An in vitro human cadaveric study investigating the biomechanical properties of the thoracic spine.
METHODS
An in vitro human cadaveric study comparing the effects of anterior and posterior sequential destabilization conditions on thoracic functional unit mechanics was studied.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the biomechanical properties of the human thoracic spine.


BACKGROUND
Few studies have addressed the mechanical role of the costovertebral joints under torsion in the stability of the human thoracic spine.


METHODS
Sixteen functional spinal units with intact costovertebral joints were obtained from six human cadavers and randomized into two groups based on destabilization procedures: Group 1, anterior to posterior sequential resection; and Group 2, posterior to anterior sequential destabilization. Biomechanical testing was performed after each destabilization procedure, and the range of motion under maximum load was calculated.


RESULTS
Group 1: Under flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation loading, discectomy increased the range of motion by 193%, 74%, and 111%, respectively. Moreover, subsequent right rib head resection further increased the range of motion by 81%, 84%, and 72%, respectively. Group 2: Under all loading conditions laminectomy + medial facetectomy resulted in a 22-30% increase in range of motion. Subsequent total facetectomy led to an additional 15-28% increase in range of motion.


CONCLUSIONS
The rib head joints serve as stabilizing structures to the human thoracic spine in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes. In anterior scoliosis surgery additional rib head resection after discectomy may achieve greater curve and rib hump correction. The lateral portion of the facet joints plays an important role in providing spinal stability and should be preserved to minimize postoperative kyphotic deformity and segmental instability when performing decompressive wide laminectomy.
Oda
Itaru
I
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan. odaitr@aol.com
Abumi
Kuniyoshi
K
Cunningham
Bryan W
BW
Kaneda
Kiyoshi
K
McAfee
Paul C
PC
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D017586:Diskectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology; D007796:Laminectomy; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012272:Ribs / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000502:physiology