Finite element analysis of biomechanics mechanism for the lower cervical spine after laminectomy

English Keywords:Cervical spine  Laminectomy  Finite element  Biomechanics

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objective：To investigate the biomechanics mechanism for the lower cervical spine after laminectomy.Method：CT scans were performed on a healthy adult male volunteer.Mimics 10.01，Geomagic studio 10.0，HyperMesh 10.0 and Abaqus 6.9.1 softwares were used to establish the intact model of C3-C7.The model was subjected to three-level（C4-C6） laminectomy.The skull preload of 74N and torsion preload of 1.8Nm was added on the model，which simulated flexion，extension，lateral bending and axial rotation.The immediate biomechanics mechanism of facet capsule and posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine after laminectomy was analyzed.Result：Under different loading，the immediate stability after C4-C6 laminectomy remained unchanged compared with intact specimen，however the stress of facet capsule and posterior longitudinal ligament in C4-C6 under different load increased significantly.Conclusion：Laminectomy without removal of bilateral facet joints do not have effect on the immediate stability of subaxial cervical spine，however the facet capsule and posterior longitudinal ligament sustain excessive load.