Assessment of Biomechanical Changes After Sacroiliac Joint Fusion by Application of the 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis Technique.

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac (SI) joint motion is complex and is poorly understood overall. In this study we evaluated a new biomechanical method developed to provide more insight into SI joint movement and to elucidate biomechanical changes after SI joint fusion surgery in a one-leg standing model. METHODS: Eight lumbosacral cadaver specimens (L5-pelvis specimens, age 28-57 years, 6 female and 2 male) were used in this experiment. We analyzed the changes in range of motion (ROM) in single-plane motion and mobility in 3 groups of patients: intact, unilateral fusion, and bilateral fusion groups. For statistical analysis, we used repeated-measures analysis of variance to compare SI joint ROM among the 3 groups. iFuse implants were prepared using the standard posterior placement technique. Pure-moment multidirectional bending tests were performed in each direction (nutation and counternutation, axial rotation, and lateral bending). RESULTS: Average ROM in single-plane motion and mobility of the intact SI joint were 4.5 ± 3.3° and 4.8 ± 3.4°, respectively in nutation-counternutation; 2.9 ± 2.1° and 3.3 ± 2.3°, respectively, in axial rotation; and 1.5 ± 1.5° and 2.8 ± 2.5°, respectively, in lateral bending. We observed statistically significantly (P = 0.05) greater mobility in lateral moment testing than in single motion testing. Comparisons among the intact, unilateral fusion, and bilateral fusion groups showed statistically significant differences in the lateral moment test. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that our new biomechanical method for SI joint evaluation may provide improved insight into SI joint movement and biomechanical changes after SI joint fusion surgery in a one-leg standing model.

Changes in foraminal area with anterior decompression versus keyhole foraminotomy in the cervical spine: a biomechanical investigation.

OBJECTIVE Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with or without partial uncovertebral joint resection (UVR) and posterior keyhole foraminotomy are established operative procedures to treat cervical disc degeneration and radiculopathy. Studies have demonstrated reliable results with each procedure, but none have compared the change in neuroforaminal area between indirect and direct decompression techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine which cervical decompression method most consistently increases neuroforaminal area and how that area is affected by neck position. METHODS Eight human cervical functional spinal units (4 each of C5-6 and C6-7) underwent sequential decompression. Each level received the following surgical treatment: bilateral foraminotomy, ACDF, ACDF + partial UVR, and foraminotomy + ACDF. Multidirectional pure moment flexibility testing combined with 3D C-arm imaging was performed after each procedure to measure the minimum cross-sectional area of each foramen in 3 different neck positions: neutral, flexion, and extension. RESULTS Neuroforaminal area increased significantly with foraminotomy versus intact in all positions. These area measurements did not change in the ACDF group through flexion-extension. A significant decrease in area was observed for ACDF in extension (40 mm2) versus neutral (55 mm2). Foraminotomy + ACDF did not significantly increase area compared with foraminotomy in any position. The UVR procedure did not produce any changes in area through flexion-extension. CONCLUSIONS All procedures increased neuroforaminal area. Foraminotomy and foraminotomy + ACDF produced the greatest increase in area and also maintained the area in extension more than anterior-only procedures. The UVR procedure did not significantly alter the area compared with ACDF alone. With a stable cervical spine, foraminotomy may be preferable to directly decompress the neuroforamen; however, ACDF continues to play an important role for indirect decompression and decompression of more centrally located herniated discs. These findings pertain to bony stenosis of the neuroforamen and may not apply to soft disc herniation. The key points of this study are as follows. Both ACDF and foraminotomy increase the foraminal space. Foraminotomy was most successful in maintaining these increases during neck motion. Partial UVR was not a significant improvement over ACDF alone. Foraminotomy may be more efficient at decompressing the neuroforamen. Results should be taken into consideration only with stable spines.

Multidirectional Tibial Tubercle Transfer Technique: Rationale and Biomechanical Investigation.

This study describes a new surgical technique to transfer the tibial tubercle, explains the rationale for its development, and reports the results of initial biomechanical testing. The design goals were to create a tibial tubercle osteotomy that would provide equivalent or better initial fixation compared with traditional techniques, yet would be more flexible, reproducible, accurate, less invasive, and safer. The results of the biomechanical analysis suggest that initial fixation with this novel tubercle transfer technique is as strong as traditional Elmslie-Trillat and anteromedialization procedures.

Validation of a Russian Language Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire.

Study Design Retrospective reliability and validity study. Objective To validate a recently translated Russian language version of the Oswestry Disability Index (R-ODI) using standardized methods detailed from previous validations in other languages. Methods We included all subjects who were seen in our spine surgery clinic, over the age of 18, and fluent in the Russian language. R-ODI was translated by six bilingual people and combined into a consensus version. R-ODI and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires for leg and back pain were distributed to subjects during both their initial and follow-up visits. Test validity, stability, and internal consistency were measured using standardized psychometric methods. Results Ninety-seven subjects participated in the study. No change in the meaning of the questions on R-ODI was noted with translation from English to Russian. There was a significant positive correlation between R-ODI and VAS scores for both the leg and back during both the initial and follow-up visits (p < 0.01 for all). The instrument was shown to have high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.82) and moderate test-retest stability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.70). Conclusions The R-ODI is both valid and reliable for use among the Russian-speaking population in the United States.

Gait-simulating fatigue loading analysis and sagittal alignment failure of spinal pelvic reconstruction after total sacrectomy: comparison of 3 techniques.

OBJECT: Reconstruction after total sacrectomy is a critical component of malignant sacral tumor resection, permitting early mobilization and maintenance of spinal pelvic alignment. However, implant loosening, graft migration, and instrumentation breakage remain major problems. Traditional techniques have used interiliac femoral allograft, but more modern methods have used fibular or cage struts from the ilium to the L-5 endplate or sacral body replacement with transiliac bars anchored to cages to the L-5 endplate. This study compares the biomechanical stability under gait-simulating fatigue loading of the 3 current methods. METHODS: Total sacrectomy was performed and reconstruction was completed using 3 different constructs in conjunction with posterior spinal screw rod instrumentation from L-3 to pelvis: interiliac femur strut allograft (FSA); L5-iliac cage struts (CSs); and S-1 body replacement expandable cage (EC). Intact lumbar specimens (L3-sacrum) were tested for flexion-extension range of motion (FE-ROM), axial rotation ROM (AX-ROM), and lateral bending ROM (LB-ROM). Each instrumented specimen was compared with its matched intact specimen to generate an ROM ratio. Fatigue testing in compression and flexion was performed using a custom-designed long fusion gait model. RESULTS: Compared with intact specimen, the FSA FE-ROM ratio was 1.22 ± 0.60, the CS FE-ROM ratio was significantly lower (0.37 ± 0.12, p < 0.001), and EC was lower still (0.29 ± 0.14, p < 0.001; values are expressed as the mean ± SD). The difference between CS and EC in FE-ROM ratio was not significant (p = 0.83). There were no differences in AX-ROM or LB-ROM ratios (p = 0.77 and 0.44, respectively). No failures were noted on fatigue testing of any EC construct (250,000 cycles). This was significantly improved compared with FSA (856 cycles, p < 0.001) and CS (794 cycles, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CS and EC appear to be significantly more stable constructs compared with FSA with FE-ROM. The 3 constructs appear to be equal with AX-ROM and LB-ROM. Most importantly, EC appears to be significantly more resistant to fatigue compared with FSA and CS. Reconstruction of the load transfer mechanism to the pelvis via the L-5 endplate appears to be important in maintenance of alignment after total sacrectomy reconstruction.

Biomechanical evaluation of an interfacet joint decompression and stabilization system.

A majority of the middle-aged population exhibit cervical spondylosis that may require decompression and fusion of the affected level. Minimally invasive cervical fusion is an attractive option for decreasing operative time, morbidity, and mortality rates. A novel interfacet joint spacer (DTRAX facet screw system, Providence Medical) promises minimally invasive deployment resulting in decompression of the neuroforamen and interfacet fusion. The present study investigates the effectiveness of the device in minimizing intervertebral motion to promote fusion, decompression of the nerve root during bending activity, and performance of the implant to adhere to anatomy during repeated bending loads. We observed flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation resonant overshoot mode (ROM) in cadaver models of c-spine treated with the interfacet joint spacer (FJ spacer) as stand-alone and supplementing anterior plating. The FJ spacer was deployed bilaterally at single levels. Specimens were placed at the limit of ROM in flexion, extension, axial bending, and lateral bending. 3D images of the foramen were taken and postprocessed to quantify changes in foraminal area. Stand-alone spacer specimens were subjected to 30,000 cycles at 2 Hz of nonsimultaneous flexion-extension and lateral bending under compressive load and X-ray imaged at regular cycle intervals for quantitative measurements of device loosening. The stand-alone FJ spacer increased specimen stiffness in all directions except extension. 86% of all deployments resulted in some level of foraminal distraction. The rate of effective distraction was maintained in flexed, extended, and axially rotated postures. Two specimens demonstrated no detectable implant loosening (<0.25 mm). Three showed unilateral subclinical loosening (0.4 mm maximum), and one had subclinical loosening bilaterally (0.5 mm maximum). Results of our study are comparable to previous investigations into the stiffness of other stand-alone minimally invasive technologies. The FJ spacer system effectively increased stiffness of the affected level comparable to predicate systems. Results of this study indicate the FJ spacer increases foraminal area in the cervical spine, and decompression is maintained during bending activities. Clinical studies will be necessary to determine whether the magnitude of decompression observed in this cadaveric study will effectively treat cervical radiculopathy; however, results of this study, taken in context of successful decompression treatments in the lumbar spine, are promising for the continued development of this product. Results of this biomechanical study are encouraging for the continued investigation of this device in animal and clinical trials, as they suggest the device is well fixated and mechanically competent.

Biomechanical comparison of interference screw and cortical button with screw hybrid technique for distal biceps brachii tendon repair.

Various fixation techniques have been described for ruptured distal biceps tendons. The authors hypothesized that no significant differences would be found between the mean failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness of the interference screw and hybrid technique. Fourteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric elbows were prepared. Specimens were randomized to either interference screw or hybrid cortical button with screw fixation. The tendon was pulled at a rate of 4 mm/s until failure. Failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness were measured and compared. Failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness were 294±81.9 N, 294±82.1 N, and 64.4±40.5 N/mm, respectively, for the interference screw technique and 333±129 N, 383±121 N, and 56.2±40.5 N/mm, respectively, for the hybrid technique. No statistically significant difference existed between the screw and hybrid technique in failure strength, maximum strength, or stiffness (P>.05). The interference screws primarily failed by pullout of the screw and tendon, whereas in the hybrid technique, failure occurred with screw pullout followed by tearing of the biceps tendon. The results suggest that this hybrid technique is nearly as strong and stiff as the interference screw alone. Although the hybrid technique facilitates tensioning of the reconstructed tendon, the addition of the cortical button did not significantly improve the failure strength of the interference screw alone.

Differences in knee joint kinematics and forces after posterior cruciate retaining and stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining (CR) and -sacrificing (PS) total knee arthroplasties (TKA) are widely-used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The PS design substitutes the function of the PCL with a cam-spine mechanism which may produce adverse changes to joint kinematics and kinetics. METHODS: CR- and PS-TKA were performed on 11 human knee specimens. Joint kinematics were measured with a dynamic knee simulator and motion tracking equipment. In-situ loads of the PCL and cam-spine were measured with a robotic force sensor system. Partial weight bearing flexions were simulated and external forces were applied. RESULTS: The PS-TKA rotated significantly less throughout the whole flexion range compared to the CR-TKA. Femoral roll back was greater in the PS-TKA; however, this was not correlated with lower quadriceps forces. Application of external loads produced significantly different in-situ force profiles between the TKA systems. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the PS-design significantly alters kinematics of the knee joint. Our data also suggest the cam-spine mechanism may have little influence on high flexion kinematics (such as femoral rollback) with most of the load burden shared by supporting implant and soft-tissue structures.

Effect of severity of rod contour on posterior rod failure in the setting of lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO): a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Rod failure has been reported clinically in pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) to correct flat back deformity. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the fatigue life of posterior screw-rod constructs in the setting of PSO as a function of the severity of rod contour angle. METHODS: A modified ASTM F1717 to 04 was used. Rods were contoured to the appropriate angle for the equivalent 20-, 40-, or 60-degree PSO angles. Testing was performed on a mechanical test frame at 400/40 N and 250/25 N, and specimens were cycled at 4 Hz to failure or run-out at 2,000,000 cycles. The effect of the screw-rod system on fatigue strength of curved rods was compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: At 400 N/40 N, Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that contouring rods from a 20-degree PSO angle to either 40 or 60 degrees significantly decreased fatigue life (hazard ratio = 7863.6, P = .0144). However, contouring rods from a 40-degree PSO angle to 60 degrees had no significant effect on the fatigue life (P > .05). At 250 N/25 N, Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that contouring rods from a 20-degree PSO angle to either 40 or 60 degrees significantly decreased fatigue life (hazard ratio = 7863.6, P = .0144). Furthermore, contouring rods from a 40-degree PSO angle to 60 degrees had a significant effect on the fatigue life (hazard ratio = 7863.6, P = .0144). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that in the setting of PSO, the fatigue life of posterior spinal fixation rods depends largely on the severity of the rod angle used to maintain the vertebral angle created by the PSO and is significantly lowered by rod contouring.