1019 - Influence of Fixation and Mechanical Properties of a Spinal Fixation Device on Production of Wear Debris Particles in Vivo

INTRODUCTION: Several different types of devices are available to aid in spinal fixation. Clinical results are usually acceptable but aseptic loosening may occur, and may be accompanied by particles of wear debris. Debris is now recognized as a probable cause of loosening of total joint prostheses, but the magnitude of debris associated with spinal devices, and it's relation to motion are unclear. Wear debris in the spine could be derived from several sources, including fretting and/or corrosion between modular components or from surgical instruments. A few reports describe the tissue reaction to debris around human lumbar fusion implants (1, 2), but to our knowledge no previous studies have quantified particles at this site. The purpose of this study is to use an established segmental spinal fusion model to characterize the relationship between the motion of a spinal segment and the concentration of wear particles in soft tissue surrounding the fixation device.