Journal of Southern Medical University ›› 2006, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (10): 1436-1438.

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Biomechanical evaluation of anterior cervical spine stabilization with step-cut grafting and absorbable screw fixation

ZHANG Jian1, HE Xi-jing1, LI Hao-peng1, WANG dong1, ZHAO Wei-dong2 1Department of Orthopedics, Second Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China; 2Department of Anatomy and Biomechanics, Southern Medical University, Gugangzhou 510515, China   

  1. 西安交通大学第二医院骨二科; 南方医科大学解剖生物力学教研室 陕西西安710004; 陕西西安710004; 广东广州510515;
  • Online:2006-10-20 Published:2006-10-20

Abstract: Objective To determine the initial stability of a novel construct in cadaveric cervical spine in comparison with a conventional method. Methods Twelve specimens of fresh human cadaveric cervical spines (C3-C7) were randomly divided into the test group and control group. In the former group, one-level corpectomy of C5 and three cortical iliac step-cut grafting with absorbable screw fixation was performed, and one-level corpectomy of C5 and three cortical iliac strut grafting with anterior plate fixation in the control group. Flexibility test and graft push of strength test were carried out before and after grafting and fixation to determine the range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ) and graft push out strength (POS). Results The cervical spines of the two groups all had increased initial stability in all 6 rotational degrees of freedom with also enhanced graft POS after fixation. Compared with the control group, the test group had higher stability in extension and comparable stability in flexion and axial rotation, but lower stability in lateral bending. The graft POS after fixation in the test group, however, was lowered in comparison with the control group. Conclusion Step-cut grafting and absorbable screw fixation provides sufficient stability potential for the cervical spine in vitro and allows optimum biomechanical and biological environments to enhance graft fusion and reduce complications. 

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