Hybrid Rigid-Deformable Model for Prediction of Neighboring Intervertebral Disk Loads During Flexion Movement After Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L3–4 Level

Knowledge of spinal loads in neighboring disks after interbody fusion plays an important role in the clinical decision of this treatment as well as in the elucidation of its effect. However, controversial findings are still noted in the literature. Moreover, there are no existing models for efficient prediction of intervertebral disk stresses within annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) regions. In this present study, a new hybrid rigid-deformable modeling workflow was established to quantify the mechanical stress behaviors within AF and NP regions of the L1–2, L2–3, and L4–5 disks after interbody fusion at L3–4 level. The changes in spinal loads were compared with results of the intact model without interbody fusion. The fusion outcomes revealed maximal stress changes (10%) in AF region of L1–2 disk and in NP region of L2–3 disk. The minimal stress change (1%) is noted at the NP region of the L1–2 disk. The validation of simulation outcomes of fused and intact lumbar spine models against those of other computational models and in vivo measurements showed good agreements. Thus, this present study may be used as a novel design guideline for a specific implant and surgical scenario of the lumbar spine disorders.