Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of the Lumbar Facet Joint.

Abstract

This study investigated the biomechanical characteristics of the lumbar facet joint using a threedimensional finite element method.The geometry of the finite element model is based on the L4-5 motion segment of a 29-year-old man, obtained from 2 mm thick computed tomography scans. The finite element model included material properties of cortical bone, cancellous bone, cartilage, nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Simulated loads were applied at the top of the upper vertebral body, while the lower vertebra is fixed.Results of the stress distribution showed that the highest stress was on the upper lesions of the inferior facet surface and the upper margin of the superior facet surface in flexion, the lower lesions of the inferior facet and the lower margin of the superior facet in extension.