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Optimal Intervertebral Sealant Properties for the Lumbar Spinal Disc: A Finite-Element Study

Scott Holekamp, Vijay Goel, Hiroshi Kuroki, Janet Huntzinger and Nabil Ebraheim
International Journal of Spine Surgery January 2007, 1 (2) 68-73; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/SASJ-2006-0009-RR

Article Figures & Data

Figures

  • Figure 1
    Figure 1

    Superior view of annulotomy locations in the left posterior portion of the annulus in the lumbar L3–L5 model.

  • Figure 2
    Figure 2

    Hierarchy of models simulating an injectable sealant (plug).

  • Figure 3
    Figure 3

    Rotation across L3–L4 functional spinal unit under 400N compressive load and 12.7 N-m flexion moment, measured in the finite element model with varying annulotomy size and location. In these models, the nucleus has been sealed with materials of varying stiffness.

  • Figure 4
    Figure 4

    Nucleus pressure in the L3–L4 intervertebral disc under 400N compressive load and 12.7 N-m flexion moment, measured in the finite element model with varying annulotomy size and location. In these models, the nucleus has been sealed with materials of varying stiffness.

  • Figure 5
    Figure 5

    Nucleus pressure in the L3–L4 intervertebral disc under 400N compressive load and 12.7 N-m left lateral bending moment, measured in the finite element model with varying annulotomy size and location. In these models, the nucleus has been sealed with materials of varying stiffness.

  • Figure 6
    Figure 6

    Von-Mises stress within the injectable sealant used in the L3–L4 intervertebral disc under 400N compressive load and 12.7 N-m flexion moment, measured in the finite element model with varying annulotomy size and location. In these models, the nucleus has been sealed with materials of varying stiffness.

  • Figure 7
    Figure 7

    Shear stresses on the face of the injectable sealant used in the L3–L4 intervertebral disc under 400N compressive load and 12.7 N-m flexion moment, measured in the finite element model with varying annulotomy size and location. In these models, the nucleus has been sealed with materials of varying stiffness.

  • Figure 8
    Figure 8

    Maximum bulge on the face of the injectable sealant used in the L3–L4 intervertebral disc under 400N compressive load and 12.7 N-m flexion moment, measured in the finite element model with varying annulotomy size and location. In these models, the nucleus has been sealed with materials of varying stiffness.

Tables

  • Table 1

    Breakdown of Elements in Lumbar L3–L5 Finite Element Model12

    Element SetNumber of ElementsABAQUS Element Library TypeModulus of Elasticity, MPaPoisson's RatioCross-Sectional Area, mm2
    Bony regions
     Cortical bone1872C3D8120000.3
     Cancellous bone4368C3D81000.2
     Posterior bone1256C3D835000.25
    Intervertebral disc
     Annulus (ground substance)3584C3D81.20.45
     Annulus fibersREBAR357.5–5500.300.00601–0.00884
     Nucleus pulposus1792C3D81.00.4999
    Joints
     Apophyseal joints80GAPUNISoftened, 3500
    Ligaments
     Anterior longitudinal160T2D215.6–20.00.374
     Posterior longitudinal96T2D210.0–20.00.314.4
     Transverse20T2D212.0–59.00.31.8
     Ligamentum flavum16T2D213.0–19.50.340
     Interspinous28T2D29.8–12.00.340
     Supraspinous8T2D28.8–15.00.330
     Capsular2T2D28.48–32.90.334
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Optimal Intervertebral Sealant Properties for the Lumbar Spinal Disc: A Finite-Element Study
Scott Holekamp, Vijay Goel, Hiroshi Kuroki, Janet Huntzinger, Nabil Ebraheim
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jan 2007, 1 (2) 68-73; DOI: 10.1016/SASJ-2006-0009-RR
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