The role of the facet capsular ligament in providing spinal stability. Issue 13 (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bermel, Emily A.; Barocas, Victor H.; Ellingson, Arin M.
• Is Part Of: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering. Volume 21:Issue 13(2018)
• Page Start: 712
• Page End: 721
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: finite element model -- lumbar spine -- facet joint -- instability -- coupled motion; Biomechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- methods -- Periodicals; Computing Methodologies -- Periodicals; 612.7
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2018.1514392
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1025-5842

Abstract

Abstract: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common type of pain in America, and spinal instability is a primary cause. The facet capsular ligament (FCL) encloses the articulating joints of the spine and is of particular interest due to its high innervation – as instability ensues, high stretch values likely are a cause of this pain. Therefore, this work investigated the FCL's role in providing stability to the lumbar spine. A previously validated finite element model of the L4-L5 spinal motion segment was used to simulate pure moment bending in multiple planes. FCL failure was simulated and the following outcome measures were calculated: helical axes of motion, range of motion (ROM), bending stiffness, facet joint space, and FCL stretch. ROM increased, bending stiffness decreased, and altered helical axis patterns were observed with the removal of the FCL. Additionally, a large increase in FCL stretch was measured with diminished FCL mechanical competency, providing support that the FCL plays an important role in spinal stability.