Objective:
There are many studies in the literature for posterior spinal instrumentations. In this study, we compared a titanium screw with a polyester band with a clamp (LOTUS) and a rigid titanium transverse binder system, which are used in the lower lumbar region and to examine the strength and superiority of the systems against each other with the finite element (FE) analysis.
Material and Methods:
A Ti6Al4V grade 5 titanium biocompatible alloy support for a pediclebased posterior stabilization system and a polyethylene band support for a pedicle-based posterior stabilization system were compared as testing material.
Results:
Range of motion was decreased by 95.8 % when a pedicle-based stabilization system was used at L4–L5. Range of motion was decreased further, about 1%, when the polymer band was used in conjunction with a posterior stabilization system in axial rotation.
Conclusion:
Similar results were observed when a titanium transverse connector was used. In light of the results of all finite element analyses, neither the titanium screws with a polyester band with a clamp (LOTUS) nor the rigid titanium transverse binder system has a significant superiority over the other. Equivalent results in the limitation of movement and rigidity allow the use of these systems in short-segment posterior spinal instrumentation with the same indications.
Keywords: Finite element analysis, spinal biomechanics, pedicular screw