CLINICAL-APPLICATION OF THE DIAPASON HOOK SYSTEM - A PRELIMINARY CASE-REPORT

A preliminary case report of the clinical application of the Diapason hook system is discussed. The hooks were implanted in six patients for the fixation of the thoracic region (n = 3), the prevention of backou t of pedicular screws (n = 3), and repair of the pars interarticularis (n = 1); the patients were followed for more than 6 months after the surgery. Results indicate that in all of the cases the initial purpose of the Diapason hook system was served. The advantages of the Diapaso n screw and hook system are its titanium alloy material and simplicity in implanting. Although there have been no instrument failures or any other complications, the cases need longer follow-up. In addition, th e size of some hooks needs to be improved because they were too large to apply to the short segments.