Development of a Novel In-Vitro Cadaveric Model for Analysis of Biomechanics and Surgical Treatment of Bertolotti Syndrome

Bertolotti Syndrome (BS) is caused by pseudoarticulation between an aberrant L5 transverse process and the sacral ala, termed a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). BS is thought to cause low back pain and is treated with resection or fusion, both of which have shown success. Acquiring cadavers with BS is challenging. Thus, we combined 3D printing, based on BS patient CT scans, with normal cadaveric spines to create a BS model. We then performed biomechanical testing to determine altered kinematics from LSTV with surgical interventions.

Source: The Spine Journal - October 24, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Joshua L Golubovsky, Robb W Colbrunn, Ryan S Klatte, Tara F Nagle, Isaac N Briskin, Vikram B Chakravarthy, Callan M Gillespie, John D Reith, Naveen Jasty, Edward C Benzel, Michael P Steinmetz Source Type: research