The incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after lumbar spinal fusion have not been precisely verified. In the presence of mild degeneration in the proximal segment adjacent to the fused segment, selection of additional fusion is not agreed upon. Muscle activity change and ASD after fusion was analyzed with a developed three-dimensional finite element model of musculoskeletal system. The paraspinal muscle activities were calculated based on a hypothesis, the intervertebral disc was assumed to have a transducer function and the muscle is activated according to a sensor driven control mechanism to maintain the stability of the lumbar spine. Simulation was conducted for erect standing and 60° isometric forward flexed posture. Total muscle force produced in each deep muscle group was similar however activity of some muscle fascicles which inter-connected to the vertebrae above the fused segment showed increased value. In the presence of mild degeneration in the proximal adjacent segment, muscle activity across the degenerated segment was reduced. Despite changes in muscle activity, nucleus pressure at adjacent segment was increased in both cases. This change would eventually lead to the ASD.

Spinal stability is controlled by two interrelated systems: the spinal column including ligaments and the muscular control system. In addition to these systems, the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) also interacts with the muscular system to maintain the stability of the spine. The effects of the tensioning of TLF on the spinal stability was investigated using computational analysis. The stability of the spine was analyzed with a three-dimensional finite element model of musculoskeletal system including TLF. The paraspinal muscle activities were calculated based on a hypothesis: the intervertebral disc was assumed to have a transducer function and the muscle is activated according to a sensor driven control mechanism to maintain stability of the lumbar spine. Muscle forces were calculated in examining 40o isometric forward flexed and erect standing postures. As a result, the fascial tension induced a decrease in superficial muscle activity while maintaining the spinal stability.