A curved compliant spinal bone anchor to enhance fixation strength
2024

A curved compliant spinal bone anchor to enhance fixation strength

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): de Kater Esther P., Jager David J., Breedveld Paul, Sakes Aimée

Primary Institution: Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

Hypothesis

The study aims to evaluate a novel curved compliant bone anchor that supplements conventional pedicle screws to enhance fixation strength.

Conclusion

The curved compliant anchor significantly increases the pull-out resistance of pedicle screws, especially in osteoporotic bone.

Supporting Evidence

  • The curved compliant anchor increased the mean maximum pull-out force to 290 N, marking a 14% enhancement compared to conventional screws.
  • The anchor's path radius was found to be dependent on the bone density, showing low variability in samples of the same density.
  • Using multiple curved compliant anchors could further increase fixation strength.

Takeaway

This study introduces a new type of anchor that helps hold bones together better during surgery, especially for people with weak bones.

Methodology

The study involved experiments to test the placement accuracy and pull-out resistance of the curved compliant anchor in bone phantoms.

Limitations

The study was conducted using bone phantoms, which may not fully replicate real human bone conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0315629

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