Shape and Size of the Annulus Fibrosus Excision Alters the Biomechanics of the Intervertebral Disc

Abstract

Study Design Biomechanical testings and finite element analysis. Objectives This study aims to investigate how annulus fibrosus (AF) incision size (RIS, Ratio of incision width to AF height) and shape affect intervertebral disc (IVD) biomechanics. Methods A validated finite element model of lumbar spines simulated various incisions in the middle-right posterior region of the AF, with different sizes and shapes. Simulations included axial compression, flexion, extension, bending, and rotation. Parameters assessed included stability, re-herniation, and IVD degeneration by analyzing stress, height, Intradiscal pressure (IDP), and the range of motion (ROM). Results Incision increased AF stress and ROM under 3 Nm moment, with values rising as RIS increased. RIS exceeding 40% resulted in a 20% AF stress increase during compression and extension, while RIS over 50% led to over 20% AF stress increase during other motions. Incision stress also increased with higher RIS, particularly surpassing 50% RIS. IDP rose across all incision shapes. Endplate stress increased (9.9%-48.9%) with larger incisions, with average increases of 12.8%, 12.7%, 30.5%, and 22.8% for circular, oval, square, and rectangular incisions. Compression and rotation minimally affected NP pressure (<15%), while flexion (19.8%-38.8%) and bending (18.5%-43.9%) had a more pronounced effect. ROM increased with RIS (20.0% ∼ 77.4%), especially with an incision RIS exceeding 40%. Conclusions AF injury elevates AF stress, reduces spine stability, heightens degeneration risk with increasing RIS. Reherniation risk rises when RIS exceeds 40%. Circular or oval incisions maintain spine biomechanics better than square or rectangular ones.