Stabilization of the Lower Thoracic and Lumbar Spine: Comparative in Vitro Investigation of an External Skeletal and Various Internal Fixation Devices

The external fixation test of the lumbar spine: 30 complications in 25 of 100 consecutive patients

“…The procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 91 cases and under local anesthesia in 9 cases. The A 0 external fixator (Schlapfer and Worsdorfer 1980, Magerl 1981, 1982, 1984, Schlapfer et al 1982) was applied for the fixation test. The distraction of the involved segment or segments was introduced already on the operation table.…”

Three-dimensional stabilization provided by the external spinal fixator compared to two internal fixation devices: a biomechanical in vitro flexibility study

“…However, the concept of external spinal fixation in the preoperative assessment of chronic LBP patients is based on stabilizing the spine segments that are suspected of causing the patient´s symptoms. In a thoracolumbar fracture model, Schläpfer et al verified that in flexion loading the ESF provided better stabilization than the Harrington distraction rod system [17]. Later, Stalder et al found the ESF to provide significant stabilization in axial rotation under torsional loading [20].…”

“…In a thoracolumbar fracture model, the stabilizing effect of the ESF in flexion loading was superior to that of a Harrington distraction rod system [17]. Stalder et al found the ESF to provide torsional and transversal stabilization to the functional spinal unit (FSU) [20].…”

Temporary external pedicular fixation versus definitive bony fusion: a prospective comparative study on pain relief and function

“…The mechanical potential for achieving stabilisation by the external fixator has been questioned. The results from in vitro cadaveric studies are divergent [13,17]. Studied in vivo by roentgen stereophotogrammetry, intervertebral mobility was reduced with an external frame, and in most cases eradicated for the limited provocation when changing position from supine to erect [2].…”