Biomechanical specimen assessment by low dose biplanar X-ray study of fusion constructions using a posterior lumbar cage with integrated anchors and posterior adjunctive fixators

Abstract

The objective was to compare L4/5 range of motions of fusion constructs using anchored cages. Twelve human cadaveric spine were tested in intact condition, and divided into TLIF and PLIF groups. Testing consisted in applying pure moments in flexion-extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The computation of intersegmental motion was assessed using 3 D biplanar radiographs. In TLIF group, the addition of contralateral transfacet decreased flexion-extension motion (39%; p = 0.036) but without difference with the ipsilateral pedicle screw construction (53%; p = 0.2). In PLIF group, the addition of interspinous anchor reduced flexion-extension motion (12%; p = 0.036) but without difference with the bilateral pedicle screw construction (17%; p = 0.8).

Keywords:

• Lumbar spine
• transfacet screw
• interspinous anchor
• spine biomechanics
• arthrodesis

Disclosure statement

Stephane Litrico and Jerome Allain reports grants from for Zimmer Biomet, outside the submitted work. Antoine Gennari, Tristan Langlais, Sylvain Persohn, Wafa Skalli declare no potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

LDR Medical, now part of Zimmer Biomet provided financial and technical support for the conduct of the research.