The Effects of Implant Stiffness on the Bypassed Bone Mineral Density and Facet Fusion Stiffness of the Canine Spine

Abstract

There appears to be a range of percent load through the vertebral column that creates optimum fusion/column stiffening while limiting bone stress shielding effects. The 6.35 mm rod constructs were predicted to allow greater than 70% axial load through the adult human thoracic/lumbar spine, implying biologic responses similar to 4.76 mm rods in dogs.