Effect of posterior structure resection on lumbar spine stability. A preliminary biomechanical study
Dai, L.Y.; Xu, Y.K.; Zhang, W.M.; Zhou, Z.H.; Wang, Y.J.; Wang, G.L.
Chinese Medical Journal 101(4): 272-276
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 3138087 Document Number: 316520
Resection of the posterior structure of the lumbar spine is one of the common operations. Conflicting views exist on the effect of this surgical procedure on lumbar spine stability. Nine functional spinal units (FSU) were divided into Groups A (normal FSU), B (total laminectomy and partial facetectomy) and C (total laminectomy and total facetectomy) and tested with the FSUs in the supine and standing positions while being subjected to loads. Displacement and rotation of sagittal planes and compression strengths were measured. The experiment showed that there were highly significant differences (p < 0.01) or significant differences (p < 0.05) between the 3 groups. It is suggested that the posterior structures be damaged minimally while bringing about thorough decompression and that lumbar spine stability be preserved or reconstructed.