A comprehensive approach for the validation of lumbar spine finite element models investigating post-fusion adjacent segment effects

Abstract

Spinal fusion surgery is usually followed by accelerated degenerative changes in the unfused segments above and below the treated segment(s), i.e., adjacent segment disease (ASD). While a number of risk factors for ASD have been suggested, its exact pathogenesis remains to be identified. Finite element (FE) models are indispensable tools to investigate mechanical effects of fusion surgeries on post-fusion changes in the adjacent segment kinematics and kinetics. Existing modeling studies validate only their intact FE model against in vitro data and subsequently simulate post-fusion in vivo conditions. The present study provides a novel approach for the comprehensive validation of a lumbar (T12-S1) FE model in post-fusion conditions. Sixteen simulated fusion surgeries, performed on cadaveric specimens using various testing and loading conditions, were modeled by this FE model. Predictions for adjacent segment range of motion (RoM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) were compared with those obtained from the corresponding in vitro tests. Overall, 70% of the predicted adjacent segment RoMs were within the range of in vitro data for both intact and post-fusion conditions. Correlation (r) values between model and in vitro findings for the adjacent segment RoMs were positive and greater than 0.84. Most of the predicted IDPs were, however, out of the narrow range of in vitro IDPs at the adjacent segments but with great positive correlations (r ≥ 0.89). FE modeling studies investigating the effect of fusion surgery on in vivo adjacent segment biomechanics are encouraged to use post-surgery in vitro data to validate their FE model.