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
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Reduced blood loss and operation time in lumbar posterolateral fusion using a bipolar sealer.
A bipolar sealer using Transcollation® technology, a combination of radiofrequency energy and saline, can provide hemostasis at 100 °C, which is lower than that used in standard electrocautery. Previous studies of joint arthroplasty have shown that use of the bipolar sealer reduces blood loss and tissue damage during the operation. However, it is unknown whether a bipolar sealer reduces blood loss and tissue damage in lumbar posterolateral fusion (PLF) surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of this device in limiting blood loss during exposure of the lumbar spine in the treatment of PLF and postoperative pain. ⋯ A large randomized control trial adjusted for the number of fusion levels and body mass index is required to confirm the novelty value of this new bipolar sealers.
-
Lateral lumbar disc prosthesis (LLDP) is an innovative device used to restore motion in select patients through a lateral retroperitoneal approach. No in vitro biomechanical studies have been published. Further, the potential for in toto circumferential joint restoration when use of this anterior disc is combined with facet replacement remains unqualified but signifies a potentially interesting clinical direction. ⋯ After bilateral facetectomy, reconstruction of the three-joint complex achieved by combining the LLDP with BFJR may provide a viable alternative to current clinical treatment regimens.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The effect of short (2-weeks) versus long (6-weeks) post-operative restrictions following lumbar discectomy: a prospective randomized control trial.
We sought to evaluate how short (2-week) versus long (6-week) post-operative restrictions following lumbar discectomy impacted outcomes and reherniation rates for a period up to 1 year following surgery. ⋯ The results of this randomized trial suggest equivalent clinical outcomes irrespective of the length of post-operative restriction. From a clinical perspective, if patients are deemed at low risk for a reherniation event they may be confidence that early return to activity at 2 weeks will not compromise outcomes and may not adversely impact the risk of reherniation. Level of Evidence II.
-
The primary objective of this paper was to provide a systematic review of the available clinical studies of Ti/PEEK combined cages in spinal interbody fusion surgeries, focusing on their radiological and clinical outcomes. A secondary aim was to provide a review and evaluation of the in vitro and preclinical studies reported on Ti/PEEK-coated implants. ⋯ Clinical studies at this early stage demonstrate that Ti/PEEK implants are safe and efficacious, exhibiting similar fusion rates and clinical outcomes compared to the current standard PEEK. There is clinical evidence substantiating the improved radiographic fusion of Ti/PEEK, albeit the differences were not significant. This field is promising, gaining substantial popularity, and further clinical trials are needed in the future to establish Ti/PEEK cages as a mainstay of clinical practice.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Does continuous wound infiltration enhance baseline intravenous multimodal analgesia after posterior spinal fusion surgery? A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.
There has been a growing interest in continuous local anaesthetic wound infiltration as a non-opioid technique for postoperative pain relief. The impact of this modality on baseline analgesia after spinal fusion surgery has however been inconclusive. We tested whether continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine can enhance postoperative analgesia compared to a baseline intravenous multimodal analgesia protocol after spinal fusion surgery. ⋯ Our findings indicate that no additional analgesia was provided with continuous wound infiltration of ropivacaine compared to a baseline intravenous multimodal analgesia protocol after spinal fusion surgery.