Biomechanical Effect of L4 -L5 Intervertebral Disc Degeneration on the Lower Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Study.

Degenerated discs caused changes in the motion and loading pattern of the degenerated segments and adjacent normal segments. The abnormal load and motion in the degenerated models risked accelerating degeneration in the adjacent normal segments. In addition, accurate simulation of degenerated facet joints is essential for predicting changes in facet joint loads following disc degeneration.