[Initial stability of two PLIF-techniques. A biomechanical comparison using a finite element model].

The purpose of this study was to compare the initial stiffness of two techniques for posterior interbody lumbar fusion (PLIF) by a finite element approach. Thus a finite element model of a human L3/4 spinal segment was generated. Stiffness of the intact model was tested under compression (600 N), torsion (25 Nm) and shearing forces (250 N) without preload. The results were compared to the stiffness following simulation of PLIF with two BAK-Cages and PLIF with two Harms-Cages and additional posterior screw-rod-osteosynthesis. PLIF with two BAK-Cages resulted in a loss of stiffness in compression, torsion and shearing. PLIF with two Harms-Cages and posterior osteosynthesis resulted in an increase of stiffness in compression, torsion and shearing.