The role of disc, facets and fibres in degenerative process: a sensitivity study
Dupont, P.; Lavaste, F.; Skalli, W.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics 88: 356-359
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0926-9630 PMID: 15456061 Document Number: 547916
In order to have a better knowledge on the behaviour of the lumbar spine, we investigated the response under loads (flexion, extension, lateral bending and torsion) of a finite element model (L3-L5 segment) submitted to changes of parameters (disc height, nucleus Poisson coefficient, posterior disc fibres, facet orientation and asymmetry and gap). These changes were selected using a Taguchi planning method and the results obtained show that some parameters (disc height, gap, facet orientation) take a high part on motion and stresses while others have a slight influence. It also appears that some interactions between parameters play a significant role.