title: Simple and Economical Method to Create Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture in a Calf Spine Model.
abstract: METHODS
  Calf spine model study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe a technique of creating thoracolumbar burst fractures in calf spine model by low weight drop weight.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Burst fractures are one of the commonest types of thoracolumbar fractures and their treatment is controversial. Biomechanical studies aid in the decision of treatment of these fractures. A simple method of creation of burst fractures would help these biomechanical studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten specimens of thoracolumbar spines harvested from 6-8 week old calves were weakened at the target vertebra by standardized osteotomy cuts. Burst fractures were created by dropping a 5-kg of weight from a height of 1.2 m using an in-house device. An accelerometer attached to the weight measured the acceleration at the point of impact.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Average weight and bone mineral density of the specimens was 390 g and 0.67 g/cm(2), respectively. Computed tomography scan analysis of the fractures revealed McCormack grade 2 and grade 3 fractures in 5 and 3 specimens, respectively, Dennis type 2B in 4, type 2A burst fractures in 5 specimens and fracture dislocation in 1 specimen, AO type A3.1.1 in 4 specimens, type A3.2.2 in 4 and type A3.3.3 in 2 specimens. Vertical laminar split fracture was seen in 6 specimens. Average acceleration and energy at impact was 9.04 m/sec and 54.24 Nm, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We describe a technique to create thoracolumbar burst fractures in calf spine by a drop weight method using a device that is simple to operate and easy to construct. The method is consistent and produces fractures similar to those occurring naturally, and can be considered as an alternative method for creating burst fractures in biomechanical studies.
authors.affiliation: Spinal Disorder Surgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sekharappa
authors.affiliation: Spinal Disorder Surgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
authors.forename: Azad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sait
keywords: Burst; Calf; Fracture; Spine