Abstract
To evaluate and compare the stability of an anterior cement construct following total spondylectomy for meta-static disease against alternative stabilization techniques.
After intact analysis of ten cadaveric spines (T9–L3), a T12 spondylectomy was performed. Three reconstruction techniques were tested for their ability to restore stiffness to the specimen using non-destructive tests:
1) multilevel posterior pedicle screw instrumentation (PPSI) from T10–L2 {MPI}, 2) anterior instrumentation from T11–L1 with PPSI {AMPI}, and 3) anterior cement and pins construct (T12) with PPSI {CMPI}.
Circumferential stabilization {AMPI, CMPI} restored stiffness to a level of the intact spine. CMPI provided more stability to the specimen than AMPI. MPI alone did not restore stiffness to the intact level.
Circumferential reconstruction using an anterior cement construct following total spondylectomy is biomechanically superior to posterior stabilisation alone.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Simon Donell. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedics, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Level 4, Centre Block, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom
