LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To determine the biomechanical behavior of a novel distraction-stabilization system, consisting of an intervertebral distraction bolt, polyaxial screws, and connecting rods, in the canine lumbosacral spine. STUDY DESIGN Biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION Cadaveric canine lumbosacral spines (L4-Cd3) (N = 8). METHODS Cadaveric lumbosacral spines were harvested, stripped of musculature, mounted on a 4-point bending jig, and tested in extension, flexion, and lateral bending using nondestructive compressive axial loads (0-150 N). Angular displacement was recorded from reflective optical trackers rigidly secured to L6, L7, and S1. Data for primary and coupled motion were collected from intact spines, after destabilization at L7-S1, and following surgical stabilization with the new implant system. RESULTS As compared with the intact spine, laminectomy resulted in a modest increase in angular displacement at L6-L7 and a marked increase at L7-S1. Instrumentation significantly reduced motion at the operated level (L7-S1) with a concomitant increase at the adjacent level (L6-L7). CONCLUSION The combination of a polyaxial pedicle screw-rod system and intervertebral spacer provides a versatile solution of surgical stabilization of the lumbosacral joint following surgical decompression in the canine lumbosacral spine. The increase in motion at L6-L7 may suggest the potential for adjacent level effects and clinical trials should be designed to address this question. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results support the feasibility of using this new implant system for the management of degenerative lumbosacral disease in dogs. The increase in motion at L6-L7 may suggest the potential for adjacent level effects and clinical trials should be designed to address this question.