OBJECTIVE: to access microscopically bone tissue changes between vertebral bone and implant interface, whose pilot hole was prepared using probe, drill and drill followed by tapping. METHODS: the vertebral pedicles of three segments (L2-L3-L4) of human adult cadaver lumbar spine were instrumented with 6 mm USIS pedicle screw. The pilot holes for screw insertion into pedicles were prepared using probe, drill and drill followed by tapping. The vertebrae were prepared to histological study on light microscopy and the fragmentation index assessed by percentage relation between bone tissue close to the implant and normal bone. RESULTS: the fragmentation index of pilot holes prepared with probes was statistically lower than those prepared with drill and drill followed by tapping. CONCLUSION: the low fragmentation index observed that the use of probe to perform pilot hole promotes higher compaction of bone between the screw and vertebral bone interface.
Spine; Spinal fusion; Lumbar vertebrae; Bone screws; Cadaver
