A Review of Finite Element Modeling for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Maohua Lin, Rudy Paul, Utpal Kanti Dhar, James Doulgeris, Timothy E. O’Connor, Chi-Tay Tsai, Frank D. Vrionis
Abstract
The cervical spine poses many complex challenges that require complex solutions. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been one such technique often employed to address such issues. In order to address the problems with ACDF and assess the modifications that have been made to the technique over time, finite element analyses (FEA) have proven to be an effective tool. The variations of cervical spine FEA models that have been produced over the past couple of decades, particularly more recent representations of more complex geometries, have not yet been identified and characterized in any literature. Our objective was to present material property models and cervical spine models for various simulation purposes. The outlining and refinement of the FEA process will yield more reliable outcomes and provide a stable basis for the modeling protocols of the cervical spine.