Development and biomechanical analysis of an axially controlled compression spinal rod for lumbar spondylolysis

To elucidate the differences in mechanical performance between a novel axially controlled compression spinal rod (ACCSR) for lumbar spondylolysis (LS) and the common spinal rod (CSR).

A total of 36 ACCSRs and 36 CSRs from the same batch were used in this study, each with a diameter of 6.0 mm. Biomechanical tests were carried out on spinal rods for the ACCSR group and on pedicle screw-rod internal fixation systems for the CSR group. The spinal rod tests were conducted following the guidelines outlined in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F 2193, while the pedicle screw-rod internal fixation system tests adhered to ASTM F 1798-97 standards.

The stiffness of ACCSR and CSR was 1559.15 ± 50.15 and 3788.86 ± 156.45 N/mm (P < .001). ACCSR's yield load was 1345.73 (1297.90-1359.97) N, whereas CSR's was 4046.83 (3805.8-4072.53) N (P = .002). ACCSR's load in the 2.5 millionth cycle of the fatigue four-point bending test was 320 N. The axial gripping capacity of ACCSR and CSR was 1632.53 ± 165.64 and 1273.62 ± 205.63 N (P = .004). ACCSR's torsional gripping capacity was 3.45 (3.23-3.47) Nm, while CSR's was 3.27 (3.07-3.59) Nm (P = .654). The stiffness of the pedicle screws of the ACCSR and CSR group was 783.83 (775.67-798.94) and 773.14 (758.70-783.62) N/mm (P = .085). The yield loads on the pedicle screws of the ACCSR and CSR group was 1345.73 (1297.90-1359.97) and 4046.83 (3805.8-4072.53) N (P = .099).

Although ACCSR exhibited lower yield load, stiffness, and fatigue resistance compared to CSR, it demonstrated significantly higher axial gripping capacity and met the stress requirement of the human isthmus. Consequently, ACCSR presents a promising alternative to CSR for LS remediation.