Finite Element Modelling and Comparative Assessment of Single-Level Cervical Disc Replacement with Fusion Surgery
摘要
Total Disc Replacement (TDR) can be considered as an alternative solution to overcome the drawbacks of fusion surgery since it holds the potential to reduce the contingency of adjacent segment loading. Biomechanical performances of commercial cervical Artificial disc (representing TDR surgery) have been examined and compared with INT (C3–C4–C5 intact spine) and C-cage (conventional cage) through FEA using Hypermesh (v.13) under the physiological loadings (lateral bending, axial rotation, extension, flexion). When both the virtually implanted models were compared with INT model, minimum von Mises stresses in intervertebral disc (IVD at C3–C4 level) and adequate proportional ROM were found in the Artificial disc model, while the maximum IVD stresses and constrained ROM were found in the model with C-cage. Artificial disc conceived to reduce the adjacent IVD stresses and it is capable to maintain adequate ROM, it allows appropriate mobility in comparison to the C-cage. Thus, TDR may be considered as an alternative solution for the fusion surgery.