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

• Anatomy • Previous Articles     Next Articles

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

 YANG  Yang SHI Jun2  LI Kun3,4  MA Yuan4  ZHANG Shao-jie3,4  HOU Er-fei3  WANG Chao-qun5, CHEN Jie3  WANG Xing3,4*  LI  Zhi-jun3,4*   

  1. 1.Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China;   2.Physiology Teaching and Research Section, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China;  3.Human Anatomy Teaching and Research Section, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China;  4.Digital Medicine Center, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, China;   5.Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
  • Received:2022-05-23 Revised:2022-08-27 Online:2024-02-06 Published:2024-02-06
  • Contact: WANG Xing LI Zhi-jun E-mail:wangxing197911@163.com

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 C5/6 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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