European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion (MIS-LIF) has become a popular less invasive treatment option for degenerative spinal disease, deformity, and trauma. While MIS-LIF offers several advantages over traditional anterior and posterior approaches, the procedure is not without risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of visceral, vascular, and wound complications following MIS-LIF performed by experienced surgeons. ⋯ The incidence of surgical site infections and vascular and visceral complications following MIS-LIF in this large series was low and compared favorably with rates for alternative interbody fusion approaches. Although technically demanding, MIS-LIF is a reproducible approach for interbody fusion with a low risk of vascular and visceral complications and infections.
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Minimal-invasive cement augmentation techniques gained popularity recently. Long-term studies, however, are still not available focusing on the effect of possible acceleration of intervertebral disc degeneration. ⋯ Despite several limitations regarding patients' age and lack of performed perfusion MRI scans, this study suggests that vertebral cement augmentation through kyphoplasty has no significant influence on disc degeneration even after a long period. The absence of severe disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation supports further clinical trials, which should incorporate endplate perfusion studies for detailed information regarding disc perfusion.
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This study evaluated the risk factors of new vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) following percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). ⋯ The incidence of new symptomatic VCFs after PVP was higher in osteoporotic patients with initial multiple-level fractures.
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Conventional lumbar arthrodesis for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is associated with high complication rates and variable clinical efficacy. Modern minimally invasive (MIS) approaches may reduce the morbidity and produce greater clinical improvement compared to traditional surgical techniques. The objective of this study is to report radiographic outcomes and evaluate clinical improvements in the context of substantial clinical benefit for DS patients treated with a MIS 90° lateral, transpsoas approach for lumbar interbody fusion. ⋯ MIS lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of DS resulted in significant improvements in clinical and radiographic outcomes, with a low complication rate and a high proportion of patients achieving substantial clinical benefit.
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Lateral access lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a minimally invasive technique that has an increasing popularity. It offers unique advantages and circumvents risk of certain serious complications encountered in other conventional spinal approaches. This study provides a statistical analysis defining the lateral access learning curve in the Asian population. ⋯ During the learning process, there was no compromise of perioperative or clinical outcomes. It should be feasibly incorporated into a spine surgeon's repertoire of procedures for the lumbar spine.