Comparison of fixation of spinal fractures.

Mechanical failure was induced in cadaver spines by applying flexion, extension, and lateral bending loads with continuous recordings of moment and rotation. Each spine was then stabilized with Harrington distraction rods, compression rods, and titanium mesh in sequence, and tested in a similar manner. The spines stabilized with mesh appeared stronger but less stiff than spines stabilized with Harrington rods.