[Biomechanical evaluation of titanium mesh with anterior plate fixation or ilium autograft in anterior cervical decompression]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of titanium mesh with anterior plate fixation or ilium autograft in anterior cervical decompression.

Methods: Six fresh cervical spine specimens (C3-7) of young cadaver were used in the biomechanical test. After C5, C5,6 and C4-6 were given vertebrectomy, ilium autograft and titanium mesh with anterior plate fixation were performed. Their stabilities of flexion, bilateral axial rotation, the lateral bending and the extension were tested. Intact cervical spine specimens served as control group.

Results: Ilium autograft improved the stability of the unstable cervical vertebrae and decreased the flexion, the lateral bending or the extension, showing a significant difference when compared with control group (P<0.05). Whereas, axial rotational motion was decreased insignificantly (P>0.05). Titanium mesh with anterior plate fixation improved the stability of the unstable spine and decreased the flexion,the bilateral axial rotation,the lateral bending or the extension, showing a significant difference when compared with control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The vertebrectomy and anterior cervical fusion by ilium autograft was the least stable construct of all modes tested,and the titanium mesh implantation is stable than the intact cervical sample.