Three dimensional surgical simulations of the spine

A finite element model of a complete vertebra has been formulated. It is used to simulate the laminectomy and Harrington rod procedures. The results indicate that high tensile stresses occurred on the affected side in the region of the pars interarticularis after laminectomy. High tensile stresses near the pars interarticularis and at the posterior junction of lamina and pedicles are predicted due to Harrington rod loading.