Biomechanical Evaluation of an Expandable Cage in Single Segment Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

One of the popular methods of treating lumbar spine pathologies involves a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using bilateral interbody non-expandable cages. Due to the geometry of these cages, they can require extensive bony removal and nerve root retraction. Some resultant risks of the procedure include dural lacerations and post-operative neuropraxia. Expandable interbody cages may address some of these concerns and possibly decrease the risks associated with PLIF procedures. This is the first study to our knowledge evaluating the biomechanical characteristics of an expandable lumbar interbody device in a cadaveric human spine model. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of a new expandable interbody cage in single segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion using cadaveric lumbar spines.Copyright © 2009 by ASME