CHANGES OF VERTEBRAL SEGMENT AND FORAMEN WITH ANTERIOR INTERBODY SPACER

ALTERAÇÃO DO SEGMENTO E FORAME VERTEBRAL COM ESPAÇADOR INTERSOMÁTICO ANTERIOR

ALTERACIÓN DEL SEGMENTO VERTEBRAL Y FORAMEN CON ESPACIADOR INTERSOMÁTICO ANTERIOR

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the influence of intersomatic spacers used in ALIF on segmental lordosis and height of the intervertebral foramen.

Methods:

Intersomatic spacers with different heights (17, 18, 20 and 24 mm), length (20, 25 and 30 mm), and angulation (30 and 40 degrees) were introduced in segments L4-L5 and L5-S1 of two adult cadavers according to the ALIF technique. The lordosis of the vertebral segment and the height of the intervertebral foramina were evaluated before and after placement of the different intersomatic spacers.

Results:

An increase in segmental lordosis was observed with the placement of spacers in relation to the initial values. No statistical difference was observed between the different intersomatic spacers. The height of the intervertebral foramen increased with the placement of spacers and a statistical difference was observed between the different intersomatic spacers.

Conclusion:

Segmental lordosis increased with the placement of spacers compared to the control group. There was no statistical difference between the different heights and angles of the spacers. The height of the intervertebral foramen increased with the introduction of spacers. A statistically significant difference was observed with the increase in height and angle of the spacers. Level of Evidence III; Experimental study.

Keywords:
Spinal Fusion; Lordosis; Vertebral foramen