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. 2018 Jun;15(2):123-130.
doi: 10.14245/ns.1836050.025. Epub 2018 Jun 19.

Choice of Rods in Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: What Are the Clinical Implications of Biomechanical Properties? - A Review of the Literature

Søren Ohrt-Nissen  1 , Benny Dahl  2 , Martin Gehrchen  1
Affiliations

Choice of Rods in Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: What Are the Clinical Implications of Biomechanical Properties? - A Review of the Literature

Søren Ohrt-Nissen et al. Neurospine. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

The surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) involves 3-dimensional curve correction with multisegmental pedicle screws attached to contoured bilateral rods. The substantial corrective forces exert a high level of stress on the rods, and the ability of the rod to withstand these forces without undergoing permanent deformation relies on its biomechanical properties. These properties, in turn, are dependent on the material, diameter, and shape of the rod. The surgical treatment of AIS is characterized by the requirement for a special biomechanical profile that may differ substantially from what is needed for adult deformity surgery. This overview summarizes the current knowledge of rod biomechanics in frequently used rod constructs, with a particular focus on translational research between biomechanical studies and clinical applicability in AIS patients.

Keywords: Adolescent; Methods; Spinal fusion; Surgery; Scoliosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

SO, MG, and BD received an institutional research grant from K2M outside the submitted work. MG and BD received an institutional research grant from Medtronic outside the submitted work

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Rod contouring using a French bender whereby a physiological sagittal profile is mimicked prior to rod insertion.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
A main thoracic curve with a preoperative severe hypokyphosis (lordosis). The lordosis is only minimally improved after surgery and a proximal junctional kyphosis is developing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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