Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Transverse Process Syndrome of Third Lumbar Vertebra

Objective To study the change and distribution rule of stress on the third lumbar transverse process(LTP) extremities where the muscles and ligaments insertio in different conditions of human body,and explore the pathogenesis and treatment of transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.Methods The biomechanics models were established with three-dimensional finite element method to simulate the main activity forms of human waist.13 working conditions were designed and the results were analyzed.Results The stress on the extremities of the third LTP was larger significantly than that of the second or the fourth adjacent LTP in all conditions,and the stress increased with the angle or load increase in the conditions such as forward bending,lateriflection,rotation,etc..The stress on the extremities of the third LTP was the smallest in the condition of bed rest,smaller in the condition of standing,and largest in the condition of rotation.Conclusion The stress on the extremities of the third LTP is larger significantly than that of the second or the fourth adjacent LTP,so it is easily to cause soft tissue injury of the third LTP extremities.The stress increases significantly in the conditions such as forward bending,lateriflection and rotation,so patients should avoid in such conditions for a long term,and bed rest and waistline protection are benefit to the recover of this disease.