Abstract

Excised cadaveric spine specimens are augmented with Orthofix products prior to range-of-motion testing; yet, current methods to secure specimens during surgery pose risk of injury. A robust surgical holder for lumbar and cervical spines was designed in SolidWorks and manufactured from 6061 aluminum and stainless steel per ASTM standards. Validation testing was performed using 3 sawbones, demonstrating that specimens one functional unit (FSU) to 15” in length with square and round potted ends could be fixed. We conclude this device accommodates all spinal fusion surgery techniques. Future work is to test device functionality with cadaveric specimens, attach a handle to the rotation shaft, and investigate the benefits of manufacturing parts using plastic.