Camilla Gandolfo
Use of cross-link in spinal fixation: a multi-body perspective to evaluate the loads interchanged in the implant.
Rel. Mara Terzini, Simone Borrelli. Politecnico di Torino, Corso di laurea magistrale in Ingegneria Biomedica, 2024
Abstract
The spine is one of the most frequent site of cancer metastasis, impacting over 30% of cancer patients, mainly in the thoracic and lumbar regions. One of the most severe complications of spinal metastases is spinal cord compression, which may require surgical intervention to relieve neurological deficits. Decompressive laminectomy is a common solution, in which the vertebral laminae are removed through a posterolateral approach. This procedure causes strong spinal instability, requiring subsequent fixation of the affected vertebra, traditionally achieved through posterior multilevel fixation above and below the affected vertebra using pedicle screws and rods. However, this long-segment fixation is highly invasive and clinical reports are recording a growing incidence of mechanical failure.
Short-segment fixations, involving only the levels adjacent to the affected vertebra, have been proposed for mild and moderate instabilities; notwithstanding this strategy reduces operative exposure and preserves a larger number of intervertebral joints, but there are substantial concerns regarding the reduced mechanical rigidity it may provide to the spine, especially in case of failure, because of the limited number of pedicle screws that could compensate for the resulting gap
Relatori
Anno Accademico
Tipo di pubblicazione
Numero di pagine
Informazioni aggiuntive
Corso di laurea
Classe di laurea
URI
![]() |
Modifica (riservato agli operatori) |
