Journal of biomechanics
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Journal of biomechanics · Feb 2009
Influence of single-level lumbar degenerative disc disease on the behavior of the adjacent segments--a finite element model study.
The current study investigated mechanical predictors for the development of adjacent disc degeneration. A 3-D finite element model of a lumbar spine was modified to simulate two grades of degeneration at the L4-L5 disc. Degeneration was modeled by changes in geometry and material properties. ⋯ The L5-S1 segment also showed a progressive increase in facet contact force for all loading directions with degeneration. Nucleus pressure did not increase significantly for any loading direction at either the caudal or cephalic adjacent segment. Results suggest that single-level degeneration can increase the risk for injury at the adjacent levels.