Biomechanical comparison of monosegmental and short transpedicular fixation for stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish the monosegmental transpedicular fixation model and short segmental fixation model by three-dimensional finite element technique, and evaluate the biomechanical properties of monosegmental transpedicular fixation for thoracolumbar fractures and verify its feasibility for application. Methods T10-L2 motion segment of a young healthy subject was used to establish the normal finite element model. The superior 1/2 cortical bone of the T12 segment was removed and superior 1/2 cancellous bone of the same vertebrae was assigned material property of the injured bone to simulate the thoracolumbar fracture. Transpedicular screw fixation of the T11 and T12 segment was performed in monosegmental fixation model. T11 and L1 segment were instrumented in the short segmental fixation model. All the four finite element models were applied with loading of axial compression, anteflexion, extension, lateroflexion and axial rotation, respectively. Motion difference of each functional unit and the stress of implants were measured to evaluate biomechanical behaviors of monosegmental fixation. Results The motion difference of all the functional units (T10-11, T11-12, T12-L1) in the fractured model was obviously increased under all loading conditions as compared to the normal model, but the motion difference in the fractured models was decreased after monosegmental fixation and short segmental fixation, and no significant differences were found between monosegmental fixation and short segmental fixation. The stress on screws in monosegmental fixation model was significantly lower than that in short segmental fixation under axial compression and anteflexion, but the stress on screws of two fixation models had no significant difference under extension, lateroflexion and axial rotation. The stress on the rods of monosegmental fixation model was apparently higher than that of short segmental fixation under extension and lateroflexion, and lower under axial rotation, but no significant difference was found for two fixation models under axial compression and anteflexion. Conclusions Monosegmental transpedicular screw fixation would give the similar stabilization as short segmental fixtion and could be an effective alternative to treat incomplete fractures in thoracolumbar spine.