Influence of total laminectomy on the mechanical behavior of lumbosacral spine.

ABSTRACT

An anatomically accurate validated three-dimensional finite element model was used to investigate the biomechanical effects of total laminectomy on the mechanical behavior of human lumbosacral spine. A total laminectomy was simulated at L4 or L5. Flexion, extension and lateral bending were applied using pure moment. Rotations were obtained under each loading mode. Maximum von Mises stresses in the annulus fibrosis under different loading were also obtained. It was found that L5 laminectomy has a greater influence on spinal column rotation. The maximum stress in the annulus increased significantly in L5 laminectomy model but not in the L4 model.