Finite Element Evaluation of Biomechanical Changes of Lumbar Segment Implanted With an Anterior Disc After Subsidance

Biomechanical studies of artificial discs that quantify parameters like kinematics, the load sharing and stresses have been reported in literature for various artificial disc designs; however literature on the long term biomechanical behavior of the implant in the spine is sparse. Disc subsidence is one of the potential long term issues. In this study finite element method was used to investigate the biomechanics of Charite anterior lumbar disc (DePuy Spine, MA) following potential subsidence of the implant into vertebral endplates.