The Mechanical Consequence of Failure of Ossified Union in Attempted Posterior Spinal Fusion

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Abstract
The mechanical behavior of pseudoarthrosis in posterior spinal fusion was investigated. A canine model was developed in which an incompletely ossified posterior fusion mass was consistently produced. The spines were excised and the motion segments were mechanically tested using a specially developed loading apparatus. Tests were performed to evaluate stiffness of the segments to loading with compression, torsion, and anterioposterior and lateral bending shear stiffness. Changes in other modes of loading were less consistent. Motion characteristics of the pseudarthrosis could not be predicted from the extent of the osseous defect noted on roentgenograms. These findings correlate clinically with the progression of curvature seen with pseudoarthrosis in [human] scollosis surgery and the unpredictable results of pseudarthrosis in posterior fusion performed in the treatment of degenerative disc disease.

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