Biomechanical Analysis of the Tuning Fork Plate Versus Dual Pelvic Screws in a Sacrectomy Model: A Finite Element Study

STUDY DESIGN: To evaluate the mechanical effectiveness of “tuning fork” plate fixation system by comparing with dual iliac screw fixation under different spinal motion through finite element analysis (FEA). OBJECTIVE: Lumbosacral deficiencies occur from birth defects or following destruction by tumors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical effectiveness of the tuning fork plate compared to dual iliac screw system which is the gold standard fixation in treating lumbosacral deficiencies. This is an innovative fixation device for treating lumbosacral deficiencies. METHODS: The deficiency model was prepared using a previously developed and validated finite element T10-pelvis model. To create the lumbo-sacral deficiency the segments between L3 and sacrum were removed from the model. The model was then instrumented from T10 to L2 segments and the ilium using either the tuning fork plate or a dual iliac screw construct. With the ilium fixed, the T10 vertebrae was subjected to 10 Nm moment and 400 N follower load to simulate spinal motions. Range of motion (ROM) of spine and stresses on the instrumentation were calculated for 2 fixation devices and compared with each other. RESULTS: The 2 fixation systems demonstrate a comparable motion reduction in all loading modes. Stress values were higher in the dual iliac screw constructs compared with the tuning fork plate fixation system. The factor of safety of the tuning fork plate device was higher than the dual iliac screw fixation by 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Both fixation devices had similar performance in motion reduction at spine levels. However, based on predicted implant stresses there were less chances of implant failure in the fork plate fixation, compared to the dual iliac screw system.