Comparison of lumbar fusion and artificial disc replacement: a finite element analysis

This study quantitatively evaluates biomechanical effects on L2-L5 of lumbar fusion versus two artificial disc prostheses. Finite element models of normal/operated spines were built; Physiological motions were simulated, with range of motion (RoM) and adjacent discs' peak von Mises stress recorded. Out results showed that fusion increased adjacent stress; mechanical prosthesis enhanced specific RoM, viscoelastic one preserved near-normal RoM/stress. Disc replacement has better biomechanics; viscoelastic prosthesis aids physiological preservation, informing prosthesis design and clinical practice for lumbar degenerative disease.