Analyzing the Influence of Disc Height on Lumbar Spine Mechanics: A Finite Element Approach
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript Available Online from 29 October 2024
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript Available Online from 29 October 2024
This study explores the influence of intervertebral disc height on lumbar spine mechanics through finite element modeling. Two models—representing natural and doubled disc heights—were developed using medical imaging data and processed with Mimics and Abaqus software. The objective was to investigate how variations in disc height affect stress distribution in the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and adjacent vertebrae during typical spinal loading. Findings demonstrated that increased disc height led to greater stress concentrations in the annulus, particularly in posterior regions, and heightened strain in the nucleus pulposus. Additionally, vertebral bodies experienced significant strain escalation with doubled disc height, indicating that altered disc height can profoundly affect spinal biomechanics. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate disc height for preventing excessive strain and hyperextension-related injuries. This research provides important insights into the biomechanical consequences of disc height variations, offering potential applications in clinical treatments for disc degeneration and spinal injuries.
