Hangman's fracture: a biomechanical comparison of stabilization techniques.

Study Design: In vitro biomechanical flexibility experiment studying 5 sequential conditions.

Objective: To determine the biomechanical differences among 3 fixation techniques after a simulated hangman's fracture.

Summary Of Background Data: Type II hangman's fractures are often treated surgically with a C2-C3 anterior cervical discectomy, fusion, and plating.

Biomechanical comparison of anterolateral plate, lateral plate, and pedicle screws-rods for enhancing anterolateral lumbar interbody cage stabilization.

Study Design: A repeated measures in vitro flexibility experiment was performed in calf spines.

Objectives: To determine the biomechanical differences among three techniques for augmenting stability of an anterolateral lumbar threaded interbody cage.

Background: Stand-alone interbody cages are known to inadequately stabilize the spine.

Craniovertebral junction fixation with transarticular screws: biomechanical analysis of a novel technique.

Object: The authors compared the biomechanical stability resulting from the use of a new technique for occipitoatlantal motion segment fixation with an established method and assessed the additional stability provided by combining the two techniques.

Methods: Specimens were loaded using nonconstraining pure moments while recording the three-dimensional angular movement at occiput (Oc)-C1 and C1-2. Specimens were tested intact and after destabilization and fixation as follows: 1) Oc-C1 transarticular screws plus C1-2 transarticular screws; 2) occipitocervical transarticular (OCTA) plate in which C1-2 transarticular screws attach to a loop from Oc to C-2; and (3) OCTA plate plus Oc-C1 transarticular screws.