Clinical application of the Diapason hook system: a preliminary case report.

A preliminary case report of the clinical application of the Diapason hook system is discussed. The hooks were implanted in six patients for the fixation of the thoracic region (n = 3), the prevention of backout of pedicular screws (n = 3), and repair of the pars interarticularis (n = 1); the patients were followed for more than 6 months after the surgery. Results indicate that in all of the cases the initial purpose of the Diapason hook system was served. The advantages of the Diapason screw and hook system are its titanium alloy material and simplicity in implanting. Although there have been no instrument failures or any other complications, the cases need longer follow-up. In addition, the size of some hooks needs to be improved because they were too large to apply to the short segments.