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Novel augmentation technique of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation using hydroxyapatite granules in the osteoporotic lumbar spine: a cadaveric biomechanical analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

Percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) fixation has been commonly used for various spine surgeries. Rigid PPS fixation is necessary to decrease the incidence of screw loosening in osteoporotic spine. Recently, we have reported biomechanical advantages of augmentation technique using hydroxyapatite (HA) granules for PPS fixation in synthetic bone. However, its biomechanical performance in augmenting PPS fixation for osteoporotic spine has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study is to perform a cadaveric biomechanical analysis of PPS fixation augmented with HA granules.

Methods

Thirty osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5) were obtained from 6 cadavers (3 men and 3 women; age 80 ± 9 years; bone mineral density 73 ± 9 mg/cm3). The maximal pullout strength and maximal insertion torque were compared between the screws inserted into the vertebrae with and without augmentation. In toggle testing, the number of craniocaudal toggle cycles and maximal load required to achieve the 2-mm screw head displacement were also compared.

Results

The maximal pullout strength in the screws augmented with HA granules was significantly greater compared to those without augmentation (p < 0.05). The augmentation significantly increased the maximal insertion torque of the screws (p < 0.05). Moreover, the number of toggle cycles and the maximal load required to reach 2 mm of displacement were significantly higher in the augmented screws (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The PPS fixation was significantly enhanced by the augmentation with HA granules in the osteoporotic lumbar spine. The PPS fixation augmented with HA granules might decrease the incidence of screw loosening and implant failure in patients with osteoporotic spine.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Michio Hongo and Dr. Keitaro Matsukawa for useful discussion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan

    Haruo Kanno, Toshimi Aizawa, Ko Hashimoto & Eiji Itoi

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  1. Haruo Kanno
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  2. Toshimi Aizawa
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  3. Ko Hashimoto
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Correspondence to Haruo Kanno.

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Kanno, H., Aizawa, T., Hashimoto, K. et al. Novel augmentation technique of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation using hydroxyapatite granules in the osteoporotic lumbar spine: a cadaveric biomechanical analysis. Eur Spine J 30, 71–78 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06451-2

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