Spine
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This study retrospectively examines outcomes of unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with posterior fixation using anterior carbon fiber cages and 360 degrees fusion in spondylolisthesis. ⋯ Interbody cages in spondylolisthesis are useful to increase neuroforaminal height, to facilitate reduction, and to improve the chances of achieving a successful 360 degrees fusion.
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Retrospective outcome measurement after circumferential reconstructive surgery with lumbar fusion in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain. ⋯ When using strict patient selection criteria that include independent determination of pain generators via pressure-controlled diskography and completion of a preoperative conditioning program for improving general health status, the number of levels in reconstructive lumbar surgery may not significantly impact overall clinical outcome.
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Comparative Study
Quantitative anatomic evaluation of cervical lateral mass fixation with a comparison of the Roy-Camille and the Magerl screw techniques.
An anatomic and computed tomography (CT) study of the Roy-Camille and the Magerl techniques with quantitative comparison of the safety zones of the two surgical techniques. ⋯ The Roy-Camille technique demonstrated a progressive decrease of its safety zone from C3-C6. At C5 and C6 there is a great probability to have a transarticular screw with a Roy-Camille screw. A similar variation was not observed for the Magerl technique. These anatomic results seem to be in relation with the morphologic variability of lateral masses from C3-C6 as demonstrated by an increase of the height/thickness ratio at the lower part of the cervical spine. According to these anatomic considerations and previously published biomechanical data, Roy-Camille technique appears to be the best option at C3 and C4. On the opposite at C5 and C6, the choice is more difficult considering that there is no biomechanical difference between the two techniques and that the Magerl technique is safer but a more demanding procedure.
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Comparative Study
Analysis of operative complications in a series of 471 anterior lumbar interbody fusion procedures.
This retrospective review compares the intraoperative and perioperative complications associated with the placement of threaded devices and nonthreaded devices used in anterior lumbar interbody fusions. ⋯ Placement of threaded devices, such as cages or bone dowels, was associated with a higher acute complication rate than was the placement of nonthreaded devices during anterior lumbar interbody fusion.
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A retrospective clinical study with a follow-up of more than 4 years was conducted. ⋯ All the intervertebral bone fusion after PLIF occurred inside the cages and in the posterior intervertebral space. We suggest the complete removal of discmaterial and deep insertion of the cages to create sufficient posterior intervertebral space for bone growth. PLIF using cages impacted with laminar bone chips is a useful method when considering the time required for surgery and the morbidity of the autograft donor sites.