Adaptive Bone Remodeling Theory Applied to Cervical Laminoplasty

Laminoplasty, considered an alternative to laminectomy, is intended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord while maintaining the stabilizing effects of the posterior elements of the vertebrae. Open-door laminoplasty (ODL) includes opening of the lamina from either the left or right side with the contralateral side acting as hinge. The main aim of laminoplasty is to recreate a stable laminar arch that preserves laminar opening. As hinge failure is a commonly encountered problem during laminoplasty, it is necessary to understand the process of bone remodeling post laminoplasty. This study aims at implementing a computer simulation method to predict bone remodeling in accordance with Wolff’s Law. Mathematical models are based on the principle that bone remodeling is induced by a local mechanical signal that activates regulating cells to adapt accordingly by changing either the internal or external morphology [5].