胸椎经"椎弓根-肋骨间"螺钉与椎弓根螺钉固定的抗拔出力比较

目的比较胸椎经"椎弓根-肋骨间"螺钉与椎弓根螺钉固定的抗拔出力.方法5例新鲜尸体脊柱(T6～T10)标本,自椎间盘、小关节及上位椎体下肋椎关节处分解为单椎体(附带双侧肋骨)25个.根据配对随机分组的原则,随机选取椎体一侧作椎弓根螺钉固定组,另一侧则为配对的"椎弓根-肋骨间"螺钉固定组,共组成25个配对组.同组中"椎弓根-肋骨间"螺钉长度较椎弓根螺钉长10mm,直径与椎弓根螺钉相同.将25组的50个螺钉分别进行拔出测试(5mm/min的速度垂直方向拔出).结果"椎弓根-肋骨间"螺钉的抗拔出力为423.1±198.7N;椎弓根螺钉的抗拔出力为783.3±199.5N.前者的抗拔出力显著小于后者(P＜0.01).结论"椎弓根-肋骨间"螺钉的力学性能不及椎弓根螺钉,建议仅将前者作为后者的一种补充,特别是在无法完成椎弓根螺钉置入的部分胸椎节段.     

SSA角度与椎弓根螺钉拔持力的相关性研究

目的 观察椎弓根螺钉不同矢状成角(SSA)置入后单个椎体的拔钉生物力学研究,为临床置钉提供理论依据.方法 采用6月龄猪新鲜L1共12个椎体标本,将24侧椎弓根分3组,按矢状成成角0°组、-20°组、10°组置入椎弓根螺钉,测出最大轴向拔出力.结果 -20°组椎弓根螺钉拔出力及拔出能量最大,0°组螺钉拔出力及拔出量最小,10°组界于二者之间,3组之间最大拔出力及拔出能量两两比较P＜0.05,提示各组之间差异均有统计学意义.结论 矢状面成角置钉对螺钉的把持力大于0°角钉.随置钉角度的增加把持力也逐渐增大.     

不同矢状角度置入椎弓根螺钉的拔钉生物力学研究

目的 观察椎弓根螺钉不同矢状成角置入后单个椎体的拔钉生物力学特点,为临床置钉提供理论依据.方法 采用猪新鲜L1共12个椎体标本,将24侧椎弓根分三组,按不同矢状成角0°组、10°组、-20°组置人椎弓根螺钉,测出最大轴向拔出力.结果 -20°组椎弓根螺钉拔出力及拔出能量最大,0°组最小,10°组界于二者之间;三组之间最大拔出力及拔出能量两两比较P＜0.05.提示各组之间差异均有统计学意义.结论 矢状面成角置钉对螺钉的把持力大于0°角置钉,随置钉角度的增加,螺钉把持力也增大.     

膨胀式脊柱内固定系统椎弓根螺钉翻修作用的生物力学研究

目的：评价自行设计的膨胀式脊柱同定系统（expansive spinal fixation system，ESFS）的椎弓根螺钉对椎弓根螺钉固定失败后的翻修作用。方法：将30个深低温冰冻的正常成人腰椎体标本随机分为A、B、C三组．每组10个椎体（20侧椎弓根）。各组标本每个椎体的两侧椎弓根均先拧入直径6．0mm、长45mm的CD-Ⅱ螺钉．行螺钉拔出试验，记录螺钉的最大旋入力矩和最大轴向拔出力。然后将CD-Ⅱ螺钉拔出，各组标本每一椎体随机经一侧椎弓根原钉道拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的ESFS螺钉；A组另一侧椎弓根拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的CD-Ⅱ螺钉，B组另一侧拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的TSRH螺钉．C组另一侧拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的GSS螺钉。分别测试螺钉最大旋入力矩和最大轴向拔出力。结果：A、B、C三组的ESFS螺钉最大轴向拔出力分别为6mm CD-Ⅱ螺钉的113％、110％和112％，而直径7．0mm、长45mm的CD-Ⅱ螺钉、TSRH螺钉和GSS螺钉的最大轴向拔出力分别只有6mm CD-Ⅱ螺钉的80％、82％和88％，各组ESFS螺钉最大轴向拔出力明显高于其它三种螺钉。差异有显著性（P〈0．01）。各组各螺钉最大旋入力矩之间差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。结论：ESFS螺钉具有很好的椎弓根锚固作用及翻修作用。     

内锥及外锥形椎弓根螺钉的生物力学研究

目的　评价内锥及外锥形椎弓根螺钉固定的生物力学特点。方法　两具成人新鲜腰椎标本 ,选取六个完整椎体 ,随机在两侧椎弓根内分别打入两种形状的椎弓根螺钉 ,在试验机上做椎弓根螺钉拔出实验。结果　外锥形椎弓根螺钉在正常椎弓根内的最大拨出力为 996 17± 5 4 6 9N ,内锥形椎弓根螺钉在正常椎弓根内的最大拔出力为 6 6 7 17± 2 4 74N ,差异有显著性意义。结论　椎弓根螺钉设计成外锥形可提高螺钉的拔出力     

经椎弓根内固定的形态与生物力学研究

目的：提高临床医师对椎弓根内固定技术的理论认识。方法：应用直径４．５ｍｍ,５．５ｍｍ,６．２５ｍｍ和７．０ｍｍ４种不同直径的椎弓根螺钉１６具Ｔ６～Ｓ１节段的新鲜尸体脊柱标本上观察：（１）穿钉失败率;（２）椎弓根膨胀变形率;（３）椎弓根螺钉把持力;（４）椎弓根椎体损伤分类。结果：穿钉失败率与操作技术和椎弓根横径相关,在下胸椎失败率高主要与椎弓根横径密切相关,没有发生穿钉失败的椎弓根膨胀率２８．６％～     

椎弓根螺钉把持椎弓根皮质骨对其固定强度的影响

目的：了解椎弓根螺钉把持椎弓根皮质骨对椎弓根螺钉固定强度的影响。方法：将成年羊腰椎椎弓根48个依据椎弓根皮质骨内径和椎弓根螺钉直径（6．25mm）的相对关系分为三组：A组，螺钉直径小于椎弓根皮质骨内径：B组．螺钉直径超出椎弓根皮质骨内径0.01～0．50mm；C组，螺钉直径超出椎弓根皮质骨内径0.51～1．00mm。每组再根据进钉深度与椎弓根长度（平均约8mm）的相对关系分为Ⅰ（进钉深度为16mm）、Ⅱ（进钉深度为8mm）两组。将椎弓根螺钉置入椎弓根中，观察钉道结构、膨胀情况，测量椎弓根螺钉最大轴向拔出力。结果：椎弓根螺钉置入后，椎弓根发生不同程度膨胀；椎弓根螺纹能够切入皮质骨中；C Ⅰ组最大轴向拔出力比A Ⅰ组和B Ⅰ组大（P〈0．05），C Ⅱ组最大轴向拔出力比A Ⅱ组和B Ⅱ组大（P〈0．05），B Ⅱ组比A Ⅱ组大（P〈0.05）。结论：椎弓根螺钉把持椎弓根皮质骨能够增加椎弓根螺钉的固定强度；且椎弓根螺钉把持椎弓根皮质骨量越大，固定强度越大。     

颈胸段脊柱侧块螺钉和椎弓根螺钉的抗拔强度的研究

目的　分析颈胸段脊柱后路不同置钉方法的拔出强度。方法　 5例新鲜尸体脊柱C6～T4椎骨 ,分解为单个椎体 30个 ,共 6 0个椎弓根。对其中的颈椎分为两组 ,分别为侧块螺钉固定组 (Roy -Camille法 ,Magerl法 ,Anderson法 ,自行设计侧块螺钉植入法 )和椎弓根螺钉固定组。将 6 0个椎弓根分组进行拔出测试 (5mm/min的速度垂直方向拔出 )。胸椎全部用椎弓根螺钉固定。结果　Roy-Camille法和Magerl法最大的拔出力接近 ,自行设计侧块螺钉植入法较Magerl法明显增加 ,而椎弓根螺钉抗拔出力最大。结论　选用侧块后正中线中下 1 / 3作为进针点 ,其抗拔出强度明显增加 ,钉道增加 ,操作简便 ;而颈胸椎椎弓根螺钉的拔出强度均大于侧块螺钉     

胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入治疗胸椎骨折的准确性和安全性评价

目的探讨胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入技术治疗胸椎骨折的准确性和安全性。方法50例胸椎骨折患者术前均行脊柱标准俯卧位CT加密扫描,测量进针点、入钉点至椎体前缘的深度、进针角度和直径,根据测得数据确定椎弓根螺钉置入的深度和方向,术后再行脊柱X线片及CT加密扫描评价置钉的准确性和安全性。结果50例患者共置入240枚胸椎椎弓根螺钉,术后CT加密扫描和X线片观察到220枚（91．7％）螺钉完全在椎弓根皮质骨内;20枚（8．3％）螺钉发生错置,其中7枚（2．9％）螺钉偏外;5枚（2．1％）螺钉偏前外侧,有2枚（0．8％）螺钉靠近主动脉;3枚（1．3％）螺钉偏下;3枚（1．3％）螺钉直径过大导致椎弓根内壁膨胀内移;2枚（0．8％）螺钉误入椎管内。螺钉完全在椎弓根皮质内的百分比在不同的胸椎节段之间有显著性差异。结论术前CT扫描测量胸椎骨折患者椎弓根的有关数据可为术中准确置入螺钉提供重要参考依据。术中标准的X线透视指导和解剖标记定位是保证胸椎椎弓根螺钉准确置入的关键因素。术后CT加密扫描能准确地反映椎弓根螺钉位置偏差,并能反映椎弓根螺钉与相邻结构的位置和关系。螺钉发生错置多见于上胸椎。     

椎弓根外侧壁破坏对脊柱椎弓根钉内固定生物力学强度的影响

目的探讨椎弓根螺钉内固定术中椎弓根外侧壁穿破后,向内侧重新定向后打入矫正螺钉(redirectionally correctly placed pedicle screw,RS)对脊柱内固定的生物力学影响。方法 6只市售家猪,体重95~105 kg,雌雄不限。取其新鲜腰椎标本30个(L1~5椎体各6个)。每个椎体标本一侧椎弓根打入最佳位置的椎弓根螺钉(optimu m placed pedicle screw,OS);对侧在椎弓根和椎体连接处破坏椎弓根外侧壁,然后拧入RS螺钉。分别测量每个椎弓根钉最大拧入扭矩、锁紧扭矩、螺钉松动力和轴向拔出力。结果 OS螺钉和RS螺钉的最大拧入扭矩分别为(111.4±8.2)N·cm和(78.9±6.4)N·cm,差异有统计学意义(Z=3.038,P=0.002);OS螺钉和RS螺钉的锁紧扭矩分别为(86.3±7.7)N·cm和(59.7±5.3)N·cm,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.802,P=0.005)。OS螺钉和RS螺钉的螺钉松动力分别为(76.3±6.2)N和(53.0±5.8)N,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.861,P=0.004);OS螺钉和RS螺钉的轴向拔出力分别为(343.0±12.6)N和(287.0±10.5)N,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.964,P=0.003)。结论与OS相比,椎弓根外侧壁破坏后RS在最大拧入扭矩、锁紧扭矩、螺钉松动力和轴向拔出力方面均显著降低,强化螺钉可能是较好的补救方法。     

Pullout resistance of thoracic extrapedicular screws used as a salvage procedure.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Extrapedicular screws are placed more laterally than intrapedicular screws and pass through the transverse process or rib head before entering the vertebral body. These screws are sometimes placed to salvage failed pedicle screws, but the change in pullout resistance of extrapedicular screws after salvage has not been quantified. PURPOSE: To quantify the pullout resistance of thoracic extrapedicular screws compared with intrapedicular screws and the pullout resistance of newly inserted screws compared with extrapedicular screws used as salvage for failed intrapedicular screws. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro paired comparison of screw pullout resistance in isolated thoracic vertebrae. METHODS: Tapered monoaxial pedicle screws were inserted in the left or right pedicle of 11 human cadaveric thoracic vertebrae. An extrapedicular screw was inserted on the contralateral side. Both screws were pulled out axially at 0.5 mm/s using a servohydraulic test frame while applied load was recorded. Then a fresh extrapedicular screw was inserted as a salvage screw on the intrapedicular screw side and pulled out. RESULTS: In uncompromised vertebrae, the pullout strength of extrapedicular screws was 80+/-32% of that of intrapedicular screws (p=.073, repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance/Tukey). Salvage screws restored pullout strength to 65+/-30% of that of intrapedicular screws (p=.003). CONCLUSIONS: Extrapedicular screws provided comparable but slightly lower pullout resistance to intrapedicular screws in uncompromised vertebrae. They are therefore a feasible salvage technique when a compromised pedicle precludes reinsertion of an intrapedicular screw, but the salvage screw is significantly weaker than the original screw.     

Biomechanical study on pullout strength of thoracic extrapedicular screw fixation

Objective:To identify the biomechanical feasibility of the thoracic extrapedicular approach to the placement of screws. Methods:Five fresh adult cadaveric thoracic spine from T1 to T8 were harvested. The screw was inserted either by pedicular approach or extrapedicular approach. The result was observed and the pullout strength by pedicular screw approach and extrapedicular screw approach via sagittal axis of the vertebrale was measured and compared statistically. Results:In thoracic pedicular approach, the pullout strength of pedicle screw was 1001.23 N±220 N (288.2-1561.7 N) and that of thoracic extrapedicular screw approach was 827.01 N±260 N when screw was inserted into the vertebrae through transverse process,and 954.25 N±254 N when screw was inserted into the vertebrae through the lateral cortex of the pedicle. Compared with pedicular group, the pullout strength in extrapedicular group was decreased by 4.7% inserted through transverse process (P>0.05) and by 17.3% inserted through the lateral cortex (P<0.05). The mean pullout strength by extrapedicular approach was decreased by 11.04% as compared with pedicular approach (P<0.05). Conclusions:It is feasible biomechanically to use extrapedicular screw technique to insert pedicular screws in the thoracic spine when it is hard to insert by pedicular approach.     

Pullout strength of self-tapping screws inserted to different depths

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the depth of insertion through the far cortex of self-tapping screws significantly affects pullout strength. DESIGN: Fifty, Synthes, 3.5-mm, self-tapping screws were inserted into synthetic bone blocks and divided into 5 groups. Group 1 had screws with their tips inserted 1 mm short of the far cortex. Group 2 had screws inserted flush with the far cortex. Groups 3, 4, and 5 had screws inserted 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm past the far cortex respectively. Pullout strength was then tested. SETTING: Institutional research laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pullout strength (peak force) was measured for each group and analyzed using a single factor analysis of variance-balanced incomplete block design. RESULTS: Peak force values presented as mean +/- SD for the 5 groups were as follows: group 1 (1380 +/- 69 N), group 2 (1566 +/- 137 N), group 3 (1956 +/- 137 N), group 4 (2013 +/- 184 N), group 5 (2044 +/- 174 N). With a P < or = 0.05, it was found that groups I and II had statistically different pullout strengths than all other groups. However, there was no significant difference in pullout strength between groups 3, 4, and 5. CONCLUSIONS: Synthes self-tapping screws exhibit their highest pullout strength when inserted 1 mm past the far cortex, and there is no significant increase in pullout strength with deeper insertion depths.     

Evaluation of a new method of small fragment fixation in a medial malleolus fracture model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new method of small fragment fixation in a medial malleolus fracture model. DESIGN/METHODS: The authors measured the pullout strength, resistance to shear stress, and speed of insertion of 4.0-millimeter partially threaded cancellous screws, 2.4-millimeter smooth K-wires, and a small fragment fixation system with 2.2-millimeter threaded K-wires. Pullout strength was tested in eighty-one synthetic foam blocks and resistance to shear stress in thirty synthetic tibias by use of a servohydraulic testing machine. Six randomized time trials with the threaded K-wires and cancellous screws were also conducted. RESULTS: Pullout strength increased with increasing foam density, increasing insertion depth, and varied with fixation method (p < 0.05). Maximum pullout strengths were as follows: partially threaded cancellous screws, 730+/-4 Newtons; threaded K-wires, 316+/-12 Newtons; and smooth K-wires, 172 +/-5 Newtons. Percent difference in pullout strength between the partially threaded cancellous screw and threaded K-wire diminished with increased depth of insertion and increased foam density. Offset axial load to initiate fracture displacement in a synthetic tibia model averaged 1540+/-138 Newtons for the partially threaded cancellous screws, 1,318+/-117 Newtons for the threaded K-wires, and 1,287+/-121 Newtons for the smooth K-wires (p > 0.05). Average time of fixation of a medial malleolar fragment by orthopedic surgeons with a variety of experience levels in a synthetic tibia with two threaded K-wires (114+/-8 seconds) was significantly faster (p < 0.05) than with two partially threaded cancellous screws (207+/-20 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: Threaded K-wires show substantial pullout strength and similar resistance to offset axial load when compared with partially threaded cancellous screws. These threaded K-wires offer an alternative for the internal fixation of medial malleolus fractures.     

可注射磷酸钙骨水泥对不同骨质椎弓根螺钉的强化作用

目的评价不同骨质疏松程度条件下,可注射性磷酸钙骨水泥对椎弓根螺钉稳定性强化作用,为其应用于合并有骨质疏松症的患者脊柱手术提供力学理论基础。方法采用新鲜尸体脊柱标本,根据骨密度检测结果,按临床诊断标准分成骨质正常、骨量减少、骨质疏松和重度骨质疏松四个水平;然后,每个骨密度水平,分直接置入椎弓根螺钉（对照组）和用可注射性磷酸钙骨水泥强化钉道后置入椎弓根螺钉（钉道强化组）,各12枚,进行螺钉轴向拔出实验,测定最大拔出力、刚度和能量吸收值三项指标,进行组间的对比分析。结果骨密度水平从正常下降到重度疏松程度,最大拔出力、刚度、能量吸收值均随之下降,同种置钉方法组间存在显著性差异（P〈0.05）。骨质疏松条件下钉道强化组最大拔出力、刚度、能量吸收值与骨量减少条件下对照组的比较,两者无显著性差异（P〉0.05）;但是,重度骨质疏松条件下钉道强化组的最大拔出力、刚度、能量吸收值均显著性低于骨量减少条件下对照组的（P〈0.05）。结论可注射性磷酸钙骨水泥强化钉道后可以提高椎弓根螺钉的稳定性,尤其是骨质疏松条件下经钉道强化后可以达到需要固定强度。     

Biomechanical evaluation of the pullout strength of cervical screws

OBJECTIVE: In the process of anterior cervical fusion, little is known about the biomechanics of anterior cervical screw pullout. In this study, three different aspects of cervical screw fixation were evaluated: self-tapping (ST) versus self-drilling (SD) screws, the effect of screw geometry (length, diameter, thread pitch), and the use of rescue screws. METHODS: Nine screws consisting of different diameters, lengths, and thread pitch (cancellous and cortical) were tested in peak pullout force in an artificial bone model using an MTS 858 Mini Bionix test system. Rescue screws (4.5 mm) were then inserted in the failed holes of 4.0-mm screws and extracted to determine their holding strength. RESULTS: Length of screws and thread pitch both had a significant effect on the pullout force. Each 1 mm of increased screw length translates to 16 N of increased force to pullout in the foam bone model. Pullout strength did not vary significantly according to screw diameter or between SD and ST screws. However, the SD screw has an advantage because it can decrease the length of surgery. A decrease in pullout force of between 43% and 70% was found when using rescue screws. CONCLUSIONS: In situations in which the use of rescue/salvage screws is required, the surgeon should anticipate a significant decrease in the holding force compared with the original screw. Future directions for research include an evaluation of pullout force for screw and plate constructs.     

Pullout resistance of conventional pedicle screw implantation in comparison to fluoroscopic computer-assisted technique

AIM: Aim of the study was to compare pullout resistance of pedicle screws after conventional and fluoroscopic computer-assisted implantation in the cadaveric thoracic and lumbar spine. METHODS: Pedicle screws were inserted in a total of 10 vertebrae of different human specimens: 10 screws were placed using conventional technique (group 1) and 10 screws were inserted with fluoroscopic computer-assisted system contralaterally (group 2). Then pedicle screws were evaluated for biomechanical axial pullout resistance. RESULTS: Mean pullout force was 232 N (range 60-600 N) in group 1 and 353 N (range 112-625 N) in group 2. The difference was significant (p=0,0425). CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic navigated implantation of pedicle screws increases the pullout strength in thoracic and lumbar cadaveric spines as compared with conventional methods.     

Stability of pedicle screws after kyphoplasty augmentation: an experimental study to compare transpedicular screw fixation in soft and cured kyphoplasty cement

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this cadaver study was to compare the stability of pedicle screws after implantation in soft or cured kyphoplasty cement. METHODS: Pedicle screws were inserted in a total of 30 thoracolumbar vertebrae of 10 different human specimens: 10 screws were implanted in nonaugmented vertebrae (group 1), each 10 screws were placed in soft (group 2) and cured (group 3) cement. Pedicle screws were than evaluated for biomechanical axial pullout resistance. RESULTS: Mean axial pullout strength was 232 N (range 60-600 N) in group 1, 452 N (range 60-1125 N) in group 2 and 367 N (range 112-840 N) in group 3. The paired Student t-test demonstrated a significant difference between pullout strength of groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.0300). Between pullout strength of groups 1 and 3 and between groups 2 and 3 no significant difference was seen. CONCLUSION: We achieved a 1.9 times higher pullout strength with kyphoplasty augmentation of osteoporotic vertebrae compared with the pullout strength of nonaugmented vertebrae. Implantation of pedicle screws in cured cement is a sufficient method. With this method we found a 1.6 times higher pullout strength then in nonaugmented vertebrae.     

Characteristics of pullout failure in conical and cylindrical pedicle screws after full insertion and back-out

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Biomechanical studies show that bone-mineral density, pedicle morphology, and screw thread area affect pedicle screw pullout failure. The current literature is based on studies of cylindrical pedicle screw designs. Conical screws have been introduced that may provide better "fit and fill" of the dorsal pedicle as well as improved resistance to screw bending failure. However, there is concern about loss of fixation if conical screws must be backed out after insertion. PURPOSE: To determine that conical screws have comparable initial stiffness and fixation strength compared with standard, cylindrical screws, and to assess whether conical screw fixation deteriorates when screws are backed out from full insertion. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This biomechanical analysis compared pullout strength of cylindrical and conical pedicle screw designs, using porcine lumbar vertebrae in a paired testing format. METHODS: Porcine lumbar vertebrae were instrumented with conical and cylindrical pedicle screws with the same thread pitch, area and contour, and an equivalent diameter at the pedicle isthmus, 1.2 cm distal to the hub. Axial pullout was performed at 1.0 mm/minute displacement. Pullout loads, work and stiffness were recorded at 0.02-second intervals. Conical versus cylindrical screws were tested using three paired control configurations: fully inserted, backed out 180 degrees and backed out 360 degrees. Fully inserted values were compared with each set of back-out values to determine relative loss of fixation strength. Screw pullout data were analyzed using a Student's t test. RESULTS: Pullout loads in these porcine specimens were comparable to data from healthy human vertebrae. Conical screws provided a 17% increase in the pullout strength compared with cylindrical screws (P<.10) and a 50% increase in initial stiffness (P<.05) at full insertion. There was no loss in pullout strength, stiffness or work to failure when conical or cylindrical screws were backed out 180 or 360 degrees from full insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Conical screws offer improved initial fixation strength compared with cylindrical screws of the same size and thread design. Our results suggest that appropriately designed conical screws can be backed out 180 to 360 degrees for intraoperative adjustment without loss of pullout strength, stiffness or work to failure. Intraoperative adjustments of these specific conical screws less than 360 degrees should not affect initial fixation strength. These results may not hold true for screws with a smaller thread area or larger minor diameter.     

Pullout strength comparison of two methods of orienting screw insertion in the lateral masses of the bovine cervical spine.

We undertook a biomechanical study to compare the pullout strength of 3.5-mm AO screws placed in two different orientations within the bovine cervical spine. The first set of screws were oriented obliquely and passed through the lateral mass, as recommended by the AO group. The orientation of the second set was anterior to posterior through the lateral mass, as recommended by Roy-Camille. All screw holes were drilled and tapped by a spinal surgeon experienced with both techniques. Pullout force was measured on an Instron materials testing machine using a self-centering screw-holding chuck and loading rate of 0.833 mm/sec. Although the bone strength in the Roy-Camille orientation was greater (46.7 N/mm versus 36.1 N/mm, p < 0.05), the overall mean pullout force for the AO orientation was greater (607 N versus 471 N, p < 0.025) due to the longer length of bone available for screw purchase (17.0 mm versus 10.3 mm).