Accurate simulation of the herniated cervical intervertebral disc using controllable expansion: a finite element study

• Published in: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering Vol. 24; no. 8; pp. 897 - 904
• Main Authors: Liang, Dong, Tu, Guan-Jun, Han, Ya-Xin, Guo, Da-Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 11.06.2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Central nervous system diseases; Cervical disc herniation; Compression; finite element; Finite element method; Hernia; Intervertebral discs; Mathematical models; Spinal cord; spinal cord compression; spinal cord injury; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; spinal cord injury; spinal cord compression; Cervical disc herniation; finite element
• ISSN: 1025-5842; 1476-8259
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2020.1857745

Expansions were carried out in finite element (FE) models of disc hernia including symmetric (median, lateral, paramedian) and asymmetric types. In all models, lubricous disk bulging that applied a linear compression to the anterior part of the cord was observed at the posterior surfaces of the expansion zone, respectively. The shape and position of protrusions varyed with the temperature, magnitude, and location of expanding elements. The geometric deformation and stress distribution of the spinal cord increased as the extent of compression grew. This method is in possession of enormous potential in promoting further individualized research of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.