This paper on "Replacing the Nucleus Pulposus of the Intervertebral Disc: Prediction of Material Properties Using Finite Element Modelling" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Effective Engineering Analysis - 25-28 April 1999, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

Summary

A simple finite element mode] of the intervertebral disc was developed and used to investigate how removal of the nucleus pulposus (the inner region) changes the response of the annulus fibrosus (outer region) to compression. Experimental results provided validation for the model predictions. The model was then used to investigate if replacing the nucleus pulposus with a suitable material would reverse the changes induced by its removal. The ideal properties of such an implant were predicted.