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Comparative mechanical properties of spinal cable and wire fixation systems
C A Dickman1, S M Papadopoulos, N R Crawford
1Spinal Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Spine
|March 15, 1997
Summary
Mechanical testing reveals significant differences in spinal fixation systems. Polyethylene cables offer superior fatigue resistance, while metal wires and cables can abrade bone, impacting clinical selection.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Science
Background:
- Spinal fixation widely uses cables, but mechanical properties are poorly documented.
- Limited comparative data exists for different spinal cable fixation systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare mechanical properties and biomechanical performance of spinal wire and cable fixation devices.
- Inform clinical selection of spinal fixation implants based on application.
Main Methods:
- Mechanically tested nine spinal cable and wire fixation systems.
- Evaluated static tensile strength, stiffness, fatigue strength, creep, conformance, and abrasion.
- Simulated in vivo clinical applications for testing.
Main Results:
- Titanium cables showed lower tensile strength than steel; polyethylene cables matched strongest steel.
- Polyethylene cables excelled in fatigue resistance; metal cables/wires abraded simulated bone.
- Failure mechanisms varied: polyethylene cables elongated; wire cables fractured.
Conclusions:
- Spinal cable systems (titanium, steel, polyethylene) exhibit distinct mechanical behaviors.
- Product-specific advantages and disadvantages necessitate careful consideration for clinical use.