Effects of misalignment on static torsional strength of anterior cervical plate systems.

Background Context: There is little understanding of cervical plate misalignment as a risk factor for plate failure at the plate-screw-bone interface.

Purpose: To assess the torsional strength and mode of failure of cervical plates misaligned relative to the midsagittal vertical axis.

Study Design: Plastic and foam model spine segments were tested using static compression and torsion to assess effects of misaligned and various lengths anterior cervical plate (ACPs).

Shilla growing rods in a caprine animal model: a pilot study.

There are few good surgical options that allow for continued spinal growth in patients with early-onset scoliosis. The "Shilla" is a growth guidance system that does not require repeated surgical lengthenings. The Shilla system guides growth at the ends of dual rods with the apex of the curve corrected, fused, and fixed to the rods.