[Biomechanical effect of the iliac screw insertion depth on lumbo-iliac fixation construct]

To biomechanically compare the stability of the short and long iliac screw fixation constructs in lumbo-iliac reconstruction.

Seven adult human embalmed cadavers (L(3)-pelvis) were used. Using posterior spinal fixation system, L(4)-S(1) pedicle screw fixation was performed. This was defined as intact state of the sacroiliac joint. After the intact test, total sacrum resection and L(4)-L(5)-pelvis reconstruction by pedicle screw and iliac screw with different lengths were performed as follow: short screw group (as the length of exceeding 2 mm over ischial notch) and long screw group (as the length of exceeding 2 mm over anterior inferior iliac spine). Using the 858 MTS material testing machine, biomechanical testing was performed under 800 N compression and 7 Nm torsion loading modes. At last, the axial pullout test of two iliac screws was executed. Construct stiffness in compression and torsion test, and maximum pullout force were analyzed.

Insertion lengths of the short and long iliac screw were (70 +/- 2) mm and (138 +/- 4) mm respectively. The lumbo-pelvic reconstruction using short and long iliac screw, respectively restored 53.3% +/- 13.6% and 57.6% +/- 16.2% of the initial stiffness in compression testing, and respectively harvested 55.1% +/- 11.9% and 62.5% +/- 9.2% of the initial stiffness in torsion testing. No significant difference was detected between the two reconstructions (P > 0.05), however, the compressive and torsional stiffness of the two techniques were markedly less than the intact condition (P < 0.05). The maximum pullout strength of long iliac screw was significantly higher than short screw (P < 0.05).

Under the physical loading, lumbo-pelvic fixation construct using the short iliac screw may obtain mechanical stability comparable to that by long iliac screw. The short iliac screw is only the half of the long iliac screw by length, could reduce the implantation risk. However, the long iliac screw behaves greater axial pullout force, should be applied as far as possible in the osteoporosis patient. The lumbo-pelvic reconstruction utilizing any length of iliac screw is difficult to restore the local stability.