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Biomechanical comparison of the K-ROD and Dynesys dynamic spinal fixator systems – A finite element analysis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lin, Hung-Ming | Pan, Yung-Ning | Liu, Chien-Lin | Huang, Li-Ying | Huang, Chang-Hung | Chen, Chen-Sheng;

Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan | Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan | Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan | Department of Biomedical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamshui Taipei County, Taiwan | Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Chen-Sheng Chen, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nung St., Taipei, Taiwan 112. Tel.: +886 2 28267353; Fax: +886 2 28270140; E-mail: cschen@ym.edu.tw

Keywords: Finite element analysis, biomechanics, dynamic spinal stabilization devices, K-ROD system, Dynesys

DOI: 10.3233/BME-130766

Journal: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 495-505, 2013

Received 4 March 2013
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Accepted 22 May 2013
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Published: 2013
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Abstract

Dynamic spinal fixators, such as the Dynesys (DY) and K-ROD (KD) systems, are designed to restore spinal stability and to provide flexibility. The long-term complications of implant breakage and the biomechanics of the adjacent and the bridged levels using the KD system are still unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and compare the biomechanical effects of the KD system and the DY system. Finite element (FE) models of the degenerated lumbar spine, the DY system, and the KD system were each reconstructed. Hybrid-controlled analysis was applied in the three FE models. The FE results indicated that the KD system supplies the most stiffness during extension and the least stiffness during flexion, in contrast to the DY system. In contrast to the DY system, the KD system increased the facet contact force of the adjacent level, but this system decreased the screw stress on the cranial adjacent disc and the pedicle during flexion.

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