The Use of Nitinol Rods for Lumbosacral Fixation in Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Spine Disease

Abstract

To analyze the results of treatment of degenerative spine disease with the use of nitinol rods for lumbosacral fixation as compared with conventional rigid fixation. Material and Methods.The prospective randomized study included 75 patients (34 males, 41 females; mean age 43 years) with degenerative lesion at the L 5 -S 1 level. Surgical treatment was performed with nitinol rods in 35 patients (Group 1), and with standard titanium rods in 40 patients (Group 2). Clinical and radiological results were assessed in 1.5 years after surgery.Results. The VAS leg-and-back, ODI, and SF-36 scores showed improvement in patients of both groups such as a significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in psychological and physical health. The X-ray examination showed the restoration of the lumbar lordosis in both groups. In Group 1, there was no evidence of screw instability, bone resorption around screws and the adjacent segment disease, and functional radiography demonstrated preservation of mobility (5.0° ± 1.2°). There were seven patients with pseudoarthrosis, and six -with adjacent segment disease in Group 2, surgical intervention was required in four of them. Conclusion.Transpedicular fixation in the lumbosacral spine using nitinol rods is an effective technology allowing for mobility preservation in combination with stable fixation.

Comparison of Nitinol and Titanium Nails Effectiveness for Lumbosacral Spine Fixation in Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Spine Diseases

“…Температура начала восстановления формы нитинола, используемого в динамических стержнях, составляет 27°С, температура конца восстановления формы -35°С. Стержни используются в сверхупругом состоянии при температуре тела (36-37°С), обеспечивая механическую совместимость транспедикулярной системы с механическим поведением позвоночника [19].…”

Effect of Cooling and Annealing Conditions on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Superelastic Behavior of a Rotary Forged Ti–18Zr–15Nb (at. %) Bar Stock for Spinal Implants

“…In the case of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, surgical interventions using spinal fixation systems (pedicle screws, rods, cages) are frequently needed. Recently, dynamic fixation systems allowing a certain mobility in the spinal motion segment have become widespread, thus reducing the number of complications stemming from the use of rigid fixation systems [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The dynamic correction of the spine using the vertebral body tethering technique is of particular importance for growing patients (children) [ 4 ].…”