were analyzed. Finite element models of the lumbar spine with various degrees of IVD
degeneration at the L4-L5 functional spinal unit (FSU) were developed and validated. With
progression of degeneration, intersegmental rotation at the degenerated FSU decreased in
flexion–extension and left–right lateral bending, intradiscal pressure at the adjacent FSUs
increased in flexion and lateral bending, and facet joint forces at the degenerated FSU …