Loads on an internal spinal fixation device during walking

Only little knowledge exists concerning the loads on internal spinal fixation devices during walking. In this study, forces and moments were measured in two patients using telemeterized spinal fixators. Although implant loads differed strongly before and after anterior fusion as well as between the two patients, some results were consistent. In every test series, implant loads were higher in walking than in lying, sitting or standing. Walking speed had little influence on implant loads. Staircase walking put slightly higher loads on the implants than normal level walking. Normal use of two crutches reduced implant loads only slightly, whereas a wheeled invalid walker reduced them by about 25%.