Li J, et al. - A three-dimensional lumbosacral model was reconstructed and verified by the researchers in order to ascertain whether different extents of facetectomy would influence its biomechanical indexes and to check the hypothesis that decreasing the extent of facetectomy may reduce morbidity in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS, a commonly occurring postoperative complication). No significant variations in the complete model and the model with one-quarter excision of the superior articular process was exhibited by calculated results, however, all biomechanical indexes had been worsened under most of the loading conditions tested in the model with one-half excision of the superior articular process. Hence, less facetectomy was better as it may decrease the risk of biomechanical deterioration and consequently, that of failed back surgery syndrome.