Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Biomechanical rigidity of an all-polyetheretherketone anterior thoracolumbar spinal reconstruction construct: an in
Seung-Myung Moon1, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Jason M Highsmith
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Yeongdeungpo-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
Background Context:
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is gaining favor as a spinal implant material for interbody and corpectomy cages as well as stabilizing rods. However, there has been little correlation to a relevant and reproducible clinical model. Biomechanical data on PEEK rod constructs have not been reported.
Purpose:
To quantify the stabilizing effects of PEEK versus titanium (Ti) instrumentation in a thoracolumbar corpectomy model.
Study Design:
Corpectomy and randomized instrumentation with an all-Ti, all-PEEK, and hybrid cage/rod construct were performed on cadaveric spines to assess biomechanical differences.
Methods:
Pure unconstrained bending moments were applied to the intact spine and subsequent test constructs in the three physiologic planes using a load control protocol. Motion tracking and analysis were carried out to quantify and compare the range of motion (ROM) between different test constructs in each plane.
Results:
Flexion ROM did not show significant changes compared with intact, whereas the all-Ti and hybrid construct reduced ROM significantly in extension. Lateral bending was significantly reduced in all the treatment groups. Rotational stability of the construct was significantly compromised by an all-PEEK spinal construct.
Conclusion:
The rigidity of the corpectomy construct increased as the amount of Ti in the construct increased. A hybrid construct incorporating a PEEK corpectomy cage and Ti rods may provide adequate stability for an anterior thoracolumbar reconstruction in the sagittal and coronal planes. An all-PEEK construct may provide adequate stability in the coronal and sagittal planes but may compromise the stability significantly in axial rotation. Consideration should be given for supplemental posterior instrumentation if an all-PEEK construct is used in an anterior thoracolumbar spinal reconstruction procedure.