Comparative biomechanical analysis of Endo-LOVE and C-endo LFD techniques for bi-segmental cervical spondylotic radiculopathy in normal and osteoporotic patients: a finite element study

Lei Ke; Jie Lan; Zepei Zhang; Shengrui Chu; Jun Miao; Xiaohui Li

doi:10.1080/10255842.2025.2516174

Comparative biomechanical analysis of Endo-LOVE and C-endo LFD techniques for bi-segmental cervical spondylotic radiculopathy in normal and osteoporotic patients: a finite element study

Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2025 Jun 23:1-11. doi: 10.1080/10255842.2025.2516174. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Lei Ke¹, Jie Lan², Zepei Zhang¹, Shengrui Chu¹, Jun Miao², Xiaohui Li³

Affiliations

¹ Clinical School/College of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
² Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
³ Department of Joint Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.

PMID: 40546032
DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2025.2516174

Abstract

Objective: To compare biomechanical effects of full-endoscopic laminectomy (Endo-LOVE) versus continuous-endoscopic technique (C-Endo LFD) in normal and osteoporotic cervical spines. Methods: Four C2-C7 finite element models simulated daily activities: normal/osteoporotic bone density treated with Endo-LOVE or C-Endo LFD. Range of motion (ROM), endplate/facet joint stress, and disc pressure (IDP) were quantified. Results: Both techniques showed comparable biomechanical effects. Osteoporotic models demonstrated greater ROM increases (18.3% vs normal), elevated facet joint stress (24.6% increase), and higher endplate stress (22.1% increase). IDP remained unchanged between groups. Conclusion: C-Endo LFD does not increase cervical instability risk. However, in osteoporosis it elevates surgical segment ROM and joint/endplate stresses, potentially affecting postoperative stability.

Keywords: Posterior cervical laminectomy decompression under full endoscopic technique (Endo-LOVE); cervical spine biomechanics; finite element; osteoporosis; posterior cervical laminectomy decompression under full continuous endoscopic technique (C-Endo LFD).