Universal Clamp system in thoracolumbar spinal fixation: technical note

Abstract

The polyester band is soft and flexible, and the anterior-posterior spinal canal space occupied by the band is less than by sublaminar wire steel cable, thus avoiding direct spinal cord trauma during sublaminar passage. The flat configuration of the cable distributes the load over a larger contact area under the lamina compared to metal wires without producing imaging artefacts in postoperative imaging. This preliminary report demonstrates the efficacy and safety of this technique for the stabilization of thoracolumbar spinal disorders.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction achieved by posteromedial translation using polyester bands: A comparative study of subtransverse process versus sublaminar fixation

“…Ilharreborde also pointed out the reduction in operative time and blood loss in comparison to a group of patients treated with thoracic hook hybrid constructs [10]. In addition, the polyester bands indications have recently been extended to traumatology, with promising results [25,26]. However, approaching the canal carries a potential risk of neurological injury.…”

Biomechanical evaluation of posterior lumbar dynamic stabilization: an in vitro comparison between Universal Clamp and Wallis systems

“…The procedure to implant the Wallis is safe and associated with low morbidity, but requires the resection of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments [13]. The UC is an innovative implant recently described for the surgical correction of spinal deformity and fractures [9,11]. Initially developed to replace hooks at thoracic levels in scoliosis surgery [10], it can be used in the lumbar spine and might have potential as a non-rigid implant for dynamic stabilization.…”

“…The main drawbacks of the UC techniques is the need for ligamentum flavum resection and potential neurological risk during the sublaminar insertion, although this complication has not been reported [9,11,28,29]. Neither of these implants can be used if decompressive laminectomy is required.…”

“…Recently, an alternative fixation technique has been proposed in the treatment of scoliosis and spinal fractures [9][10][11]. The Universal Clamp system (UC) uses a polyester band that is passed under the lamina and anchored to a rod by a titanium clamp.…”

Correction chirurgicale des scolioses idiopathiques de l’adolescent par instrumentation hybride combinant vis pédiculaires et liens universels : étude comparative des liens sous-transversaires et sous-lamaires

“…Ilharreborde rapporte également une diminution des pertes sanguines et de la durée opératoire en comparaison avec une instrumentation hybride crochets + vis pédiculaires [10]. De plus, leurs indications ont récemment été élargies à la traumatologie avec des résultats prometteurs [25,26].…”