Range of motion after thoracolumbar corpectomy: evaluation of analogous constructs with a novel low-profile anterior dual-rod system and a traditional dual-rod system

Martin Gehrchen, Sajan K Hegde, Mark Moldavsky, Suresh Chinthukunta, Manasa Gudipally, Brandon Bucklen, Kanaan Salloum, Saif Khalil

Abstract

Study design: An in vitro biomechanical study. Objectives: To compare the biomechanical stability of traditional and low-profile thorocolumbar anterior instrumentation after a corpectomy with cross-connectors. Summary of background data: Dual-rod anterior thoracolumbar lateral plates (ATLP) have been used clinically to stabilize the thorocolumbar spine. Methods: The stability of a low-profile dual-rod system (LP DRS) and a traditional dual-rod system (DRS) was compared using a calf spine model. Two groups of seven specimens were tested intact and then in the following order: (1) ATLP with two cross-connectors and spacer; (2) ATLP with one cross-connector and spacer; (3) ATLP with spacer. Data were normalized to intact (100 %) and statistical analysis was used to determine between-group significances. Results: Both constructs reduced motion compared to intact in flexion–extension and lateral bending. Axial rotation motion became unstable after the corpectomy and motion was greater than intact, even with two cross-connectors with both systems. Relative to their respective intact groups, LP DRS significantly reduced motion compared to analogous DRS in flexion–extension. The addition of cross-connectors reduced motion in all loading modes. Conclusions: The LP DRS provides 7.5 mm of reduced height with similar biomechanical performance. The reduced height may be beneficiary by reduced irritation and impingement on adjacent structures.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Spine Journal
Volume26
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)666-670
ISSN0940-6719
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2017

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cattle
  • Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery
  • Models, Animal
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Thoracic Vertebrae/surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Range of motion after thoracolumbar corpectomy: evaluation of analogous constructs with a novel low-profile anterior dual-rod system and a traditional dual-rod system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this