Biomechanical properties of the lumbosacral spine and application of internal fixation materials / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:In recent years, the spinal internal fixation technology has made rapid development based on biomechanics and material sciences. OBJECTIVE: To review the biomechanical characteristics of the lumbosacral spine and the application of various internal fixation materials in the reconstruction of spinal stability after lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis. METHODS:A computer-based search of Medline and Chinese Journal Ful-Text Database was performed for relevant articles using the keyword of “lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis, biomaterials materials, fixation” in English and Chinese, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Rigid internal fixation is a conventional treatment for lumbosacral tuberculosis, which improves the spinal alignment and stability during the spinal reconstruction. Metalic materials such as stainless steel, titanium and titanium aloys have been widely used in rigid internal fixation, but metal sedimentation, non-transparency, stress shielding and osteoporosis after internal fixation impact the fusion effects and imaging observation. Absorbable materials as newly-developing materials have good biocompatibility and biodegradability in orthopedic internal fixation. To select the appropriate material for internal fixation, the biomechanical properties of internal fixation materials wil be investigated according to the degree of vertebral damage and lumbosacral stability.