&nbsp;Finite element analysis of cervical intervertebral discs after removing different ranges of uncinate processes

YANG Yang; SHI Jun; LI Kun; HAO Yun-Teng; MA Yuan; ZHANG Shao-Jie; LI Bin; WANG Chao-Qun; CHEN Jie; WANG Jian; BAI Xue; WANG Xing; LI Zhi-Jun

doi:10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2024.01.013

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2024, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (1) : 88-97. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2024.01.013

Anatomy

Finite element analysis of cervical intervertebral discs after removing different ranges of uncinate processes

YANG Yang¹ SHI Jun² LI Kun^3,4 MA Yuan⁴ ZHANG Shao-jie^3,4 HOU Er-fei³ WANG Chao-qun⁵, CHEN Jie³ WANG Xing^3,4* LI Zhi-jun^3,4*

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Abstract

Objective To study the stress change characteristics of the cervical disc after removing different ranges of the uncinate process by establishing a three-dimensional finite element model of the C₀-T₁ whole cervical spine to provide a theoretical basis for clinical and surgical treatment. Methods After a CT scan of one case of the whole cervical spine, we established a three-dimensional model of the normal cervical spine and designed the model to excise 50% and 100% of the uncinate process on the left side and 100% of the uncinate process on both sides at the same time. The four models’ stress changes (stress and displacement) were compared after loading the same torque under six working conditions, forward flexion, back extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. Results With the removal of different ranges of the uncinate process, the stress and displacement values of the disc were concentrated at C_5/6 and then gradually decreased. Interlateral differences in disc stress values were found only at C₅ after removing 50% of the left C₅ uncinate process, and interlateral differences were found at all disc stress values after removing 100% of the C₅ uncinate process on the left or both sides. Conclusion Removal of different ranges of the uncinate process (50% and 100%) can affect cervical spine stability, and the larger the range of resection is the more it affects cervical spine stability. The best clinical principle is to choose the best possible surgical resection in this area that can achieve the least resection and the best therapeutic effect.

Key words

Uncinate process / Intervertebral disc / Uncovertebral joint / Cervical spine / Finite element / Mechanical change / Anatomy / Three-dimensional reconstruction / Human

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YANG Yang SHI Jun LI Kun MA Yuan ZHANG Shao-jie HOU Er-fei WANG Chao-qun CHEN Jie WANG Xing LI Zhi-jun. Finite element analysis of cervical intervertebral discs after removing different ranges of uncinate processes[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2024, 55(1): 88-97 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2024.01.013

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