A COMPARATIVE BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF POSTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION CONSTRUCTS WITH FOUR ESTABLISHED SCENARIOS

Abstract

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a common technique for decompressing the diseased spinal segment. This study aims to compare the biomechanical effects of four PLIF scenarios. A finite element model of the L3-L4 segment is used to simulate decompression with different scenarios: S1 (PEEK cage), S2 (PEEK cage with graft), S3 (Titanium cage), and S4 (Titanium cage with graft). Range of motion, stress, and micromotion are measured under various loading conditions. S2 demonstrates sufficient stability, reduced micromotion, and lower stress on the adjacent parts of the lumbar segment, indicating that S2 may be a preferred option for PLIF.