ObjectAnterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is often supplemented with instrumentation to increase stability in the spine. If anterior plate fixation provided the same stability as posterior pedicle screw fixation (PSF), then a second approach and its associated morbidity could be avoided.MethodsSeven human cadaveric L4–5 spinal segments were tested under three conditions: ALIF with an anterior plate, ALIF with an anterolateral plate, and ALIF supplemented by PSF. Range of motion (ROM) was calculated for flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial torsion and compared among the three configurations.ResultsThere were no significant differences in ROM during flexion/extension, lateral bending, or axial torsion among any of the three instrumentation configurations.ConclusionsThe addition of an anterior plate or posterior PS/rod instrumentation following ALIF provides substantially equivalent biomechanical stability. Additionally, the position of the plate system, either anterior or anterolateral, does not significantly affect the stability gained.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.