Development of a Remodeled Caspar Retractor and Its Application in the Measurement of Distractive Resistance in an In Vitro Anterior Cervical Distraction Model.
Clin Spine Surg 2017;
30:E592-E597. [PMID:
28525483 DOI:
10.1097/bsd.0000000000000215]
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN
In vitro biomechanical study of the cervical intervertebral distraction using a remodeled Caspar retractor.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the torques required for distraction to different heights in an in vitro C3-C4 anterior cervical distraction model using a remodeled Caspar retractor, focusing on the influence of the intervertebral disk, posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), and ligamentum flavum (LF).
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
No previous studies have reported on the torques required for distraction to various heights or the factors resisting distraction in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
METHODS
Anterior cervical distractions at C3-C4 was performed in 6 cadaveric specimens using a remodeled Caspar retractor, under 4 conditions: A, before disk removal; B, after disk removal; C, after disk and PLL removal; and D, after disk and PLL removal and cutting of the LF. Distraction was performed for 5 teeth, and distractive torque of each tooth was recorded.
RESULTS
The torque increased with distraction height under all conditions. There was a sudden increase in torque at the fourth tooth under conditions B and C, but not D. Under condition A, distraction to the third tooth required 84.8±13.3 cN m. Under conditions B and C, distraction to the third tooth required <13 cN m, and further distraction required dramatically increased torque. Under condition D, no marked increase in torque was recorded.
CONCLUSIONS
Distraction of the intervertebral space was much easier after disk removal. An intact LF caused a sudden marked increase in the force required for distraction, possibly indicating the point at which the LF was fully stretched. This increase in resistance may help to determine the optimal distraction height to avoid excessive stress to the endplate spacer. The remodeled Caspar retractor in the present study may provide a feasible and convenient method for intraoperative measurement of distractive resistance.
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