Effects of discectomy on the stress distribution in the lumbar spine
Dai, L.Y.; Tu, K.Y.; Xu, Y.K.; Zhang, W.M.; Cheng, P.L.
Chinese Medical Journal 105(11): 944-948
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 1304466 Document Number: 400743
The change of the stress distribution of the lumbar spine after discectomy was analysed by the three-dimensional finite element method. It was shown that the stress level in the posterior element was higher, but that in the anterior element was lower than before disc excision. The most significant change of the stress distribution was found in the trabecular bone of the vertebral body. It is considered that in discectomy the normal disc tissue should be preserved as much as possible to maintain good function of the spine.