2008 Faculty Researchers

Theodore J. Choma, MD

Anterior Interbody Fusion Mechanics in Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis

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Department

Orthopaedic Surgery

Office Location

Missouri Spine Center, 402 N. Keene St. Ste 101, Columbia, MO 65201

Phone #:

Office: (573) 882-1440
Fax: (573) 875-9500

E-mail:

zhangcu@missouri.edu

Summary

Spondylolisthesis is defined as translational displacement or non-anatomic alignment of one vertebral segment on another. Most childhood and adolescent spondylolisthesis is associated with spondylolysis of the pars interarticularis at L5–S1 motion segment1. Spondylolisthesis that occurs after adulthood is usually degenerative in origin and most commonly occurs at L4-L5 motion segment2. Traditional surgical options for spondylolisthesis include posterolateral intertransverse arthrodesis, and newer implants have allowed us to perform posterior segmental fixation in lieu of an extended period in a body cast. However, our experience is growing with anterior lumbar interbody fusions as newer plate technologies have become available. Such anterior surgical approached offer much less muscle dissection, faster recoveries and less pain for patients.

The purpose of this study will be to elucidate the biomechanical parameters of anterior lumbar plate fixation, and to evaluate whether these new plate technologies might be able to be used on patients with spondylolisthesis.

The fellow selected will work closely with Orthopaedic Surgery residents who are already involved in crafting the study protocol. The research fellowship student will have the opportunity to be involved in experimental model preparation (calf spines, which will be instrumented and tested on an Instron machine), data acquisition and reduction, and if sufficiently motivated, will be offered a role in authorship of the manuscript. Te student will also receive exposure to clinical orthopaedic spine surgery and will be included in weekly conferences with the Spine Team.