Biomechanical study on the effect of five different lumbar reconstruction techniques on adjacent-level intradiscal pressure and lamina strain

J Neurosurg Spine. 2006 Aug;5(2):150-5. doi: 10.3171/spi.2006.5.2.150.

Abstract

Object: The objectives of this study were to compare the biomechanical effects of five lumbar reconstruction models on the adjacent segment and to analyze the effects of three factors: construct stiffness, sagittal alignment, and the number of fused segments.

Methods: Nondestructive flexion-extension tests were performed by applying pure moments to 10 calf spinal (L3-S1) specimens. One-segment (L5-6) or two-segment (L5-S1) posterior fusion methods were simulated: 1) one-segment posterolateral fusion (PLF); 2) one-segment PLF with interbody fusion cages (one-segment PLIF/PLF); 3) two-segment PLF; 4) two-segment PLIF/PLF; and 5) two-segment PLF in kyphosis (two-segment kyphotic PLF). The range of motion (ROM) of the reconstructed segments, intradiscal pressure (IDP), and lamina strain in the upper (L4-5) adjacent segment were analyzed. The ROM was significantly decreased in the PLIF/PLF models compared with that in the PLF alone models after both the one- and two-segment fusions. If the number of fused segments was increased, the pressure and strains were also increased in specimens subjected to the PLIF/PLF procedure, more so than the PLF-alone procedure. In the one-segment PLIF/PLF model the authors observed a reduced IDP and lamina strain compared with those in the kyphotic two-segment PLF model despite the latter's higher levels of initial stiffness.

Conclusions: If the number of fused levels can be reduced by using PLIF to correct local kyphosis, then this procedure may be valuable for reducing adjacent-segment degenerative changes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cattle
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Intervertebral Disc / physiology*
  • Joint Instability / surgery
  • Kyphosis / surgery
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / physiology*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Pressure
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Spinal Fusion*
  • Stress, Mechanical