A finite element model has been successfully developed to study the effect of graded facetectomy on flexibility of a lumbar motion segment. Clinically, these results show that a unilateral 75% facetectomy can be done without much effect on thestiffness of the spine. With further facet removal, stiffness is compromised as greater motion is seen during loading that induces flexion and axial rotation. This is mainly a result of the resection of capsular ligament which contributes to segmentalstability in both these loading cases.
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