Combinations of Biomechanical Metrics Involving Single and Multi Level Lumbar Posterior Dynamic Spinal Treatments

The subtle effects of motion preservation devices are comparatively more difficult to detect based wholly on the range of motion (RoM) parameter, despite the historical success in characterizing fixation devices. Additional approaches such as descriptive facet techniques, i.e., facet translations analysis, and newly defined metrics, i.e., interpedicular displacement (ID) must first be established, verified and standardized. Ideally, more complete biomechanical parameters would facilitate clinical understanding of specific new devices. The recent focus in our lab has been to measure the RoM in conjunction with other parameters, including ID, to more completely characterize a lumbar spine treated with a posterior dynamic systems (PDS). Furthermore, understanding the construct and which components dominate overall tissue response is important for PDS systems.