Biomechanical effects on the lumbar spine following pedicle-lengthening osteotomy: a finite element study

Abstract

Three-dimensional finite element models of the lumbar spine, both intact and following pedicle-lengthening osteotomy (PLO), were developed to investigate the kinematics and biomechanical effects of the lumbar spine finite element model after pedicle-lengthening osteotomy, which is a novel surgical procedure indicated for lumbar spinal stenosis. After applying a moment of 10 Nm in flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation, biomechanical effect parameters, such as the range of motion (ROM), stress in the discs and pedicle-lengthening screws, contact force of facet joints at adjacent segments and spinal load-sharing were evaluated. Results turn out that pedicle-lengthening osteotomy did not alter the kinematics of the lumbar spine, but affected its biomechanical properties, particularly at adjacent segments.