Finite Element Analysis of Stability of Internal Fixation Reconstruction Methods for Lumbar Total Vertebral Resection

Abstract Objective To compare the effect of different fixation methods on spinal stability after total en bloc spondylectomy(TES) of lumbar spine.Method The finite element models were established based on the CT scan of a healthy volunteer. After the validity of the models was confirmed, the models with different posterior fixation methods of the lumbar spine were established with and without the artificial vertebral body, respectively. The motions of flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation under supine and standing conditions were simulated. The angular displacement of T11-L3 and stress of internal fixations were compared and analyzed.Results The finite element models of spinal reconstruction after TES were obtained. When the anterior support existed, the movement of the spine after TES was not affected by the gravity of the upper body. The movements in the opposite direction on the same plane were similar. All three methods provided enough stability to the spine. The improved short-segment fixation shared stress of the artificial vertebral body with no obvious negative effect. The long-segment fixation had stronger fixation effect with the huge loss of the range of motion of lumbar spine. When the anterior support failed, obvious rotation showed in lateral bending in all models. The short-segment fixation and the long-segment fixation failed to maintain the spinal stability with fixations breakage or functional loss. The improved short-segment fixations showed strong ability in maintaining the spinal stability. The vertebral body screws can prevent the failure of anterior fixation by sharing great stress of the whole internal fixation system. The improved short-segment had huge advantages over the others.Conclusion After TES, the improved short-segment fixation can provide more stability to the spine. The vertebral body screws can prevent the failure of the internal fixation by reducing the stress of the anterior support. This fixation method should be promoted in clinical practice while the effect requires more observation.