A Biomechanical Evaluation of a Next-Generation Integrated and Modular ACDF Device Possessing Full-Plate, Half-Plate,...

Area of Science:

• Spinal biomechanics
• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) devices have limitations.
• Novel fixation techniques are continually being developed to improve spinal stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the spinal segmental stability of a novel ACDF device with integrated no-profile, half-plate, and full-plate fixation.
• To compare the biomechanical performance of the novel device against traditional ACDF constructs.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro biomechanical study using 18 human cadaveric specimens (C3-T1).
• Specimens were tested intact, then instrumented with the novel device (no-profile, half-plate, full-plate iterations), traditional ACDF, and combinations with lateral mass screws (LMS).
• A 2 N·m moment was applied in flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation to measure segmental range-of-motion (ROM).

Main Results:

• Novel half- and full-plate constructs showed comparable ROM reduction to traditional ACDF in flexion/extension and lateral bending (P ≥ .05).
• The novel full-plate construct significantly reduced axial rotation ROM more than other anterior-only constructs (P ≤ .05).
• The novel half-plate construct provided significantly greater flexion/extension ROM reduction than the no-profile construct (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• The novel ACDF device is a versatile alternative to traditional plating techniques.
• It provides comparable range-of-motion reduction across all tested iterations and motion directions.
• This suggests potential for improved spinal segmental stability in ACDF procedures.