Biomechanics of Nested Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Cages.
Department
Neurosurgery
Document Type
Article
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis is optimized when the structural graft occupies most of the surface area within a disc space. The transforaminal corridor inherently limits interbody size.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biomechanical implications of nested interbody spacers (ie, a second curved cage placed behind a first) to increase disc space coverage in transforaminal approaches.
METHODS: Seven lumbar human cadaveric specimens (L3-S1) underwent nondestructive flexibility and axial compression testing intact and after transforaminal instrumentation at L4-L5. Specimens were tested in 5 conditions: (1) intact, (2) interbody, (3) interbody plus bilateral pedicle screws and rods (PSR), (4) 2 nested interbodies, and (5) 2 nested interbodies plus PSR.
RESULTS: Mean range of motion (ROM) with 1 interbody vs 2 nested interbodies, respectively, was: flexion, 101% vs 85%; extension, 97% vs 92%; lateral bending, 127% vs 132%; and axial rotation, 145% vs 154%. One interbody and 2 nested interbodies did not differ significantly by loading mode (P > .10). With PSR, ROM decreased significantly compared with intact, but not between interbody and interbody plus PSR or 2 interbodies plus PSR (P > .80). Mean vertical height during compressive loading (ie, axial compressive stiffness) was significantly different with 2 nested interbodies vs 1 interbody alone (P < .001) (compressive stiffness, 89% of intact vs 67% of intact, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Inserting a second interbody using a transforaminal approach is anatomically feasible and nearly doubles the disc space covered without affecting ROM. Compressive stiffness significantly increased with 2 nested interbodies, and foraminal height increased. Evaluation of the clinical safety and efficacy of nested interbodies is underway.
Medical Subject Headings
Aged; Biomechanical Phenomena; Bone Screws; Female; Humans; Internal Fixators; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Middle Aged; Pliability; Posture; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Rotation; Spinal Fusion
Publication Date
2-1-2016
Publication Title
Neurosurgery
ISSN
1524-4040
Volume
78
Issue
2
First Page
297
Last Page
304
PubMed ID
26348015
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1227/NEU.0000000000001005
Recommended Citation
Soriano-Baron, Hector; Newcomb, Anna G U S; Malhotra, Devika; de Tranaltes, Kaylee; Martinez-Del-Campo, Eduardo; Reyes, Phillip M; Crawford, Neil R; Theodore, Nicholas; and Tumialán, Luis M, "Biomechanics of Nested Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Cages." (2016). Neurosurgery. 753.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurosurgery/753