Biomechanical Evaluation of a Newly Developed Monocortical Expansion Screw for Use in Anterior Internal Fixation of the Cervical Spine

Abstract

In anterior instrumentation of the cervical spine using a H-plate, the new monocortical expansion screw provides the same biomechanical stability as the bicortical 3.5-mm AO screw and a significantly better biomechanical stability than the cervical spine locking plate. Therefore, the expansion screw may be an alternative to the bicortical fixation and does not involve the risk of penetration of the posterior vertebral body cortex.