European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Previous studies have shown that the posterior elements/facet joints provide strength to the overall functional spine unit (FSU) by taking 3-25% of vertical compressive load off the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, little is known regarding whether this offloading has a protective effect against endplate fracture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate if the posterior elements provide a protective role to the endplate in porcine cervical spines under fracture-inducing conditions. ⋯ In contrast, significantly, more cut FSUs sustained an endplate fracture (11/11) compared to intact FSUs (5/11); p = 0.012. Further, cut FSUs resulted in a fracture area 1.91 times greater in size compared to the fractures seen in the intact FSUs (p = 0.011). Therefore, posterior elements appear to decrease the risk and severity of endplate fracture.
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The purpose of this study is to present the outcomes all patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) who underwent cementless posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of severe spine deformity in our institution. ⋯ Surgical treatment of severe spine deformity in OI patients with cementless posterior spinal fusion is safe and effective after applying a specific preoperative strategy.