Research ArticleOriginal Research

The Effects of Lumbar Facet Dowels on Joint Stiffness: A Biomechanical Study

Jayme Trahan, Eric Morales, Erich O. Richter and Gabriel C. Tender
Ochsner Journal March 2014, 14 (1) 44-50;

Article Figures & Data

Figures

  • Figure 1.
    Figure 1.

    Functional spinal unit biomechanical construct. The L4 and L5 vertebrae were stabilized in the upper and lower gimbal, respectively. The motions of the various spine parts were recorded.

  • Figure 2.
    Figure 2.

    Spine testing in axial rotation. The spine stiffness decreased after the laminectomy (Lamie), but increased above baseline after bilateral facet dowel insertion (Facet). After 10,000 cycles in rotation, the spine was tested again, and the stiffness was significantly decreased.

  • Figure 3.
    Figure 3.

    Axial computed tomography imaging before and after fatigue testing. The right facet dowel was expelled, whereas the left dowel only migrated in the facet joint by a few millimeters.

  • Figure 4.
    Figure 4.

    Bar graph showing the spine stiffness during fatigue testing of the noninstrumented specimen undergoing axial rotation that experienced a dowel expulsion. The stiffness decreased between 7,000 and 9,600 seconds, likely correlating with the right facet dowel expulsion.

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