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Intervertebral Displacement of the Thoracic Spine with and without Loading: Radiographic and in Vitro Measurements
Scott C Seaman1, Mario Zanaty1, Marshall T Holland1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|March 12, 2020
Summary
This study assessed spinal cord stimulation (SCS) safety. Intradural SCS electrode placement showed minimal dura mater displacement (<1 mm), indicating a low risk of spinal cord contact.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
Background:
- Developing an intradural approach for spinal cord stimulation (SCS).
- Evaluating risks of electrode contact with the spinal cord's pial surface during spinal loading.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the risk of inadvertent contact between an intradural SCS electrode array and the spinal cord.
- Quantify dura mater displacement under varying spinal positions and loading.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective imaging analysis of 25 patients in different positions (supine, 45°, 90°).
- Cadaveric model study with prototype intradural stimulator and axial spinal loading (13.8 kg).
Main Results:
- Measured relative displacement of the dura mater towards the spinal cord was consistently less than 1 mm.
- Both imaging and cadaveric studies demonstrated minimal movement.
Conclusions:
- The intradural implantation method maintains safe separation between the electrode and the spinal cord.
- The risk of contact is comparable to standard epidural stimulator implants.
