EXPULSION TESTING OF AN ANTERIOR CERVICAL INTERVERTEBRAL FUSION CAGE: FACTORS AFFECTING PULL OUT RESISTANCE

摘要

Factors affecting the expulsion resistance of an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) device in a cadaver model were investigated. Two specimen specific properties were considered; bone mineral density (BMD), and donor age. Also, two surgical procedures were used, representing two different degrees of destabilization of the intervertebral joint. Expulsion forces averaged 176 N (S.D. 60 N) for all specimens. No statistically significant difference in expulsion force was found between the specimens in the two surgical groups. However, expulsion force showed significant correlation to both BMD and donor age, with correlation coefficients of 0.81 and -0.83 respectively.