Biomechanical effects of a titanium intervertebral cage as a stand-alone device, and in combination with locking plates in the canine caudal cervical spine

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the change in ex vivo biomechanical properties of the canine cervical spine, due to an intervertebral cage, both as a stand-alone device and in combination with plates. Study Design: Experimental ex vivo study. Animals: Cervical spinal segments (C5-C7) from eight canine cadavers. Methods: The range of motion (ROM) and elastic zone stiffness (EZS) of the spines were determined with a four-point bending device in flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation for four conditions: native, discectomy, cage (at C6-C7), and cage with plates (at C6-C7). The disc height index (DHI) for each condition was determined using radiography. Results: Discectomy resulted in overall increased ROM (p