Stability of two anterior fixations for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine: biomechanical evaluation of anterior pedicle screw-plate fixation

• Published in: Journal of international medical research 2018-04, Vol.46 (4), p.1455-1460
• Main Authors: Wu, Hai-hao, Tang, Tao, Yu, Xiao, Pang, Qing-jiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biomechanical Phenomena; Bone Plates; Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Cervical Vertebrae - physiopathology; Cervical Vertebrae - surgery; Clinical Reports; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Middle Aged; Pedicle Screws; Range of Motion, Articular
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060517734687

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the stability of anterior pedicle screw-plate (APSP) fixation and anterior vertebral body screw-plate (AVBSP) fixation for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine. Methods Six fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens of the lower cervical spine were prepared. After measurement of the range of motion (ROM) in the intact state, the specimens were prepared as three-column injury models. The models were stabilized by AVBSP or APSP fixation. The ROM of the models in the two states was measured. The ROM in the two states was compared. Results The ROM of the intact state in all directions was significantly smaller than that of the AVBSP state and significantly larger than that of the APSP state. The ROM of the AVBSP state in all directions was significantly larger than that of the APSP state. Conclusions This study shows that APSP fixation can provide sufficient stability for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine. The primary stability of our models using APSP fixation is superior to that of AVBSP fixation. These results suggest that APSP can be used for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine.