Experimental evaluation of Harrington rod fixation supplemented with sublaminar wires in stabilizing thoracolumbar fracture-dislocations.

Segments of the spinal column of calves were instrumented with Harrington rods with and without sublaminar wires. Grossly unstable lesions were created by resecting a 2-cm segment from the central spinal segment. Testing on an Instron tester documented the improvement in stability provided by the sublaminar wires in this grossly unstable experimental fracture. Improved stability was seen in resisting axial loading, lateral bending, and forward flexion loading. Rotational stability was particularly improved.