Biomechanical Effects of Proximal Polyetheretherketone Rod Extension on the Upper Instrumented and Adjacent Levels in a Human Long-Segment Construct: A Cadaveric Model

Abstract

Extending a long-segment construct using PEEK rods caused a decrease in adjacent-level hypermobility as a consequence of long-segment immobilization and also redistributed the strain on the UIV and adjacent levels, which might contribute to PJK physiopathology. Further studies are necessary to observe the clinical outcomes of this technique.