis, and to provide accordance to the biomechanical mechanism of degenerative scoliosis occurrence and development. METHODS:Based on the successive CT images of spinal column from T12 to superior segment of S1 of degenerative scoliosis patients, the special material properties were attributed to the model to form the integrated and effective three-dimensional finite element model of degenerative scoliosis. The model was loaded on the anteflexion, extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left rotation and right rotation conditons. Then the spinal activity and the stress distribution of intervertebral disc, vertebral body and articular cartilage of zygapophysial joints were calculated and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The spinal activities of degenerative scoliosis finite element model were less than those of common lumbar spine. The stress distribution of intervertebral disc was inclined to the verge of it and the greatest stress was appeared on the extension motion. The apex of scoliosis was the place of stress concentration and the obvious stress concentration of articular cartilage of zygapophysial joints was appeared on the rotation motion, then fol owed by the extension motion, especial y that of articular cartilage of zygapophysial joints on the apex of scoliosis. Stress concentration is easily appeared on the apex of scoliosis, and the extension and rotation motion can aggravate the development of degenerative scoliosis.