Several in vitro biomechanical studies about posterior ligaments of the spine performed. These studies showed that posterior ligaments of the spine support spinal stability and play an important role in restricting spinal motion. The aim of this study is to investigate the strength of interspinous wiring technique in mature sheep lumbar vertebraes in vitro. 24 sheep lumbar vertebraes divided into 3 groups as; posterior spinal ligaments intact, sacrified and fixed with interspinous wiring, and these groups tested biomechanically. Each 8 specimens compressed with testing machine and breaking forces were analyzed statistically. The resistance and changes for flexion forces saved in each groups. The mean forces at breaking point were 167,65 N in group 1, 66,36 N in group 2 and 242,87 N in group 3. The results demonstrated statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0,05). According to these datas, we thought that the fixation with interspinous cerclage wiring could support the resistance of spinal segment for flexion forces in ruptured posterior ligament complex of vertebraes.
Keywords: Posterior ligamentous complex, spinal instability, interspinous wiring