Biomechanical analysis of pedicle screw density in spinal instrumentation for scoliosis treatment: first results

Clinical studies reveal remarkable variation in screw patterns, or screw density in spinal instrumentation. Screw density may have a great impact on blood loss, operative time, radiation, risk of screw malposition, and cost. Thus, there is a need to understanding of the biomechanical effects of screw density so as to minimize the number of pedicle screws while ensuring safe and effective instrumentation. The objective of this study was to compare the deformity correction effects and bone-screw loadings of different pedicle screw densities in spinal instrumentation for scoliosis treatment. Spinal instrumentation simulations were performed on three scoliosis patients using 3 screw density patterns (low, preferred, and high screw density) proposed by two experienced surgeons and basic correction techniques: concave rod attachment, rod derotation, apical vertebral derotation, and convex side rod attachment. Simulation results showed that all tested screw densities generated quite similar correction, with differences between the achieved corrections all below 3°. The average bone-screw forces were 244±67N, 214±66 N, and 210±71 N, respectively for low, preferred, and high densities. It remains a complex challenge balancing the benefit of load sharing between more implants with the overconstraints and limited degrees of freedom introduced by the increased number of implants. Studies on additional screw densities and patterns proposed by more surgeons for a variety of cases, and using more diverse correction techniques are necessary to draw stronger conclusions and to recommend the optimal screw density.