Experimental study on spine segment fixation technique

Abstract

The paper presents a study on instrumented evaluation of the single spinal segment fixation techniques. In vitro tests have been completed with 6 porcine spinal samples. Two different methods of rigidly fixed segment of the lumbar spine were tested and compared with control group/unfixed spinal units (CO). One fixation technique was obtained using screws and straight rods (FSR), another - screws and bent rods simulating the anatomy of the spine (FBR). Experimental data contains deformation data under experimental test loading limitations. Obtained results showed no significant difference between fixation techniques FSR and FBR in any case of loading parameters. However, results indicated significant differences under flexion tests after rigid fixation of the spine. Due to these results, we can presume that flexion movement is the most hazardous for developing adjacent segment disease.