A. Rohlmann, G. Bergmann, F. Graichen


October 1999, Volume 8, Issue 5, pp 354 - 359 SSE Basic Science Award 1999 Read Full Article 10.1007/s005860050187

First Online: 26 October 1999

Telemeterized internal spinal fixation devices were implanted in ten patients. The loads acting on the fixators were compared for different body positions, including standing, sitting, and lying in a supine, prone, and lateral position. Implant loads differed considerably from patient to patient depending, for example, on the indication for surgery and the surgical procedure. They were altered by anterior interbody fusion. Mostly, only small differences in implant loads were found for the various lying positions. Flexion bending moments were significantly higher in upright than in lying body positions. Loads on the fixators were not higher for sitting than for standing. Patients who have undergone mono- or bisegmental spine stabilization should therefore be allowed to sit as soon as they can leave the bed.


Read Full Article