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Relationship between intervertebral disc and facet joint degeneration: A probabilistic finite element model study
Maxim Bashkuev1, Sandra Reitmaier1, Hendrik Schmidt1
1Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Julius Wolff Institute, Germany.
Journal of Biomechanics
|November 27, 2019
Summary
Degeneration in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and facet joint (FJ) are linked. Early IVD changes impact FJ loading, while later FJ degeneration influences disc loading, suggesting a shift in spinal support.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Spinal Health
- Degenerative Diseases
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) and facet joint (FJ) degeneration are common causes of low back pain.
- While genetics play a role, mechanical factors significantly influence degeneration progression.
- The mechanical relationship between IVD and FJ degeneration is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical interplay between intervertebral disc and facet joint degeneration.
- To determine how degeneration in one spinal component affects the mechanical loading of the other.
Main Methods:
- A parametric finite element model of a human L4-L5 spinal motion segment was developed.
- One thousand segments with varying degeneration grades were probabilistically generated.
- Segments were subjected to compression and flexion/extension loads, and correlation matrices analyzed mechanical stresses.
Main Results:
- In non-degenerated segments, disc height and nucleus compressibility correlated with capsular ligament strain.
- As degeneration progressed, IVD morphology's effect on FJ load decreased.
- FJ morphology's influence on disc load increased with degeneration, suggesting compensatory support.
Conclusions:
- Early intervertebral disc degeneration mechanically affects facet joint loading more significantly.
- Facet joint degeneration increasingly influences disc loading as degeneration advances.
- This suggests a potential shift in mechanical support from degenerated discs to facet joints.
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