Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Anatomy, Implant Selection And Placement Influence Spine Mechanics Associated With Total Disc Replacement, Justin F.M. Hollenbeck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Through aging and injury, the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine can undergo degeneration, leading to collapse of the vertebrae and low back pain, a symptom that affects half the adult population in any given year. In an effort to reduce low back pain, total disc replacement treatment removes the degenerated disc, restores natural height and lordosis of the segment, and preserves motion at the joint. Patient anatomy, implant selection, and implant placement play significant roles in a patient's outcomes after total disc replacement surgery. Thus, the objective of the work presented in this thesis was to develop a suite …