Posterior instrumentation of the spine. An experimental comparison of various possible techniques.

Fourteen variations of posterior instrumentation were tested experimentally, using models based on polyester imitation vertebrae, to determine the most effective method for stabilization of a section of the spine following fracture and, in particular, pathologic fracture. The most rigid construction was a well-fitting steel rectangle fastened to the vertebrae with laminar wires. The addition of bone cement significantly improved rigidity.