Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

The Role of Pedicle Screw Surface on Insertion Torque and Pullout Strength* * Work developed in the Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

Objective

Compare by mechanical tests the pullout resistance and the insertion torque of rough and smooth pedicle screws.

Methods

Pedicle screws with rough surface and smooth surface, with diameters of 4.8; 5.5 and 6.5 mm, were inserted in polyurethane blocks with density of 10 PCF (0.16 g/cm3). Insertion torque and pullout strength were assessed.

Results

The pullout strength of the rough surface and smooth surface screws did not differ, except in the group of 4.8 mm diameter screws. In this group, the rough surface screws showed greater resistance to pullout.

Conclusion

Pedicle screws with a rough surface did not show increased pullout resistance in the acute phase of their insertion in polyurethane blocks compared to smooth surface screws. The rough surface screws had a higher insertion torque than the smooth surface screws, depending on the diameter of the screw and the preparation of the pilot hole.

Keywords
spine; bone screws; biomechanical phenomena

Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Al. Lorena, 427 14º andar, 01424-000 São Paulo - SP - Brasil, Tel.: 55 11 2137-5400 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: rbo@sbot.org.br