1. Biomechanical insights into anterolateral vertebral screw fixation in osteoporotic spines: a comparative study of fixation methods and positions using porcine vertebrae
- Author
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Ming-Kai Hsieh, Yun-Da Li, Weng-Pin Chen, De-Mei Lee, and Ching-Lung Tai
- Subjects
Pedicle screw ,Osteoporosis ,Anterolateral vertebral screw fixation ,Bicortical and unicortical screw fixation ,Screw pullout test ,Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 ,Diseases of the musculoskeletal system ,RC925-935 - Abstract
Abstract Objective Combining oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) with posterior pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) has been proposed to reduce cage subsidence, especially in osteoporotic spines. Recently, anterolateral screw-rod fixation has gained interest as it allows direct pathology observation and avoids a posterior approach. However, controversies exist between anterolateral screw fixation systems and traditional PPSF due to variations in osteoporotic vertebral mineral density, screw fixation positions, and fixation methods (bicortical vs. unicortical). This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical impact of fixation position and method in osteoporotic spine. Methods Seventy-two fresh‑frozen porcine vertebrae (L1–6) were decalcified using 0.5 M EDTA and divided into two groups based on fixation method: bicortical or unicortical. Six groups for each method were created according to the screw position in the lateral vertebral body, with six specimens in each group: anterior, central, and posterior in the middle body and para-endplate regions. Correlations among screw position, fixation method and axial pullout strength were analyzed. Results A 4-week decalcification process, bone mineral density in the porcine vertebrae decreased to approximately 48% (p
- Published
- 2025
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