Clinical biomechanics
-
Clinical biomechanics · May 2017
Comparative StudyCervical facet force analysis after disc replacement versus fusion.
Cervical total disc replacement was developed to preserve motion and reduce adjacent-level degeneration relative to fusion, yet concerns remain that total disc replacement will lead to altered facet joint loading and long-term facet joint arthrosis. This study is intended to evaluate changes in facet contact force, pressure and surface area at the treated and superior adjacent levels before and after discectomy, disc replacement, and fusion. ⋯ Total disc replacement preserved facet contact force for all scenarios except extension at the treated level, highlighting the importance of the anterior disco-ligamentous complex. This could promote treated-level facet joint disease.
-
Clinical biomechanics · May 2017
Biomechanical testing of a PEEK-based dynamic instrumentation device in a lumbar spine model.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the range-of-motion after posterior polyetheretherketone-based rod stabilisation combined with a dynamic silicone hinge in order to compare it with titanium rigid stabilisation. ⋯ Surprisingly, the hybrid device compensates for laminectomy L4 and destabilising procedure within the level L3/4 in comparison to other implants. Further studies must be performed to show its effectiveness regarding the adjacent segment instability.