Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (15): 3810-3819.doi: 10.12307/2026.151

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Biomechanical finite element analysis of lumbar degeneration based on radiological imaging

Gao Sheng1, Xin Shimin2, Liu Xingquan1, Kang Liqing3, Ren Baolin1, Wang Haiyan4   

  1. ¹Department of Medical Imaging, Hohhot Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot 010000, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China; ²Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Qitaihe Vocational College, Qitaihe 154600, Heilongjiang Province, China; 3Sterilization Supply Center, the Fourth Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot 010000, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China; 4Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
  • Accepted:2025-03-24 Online:2026-05-28 Published:2025-11-05
  • Contact: Wang Haiyan, MS, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:高升,男,1975年生,内蒙古自治区呼和浩特市人,汉族,硕士,主要从事医学影像的研究。 并列第一作者:辛世民,男,1994年生,黑龙江省鸡西市人,汉族,主要从事肌骨康复的研究。
  • Supported by:
    Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Higher Education Innovation Team Development Plan, No. NMGIRT2419 (to WHY); 2022 Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Health Science and Technology Plan, No. 202201188 (to WHY) 

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lumbar degeneration can cause lower back pain. Understanding the underlying mechanical mechanisms of pain caused by lumbar degeneration is crucial.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biomechanical differences between normal and degenerated lumbar vertebrae, providing a basis for further exploring the lumbar degeneration mechanisms and their implications.
METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed based on lumbar CT images of healthy and lumbar degenerative male subjects, and a L1-S1 finite element model was established. Finite element analysis was performed on the biomechanical properties of normal and degenerated lumbar spines. By loading physiological conditions, the differences in the six ranges of motion of flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation were analyzed in particular. The finite element model with osteophytes on the anterior edge of the vertebral body was evaluated in different motion modes for the lumbar spine as a whole, the range of motion of each segment, and the stress distribution of the vertebrae, annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and facet joints.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The degenerated lumbar spine exhibited a decrease in overall and segmental range of motion to varying degrees, with significant movement limitations particularly noted in extension and lateral bending. (2) Degeneration altered the mechanical environment, resulting in increased stress on the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and facet joints of adjacent segments. (3) Lumbar degeneration leads to reduced range of motion, especially affecting extension and lateral bending. (4) The L4 segment experiences higher stress post-degeneration, which may be a critical factor in lower back pain. (5) The redistribution of mechanical load in the degenerated lumbar spine significantly impacts adjacent segments. 

Key words: "> , lumbar degeneration, osteophytes, finite element analysis, stress distribution, mechanical response

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