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BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF ANTERIOR CERVICAL STABILISATION SYSTEMS

Spinal Unit, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham B31 2AP

14 systems for anterior cervical stabilisation were evaluate under flexion-compression bending using test procedures conforming to Static and Fatigue Test Methods for Spinal Implant Assemblies using Corpectomy Models Part 2a [ISO/TC 150/SC5 N127C]

Plates of standardised active length were tested in an in-vitro model of a single corpectomy of the lower cervical spine using composite test blocks manufactured by Sawbones to have physical properties similar to cervical vertebrae.

Results reveal a wide range in final yield strengths with bi-cortical systems significantly stronger than uni-cortical ones. There was a fourfold difference in ultimate load between the stronger and weakest systems.

We found that mode of failure was influenced by plate thickness, screw length and screw placement.

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