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[Effect of enucleation on the biomechanical behavior of the lumbar motion segment]
Objectives:
The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the influence of nucleotomy for the biomechanical properties of the lumbar motion segment.
Methods:
From 11 human cadavers the lumbar-vertebral segment L3/4 was taken. The segment was tested by an 3D testing device. Measurements were taken under physiological loads up to 7 Nm. Load application was performed in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation direction. For each step translation and rotation were measured in three axis of space. Next measurement was performed after a nucleotomy simulated by rectangular excision of the anulus and total nucleotomy on an average of 6 g tissue.
Results:
There was a significant relation (p < 0.05) between removed disc material and flexibility of the lumbar motion segment.
Conclusion:
The nucleotomy plays a crucial role in the segmental mobility.