Biomechanical Effects of Disc Degeneration and Hybrid Fixation on the Transition and Adjacent Lumbar Segments

Abstract

The use of the hybrid fixator should involve a certain trade-off between the protection of the transition segment and the deterioration of the adjacent segments. This trade-off stiffness, which largely depends on both fixator design and disc degeneration, provides the improved rigidity and flexibility of the transition and adjacent segments.