Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Coblation of spinal endplates in preparation for interbody spinal fusion.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) have become routine alternatives to intertransverse process fusion. The use of Coblation (ArthroCare Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA) allows for routine and reproducible removal of cartilaginous endplate down to the bony endplate. Our experience with this new technology is reviewed. ⋯ We feel that the maintenance of normal structures within the lumbar spine with anterior/posterior lumbar interbody fusions and non-mechanical means of preparing the endplates are advantageous. Clearly, the number of patients involved and the length of follow-up limit this study, but it serves as an early indicator that endplate preparation may play a role in graft subsidence and fusion rates. Additional study is warranted.