Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39794854›Full record

ArticleJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2025

Biomechanical insights into anterolateral vertebral screw fixation in osteoporotic spines: a comparative study of fixation methods and positions using porcine vertebrae.

Ming-Kai Hsieh, Yun-Da Li, Weng-Pin Chen, De-Mei Lee, Ching-Lung Tai

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ming-Kai HsiehDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Section, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Yun-Da LiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Section, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Weng-Pin ChenDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan. wpchen@ntut.edu.tw.
De-Mei LeeDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. dmlee@mail.cgu.edu.tw.
Ching-Lung TaiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Section, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan. taicl@mail.cgu.edu.tw.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9084-4885

Funding

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital CMRPD2M0141, CMRPD2M0142Chang Gung Memorial Hospital CRRPG3M0122, CMRPG3M0372
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveCombining oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) with posterior pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) has been proposed to reduce cage subsidence, especially in osteoporotic spines. Recently, anterolateral screw-rod fixation has gained interest as it allows direct pathology observation and avoids a posterior approach. However, controversies exist between anterolateral screw fixation systems and traditional PPSF due to variations in osteoporotic vertebral mineral density, screw fixation positions, and fixation methods (bicortical vs. unicortical). This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical impact of fixation position and method in osteoporotic spine.

methodsSeventy-two fresh‑frozen porcine vertebrae (L1-6) were decalcified using 0.5 M EDTA and divided into two groups based on fixation method: bicortical or unicortical. Six groups for each method were created according to the screw position in the lateral vertebral body, with six specimens in each group: anterior, central, and posterior in the middle body and para-endplate regions. Correlations among screw position, fixation method and axial pullout strength were analyzed.

resultsA 4-week decalcification process, bone mineral density in the porcine vertebrae decreased to approximately 48% (p < 0.05) of the original value, categorizing them as osteoporotic. Bicortical fixation showed significantly greater pullout forces than unicortical fixation, with differences ranging from 82 to 273%. Notably, central or posterior screws outperformed anterior screws in pullout strength.

conclusionBicortical fixation exhibited significantly greater pullout forces than unicortical fixation. We suggest positioning screws in the central or posterior region of the middle body with bicortical fixation in osteoporotic vertebrae.

Indexed as

Lumbar VertebraeOsteoporosisPedicle ScrewsSpinal FusionAnimalsBiomechanical PhenomenaBone DensityBone ScrewsSwineAnterolateral vertebral screw fixationBicortical and unicortical screw fixationOsteoporosisPedicle screwScrew pullout test

Identifiers

PMID39794854
PMCPMC11724585

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.