Biomechanical Evaluation of Semi-rigid Junctional Fixation Using a Novel Cable Anchor System to Prevent Proximal Junctional Failure in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

Remco J P Doodkorte*, Alex K Roth, Eva Jacobs, Jacobus J C Arts, Paul C Willems

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A porcine cadaveric biomechanical study.

OBJECTIVE: To biomechanically evaluate a novel Cable Anchor System as semi-rigid junctional fixation technique for the prevention of proximal junctional failure after adult spinal deformity surgery and to make a comparison to alternative promising prophylactic techniques.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The abrupt change of stiffness at the proximal end of a pedicle screw construct is a major risk factor for the development of proximal junctional failure after adult spinal deformity surgery. A number of techniques that aim to provide a gradual transition zone in range of motion (ROM) at the proximal junction have previously been studied. In this study, the design of a novel Cable Anchor System, which comprises a polyethylene cable for rod fixation, is assessed.

METHODS: Ten T6-T13 porcine spine segments were subjected to cyclic 4 Nm pure-moment loading. The following conditions were tested: uninstrumented, 3 level pedicle screw fixation (PSF), and PSF with supplementary Cable Anchors applied proximally at 1-level (Anchor1) or 2-levels (Anchor2), transverse process hooks (TPH), and 2-level sublaminar tapes (Tape2). The normalized segmental range of motion in the junctional zone was compared using one-way analysis of variance and linear regression.

RESULTS: Statistical comparison at the level proximal to PSF showed significantly lower ROMs for all techniques compared to PSF fixation alone in all movement directions. Linear regression demonstrated a higher linearity for Anchor1 (0.820) and Anchor2 (0.923) in the junctional zone in comparison to PSF (1-level: 0.529 and 2-level: 0.421). This linearity was similar to the compared techniques (TPH and Tape2).

CONCLUSION: The Cable Anchor System presented in this study demonstrated a gradual ROM transition zone at the proximal end of a rigid pedicle screw construct similar to TPH and 2-level sublaminar tape semi-rigid junctional fixation constructs, while providing the benefit of preserving the posterior ligament complex.Level of Evidence: 5.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E415-E422
Number of pages8
JournalSpine
Volume47
Issue number9
Early online date24 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2022

Keywords

  • FUSION
  • HOOKS
  • INSTRUMENTED VERTEBRA
  • KYPHOSIS
  • OUTCOMES
  • PEDICLE SCREWS
  • PREVALENCE
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • SCOLIOSIS
  • SURGICAL-TREATMENT
  • adult spinal deformity
  • proximal junctional failure
  • proximal junctional kyphosis
  • semi-rigid junctional fixation
  • spine biomechanics

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