INTRODUCTION: The vertebrae fixation system using pedicular screws is one of the most efficient methods to treat vertebral spine pathologies. When the screw is submitted to pullout strength, it causes internal tension near the medullar canal and this situation can be analyzed by using the photoelasticity technique. OBJECTIVE: Were analyzed those internal tensions near the medullar canal of photoelastic vertebra models using different sizes of screws of the vertebral fixation system submitted to pullout strength. METHODS: A lumbar vertebral model made of photoelastic material with three different USS1-type pedicular screw sizes (5, 6, and 7mm) was used. The internal tensions around the screw were tested in 12 predetermined points by a plain transmission polaroscope. RESULTS: The areas of greater tension concentration were between the medullar canal and the curves of the transverse process. Comparing the maximum average pulling tension, statistical differences were observed between screws 5 and 7, and 6 and 7. On the other hand, for screws 5 and 6, there were no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The study evidenced that the internal tensions are greater in irregular areas, next to the medullar canal, showing that this is a critical region.
Spine; Lumbar vertebrae; Biomechanics
