椎间盘退变有限元研究的进展

Recent progress in finite element modeling of intervertebral disc degeneration

摘要:

椎间盘退行性变（intervertebral disc degeneration, IDD）是由年龄、不良姿势和机械负荷等因素引起的常见脊柱疾病。传统生物力学方法难以捕捉这些复杂变化，尤其在模拟退变过程和评估疗效方面存在局限。有限元法（finite element method, FEM）作为数值模拟工具，可有效分析椎间盘退变过程中的生物力学变化，弥补传统生物力学方法的不足。本文综述了FEM在IDD研究中的应用进展，重点介绍建模方法、力学特性分析及不同治疗方案的模拟评估。研究表明，FEM可揭示退变节段及邻近节段的应力分布与稳定性变化，在融合术、动态固定及植入物优化等方面展现出重要价值。未来可结合人工智能与临床验证，提升FEM在个体化诊疗中的实用性。

Abstract:

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) constitutes a prevalent spinal pathology driven by multi-factorial etiologies, including aging, postural abnormalities, and chronic mechanical overload. Conventional biomechanical approaches often fall short in capturing the intricacies of the degenerative cascade, particularly in reproducing pathological progression and quantitatively assessing therapeutic interventions. The finite element method (FEM), as an advanced computational modeling technique, provides a robust framework for simulating the biomechanical behavior of intervertebral discs under both physiological and pathological conditions. This review delineates the current advancements in FEM-based IDD research, emphasizing developments in model construction, degeneration-related mechanical characterization, and in silico evaluation of diverse treatment modalities. FEM has demonstrated significant value in elucidating alterations in stress distribution and spinal stability across the degenerated and adjacent segments, particularly in the context of spinal fusion, dynamic stabilization, and implant innovation. Future directions include the integration of artificial intelligence and multi-omics data with FEM, coupled with clinical validation, to enhance its applicability in precision diagnostics and individualized therapeutic planning.