Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To introduce development concept and biological characteristics of the “lantern skeleton-shaped” memory alloy vertebroplasty frame to treat thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of Wanfang, VIP and CMB databases was performed for articles published between January 1999 and December 2009 related to osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture in the elderly with key words “thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture, biomaterial, kyphoplasty”. Insufficiency in the material and conditions in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture in the elderly was analyzed, and an ideal novel material should be designed.
RESULTS: A total of 60 relevant literatures were collected, and 31 were included. Results show that ideal material should be non-toxic and can be minimally invasive implanted, with security, uniform expansion, sufficient expansion force and compression support force. According to the above conditions, “Lantern skeleton-shaped” memory alloy vertebroplasty frame was developed based on Chinese thoracolumbar sagittal diameter. Moreover, it is improved according to observation experimental effects. The small, medium and large (length 22 mm, 26 mm and 30 mm) “Duckbill-shaped” memory alloy vertebroplasty frame can be able to meet treatment requirements of the Chinese thoracolumbar compression fracture.
CONCLUSION: “Lantern Skeleton-shaped” memory alloy vertebroplasty frame has advantages such as minimal invasion implantation through pedicle, security, uniform expansion, with sufficient expansion force and compression support force. It can meet requirement of spinal biological properties because of early elastic fixation and later biological fixation through artificial bone and vertebral fusion. Moreover, it can avoid some percutaneous kyphoplasies complications such as bone cement leakage and has better clinical application development prospects.