A PROTOCOL TO EVALUATE SEMIRIGID PEDICLE SCREW SYSTEMS

The objective of the current study was to develop an in vitro testing protocol to evaluate semi-rigid pedicle screw devices. A corpectomy mo del protocol exists to evaluate rigid spinal implants: however, semi-r igid devices are contraindicated for this condition. This paper descri bes a technique that simulates more closely the conditions a semi-rigi d device would see in vivo. Finally, the new testing protocol is used to evaluate the DDS(R) pedicle screw-cable system. Benefits and shortc omings of the new protocol are discussed.