Cyclic axial loading of spinal implants

The performance characteristics of Harrington distraction rods were evaluated and compared with paired wired L-rods when subjected to cyclic axial compression loading. Twelve fresh frozen swine spines with intact facet joints and anterior and posterior ligamentous complexes were instrumented and tested in a specially designed pneumatic testing device. Nine spines were displaced 2.54 cm over 10,000 cycles at a pressure of 10.3-13.8 kN/m2 (15-20 psi). Four spines were mounted in an Instron machine (Instron Engineering Corp., Canton, MA). Load displacement curves were determined for each spine without instrumentation, with Harrington distraction rod and with paired wired L-rods. Results of this cyclic axial compression testing showed that the Harrington distraction rod allowed 0.5 cm shortening in contrast to the L-rods that permitted 1.5 cm of axial displacement. Friction movement and metallic debris were noted between the sublaminal wires and the L-rods. The Luque Instrumented spine showed greater coronal plane displacement than the Harrington instrumented spines. Displacements in the sagittal plane were greater with the Harrington than Luque instrumented spines. Rotation changes in the sagittal plane were greater with the Harrington than Luque instrumented spines. Load displacement curves done on four spines indicated a wide range of applied load, 356 N (80 lbs) to 712 N (160 lbs) being necessary to displace the spines 2.54 cm. The clinician should be aware that the Luque system does not resist imposed axial compression loading in the axial and coronal planes as well as the Harrington distraction rod.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)