Biomechanical Efficacy of Various Anterior Spinal Fixation in Treatment of Thoraco-lumbar Spine Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biomechanical results according to various anterior spinal fixation methodology in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The comparative analysis of fixation method was evaluated by three dimensional finite element model using the 1 mm reconstruction image of CT. Authors evaluated the flexion, extension, lateral bending, torsional stresses with 12 fixation methods for the compression and burst fracture. RESULTS: In biomechanical analysis, stiffness of body-fixation device was more stable in two-rod system in compression fracture and was stable in one-rod, two-rod system in burst fracture, but two-rod system was showed over-increase of stiffness. CONCLUSION: Authors recommend the usage of two-rod system in anterior fixation only and anterior one-rod system in anterior-posterior fixation.