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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This article examines the incidence and management of vascular injury during Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF). The details of the mini-open access technique are presented. ⋯ The mini-open lateral access technique for LLIF provides for minimal risk of vascular injury to the lumbar spine. In the rare event of minor vascular injury, the mini-open access approach allows for immediate visualization, confirmation and repair of the vessel with no long-term sequelae.
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To determine the efficacy and safety of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for revision lumbar spine surgery in patients with previous laminectomy. The secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome after such a procedure. ⋯ The current study confirmed that TLIF approach in patients with previous laminectomy is effective and safe with good outcomes.
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Adult deformity combined with sagittal malalignment is a pathology that decreases patient's quality of life and that requires surgical correction to achieve clinical improvement. Spine osteotomies are usually performed to restore alignment of the spine, even if these techniques are associated with high intraoperative risks, revision rates and relevant mortality rates. Anterior column realignment (ACR) is a new technique that allows large corrections through a minimally invasive lateral approach to the spine after release of the anterior longitudinal ligament. ⋯ Preliminary data show that ACR allows corrections similar to those obtained with a Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy, avoiding risks related to this technique.
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Restoring sagittal alignment is an important factor in the treatment of spinal deformities. Recent investigations have determined that releasing the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) and placing hyperlordotic cages can increase lordosis, while minimizing need for 3 column osteotomies. The influences of parameters such as cage height and angle have not been determined. Finite element analysis was employed to assess the extent of lordosis achievable after placement of different sized lordotic cages. ⋯ Increased segmental lumbar lordosis is achievable with hyperlordotic cages after ALL resection. Increased cage height tended to increase the amount of lordosis achieved, although in some cases additional posterior bone resection was required to maximize lordosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact on regional lumbar lordosis.