International Journal of Spine Surgery最新文献

{"title":"Impact of Postoperative Bracing Following Spinal Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Conditions: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"An-Ping Feng, Shang-Feng Yu, Ming-Tao Zhu, Li-Ru He, Guang-Xun Lin","doi":"10.14444/8598","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a lack of consensus on the use of postoperative bracing for lumbar degenerative conditions. Spine surgeons typically determine whether to apply postoperative braces based primarily on clinical experience rather than robust, evidence-based medical data. Thus, the present study sought to assess the impact of postoperative bracing on clinical outcomes, complications, and fusion rates following lumbar fusion surgery in patients with degenerative spinal conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Only randomized controlled studies published between January 1990 and 20 October 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcome measures consisted of pre- and postoperative assessments of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Improvements in VAS and ODI scores were analyzed in the early postoperative period (1 month after operation) and at final follow-up, respectively. The analysis also encompassed fusion rates and complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five studies with 362 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. In the early postoperative period, the brace group showed a relatively better improvement in ODI scores compared with the no-brace group (19.47 vs 18.18), although this difference was not statistically significant (<i>P</i> = 0.34). Similarly, during the late postoperative period, the brace group demonstrated a slightly greater improvement in VAS scores in comparison to the no-brace group (4.05 vs 3.84), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (<i>P</i> = 0.30). The complication rate was relatively lower in the brace group compared with the no-brace group (14.9% vs 17.4%), although there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups (<i>P</i> = 0.83). Importantly, there were no substantial differences in fusion rates between patients with or without braces.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present meta-analysis revealed that the implementation of a brace following lumbar fusion surgery did not yield substantial differences in terms of postoperative pain relief, functional recovery, complication rates, or fusion rates when compared with cases where no brace was employed.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the clinical impact of postoperative bracing following lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative spinal conditions.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 1: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors for Recurrent Proximal Junctional Failure Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Analysis of 60 Patients Undergoing Fusion Extension Surgery for Proximal Junctional Failure.","authors":"Se-Jun Park, Jin-Sung Park, Dong-Ho Kang, Chong-Suh Lee, Hyun-Jun Kim","doi":"10.14444/8620","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8620","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite numerous studies identifying risk factors for proximal junctional failure (PJF), risk factors for recurrent PJF (R-PJF) are still not well established. Therefore, we aimed to identify the risk factors for R-PJF following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Among 479 patients who underwent ≥5-level fusion surgery for ASD, the focus was on those who experienced R-PJF at any time or did not experience R-PJF during a follow-up duration of ≥1 year. PJF was defined as a proximal junctional angle (PJA) ≥28° plus a difference in PJA ≥22° or performance of revision surgery regardless of PJA degree. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to R-PJF development: no R-PJF and R-PJF groups. Risk factors were evaluated focusing on patient, surgical, and radiographic factors at the index surgery as well as at the revision surgery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 60 patients in the final study cohort, 24 (40%) experienced R-PJF. Significant risk factors included greater postoperative sagittal vertical axis (OR = 1.044), overcorrection relative to age-adjusted pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL; OR = 7.794) at the index surgery, a greater total sum of the proximal junctional kyphosis severity scale (OR = 1.145), and no use of the upper instrumented vertebra cement (OR = 5.494) at the revision surgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We revealed that the greater postoperative sagittal vertical axis and overcorrection relative to age-adjusted pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis at the index surgery, a greater proximal junctional kyphosis severity scale score, and no use of upper instrumented vertebra cement at the revision surgery were significant risk factors for R-PJF.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>To reduce the risk of R-PJF after ASD surgery, avoiding under- and overcorrection during the initial surgery is recommended. Additionally, close assessment of the severity of PJF with timely intervention is crucial, and cement augmentation should be considered during revision surgery.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 3: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141898503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Biportal Endoscopic Decompressive Laminectomy in Octogenarians With Severe Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.","authors":"Sang-Min Park, John I Shin, Jin-Ho Park, Jonghun Jung, Jiwon Park, Ho-Joong Kim, Jin S Yeom, Hyun-Jin Park","doi":"10.14444/8649","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8649","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is prevalent among octogenarians, causing significant pain and disability. Surgical intervention is often required because of the ineffectiveness of conservative treatments. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of biportal endoscopic decompressive laminectomy (BED) in octogenarians with severe LSS, evaluating its potential as a minimally invasive surgical option.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study included 107 patients aged 80 years or older who underwent BED for LSS between March 2017 and December 2022. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic information, clinical outcomes, and surgical details. Patients with fractures, infectious spondylitis, herniated discs, and follow-up less than 12 months were excluded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, and painDETECT at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the 107 patients was 84.1 years, with 59% being women. Significant improvements were observed in visual analog scale scores for lower back and lower extremities pain, Oswestry Disability Index, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, and painDETECT scores, indicating reduced pain, decreased disability, and enhanced quality of life. There were no significant differences in outcomes between patients aged 80 to 84 and those 85 or older. Surgery-related outcomes such as operation time, blood loss, and complications were similar in both age groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BED is a safe and effective treatment for LSS in octogenarians, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement. This minimally invasive technique is also viable for patients older than 85 years, without increased risk of complications, supporting its broader indications in managing LSS in the elderly.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>This study highlights the efficacy and safety of BED for LSS in octogenarians, demonstrating its potential to improve quality of life and function with low risks, making it a feasible option for elderly patients.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cage Obliquity in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion-How Common Is It and What Are the Effects on Fusion Rates, Subsidence, and Sagittal Alignment? A Computed Tomography-Based Analysis.","authors":"Bryan Chun Meng Foong, Joey Ying Hao Wong, Brjan Betzler, Jacob Yoong Leong Oh","doi":"10.14444/8623","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) through a prepsoas approach was identified as an alternative to alleviate complications associated with direct lateral interbody fusion. Cage placement is known to influence cage subsidence and fusion rates due to suboptimal biomechanics. There are limited studies exploring cage obliquity as a potential factor influencing fusion outcomes. Hence, our objective was to assess the effects of cage obliquity and position on fusion rates, subsidence, and sagittal alignment in patients who underwent OLIF.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients who underwent OLIF for levels L1 to L5 in our center, performed by a single surgeon and with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, were included in the study. Cage obliquity and sagittal placement were measured, and their correlation with fusion, subsidence, and sagittal alignment correction was assessed. Fusion and subsidence were evaluated using the Bridwell Criteria and Marchi Criteria, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the included patients (age, 67.5 ± 7.93 years; 16 men and 37 women), 97 fusion levels were studied. The mean cage obliquity was 4.2° ± 2.8°. Ninety-six levels (99.0%) were considered to have achieved fusion with a Bridwell score of 1 or 2. Eighty-one (83.5%), 14 (14.4%), and 2 (2.06%) operated levels had a Marchi score of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. A Marchi grade of 1 or higher was considered indicative of significant subsidence. There was good improvement in both the segmental lordosis angle (4.2° ± 5.7°; <i>P</i> < 0.0001) and disc height (4.5 ± 3.8 mm; <i>P</i> < 0.0001). Cage placement did not have any statistical correlation with fusion rates, subsidence, or sagittal alignment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our results indicate that OLIF facilitates appropriate cage placement with only a minor degree of cage obliquity, typically less than 20°. This minor obliquity does not lead to lower fusion rates, increased subsidence, or sagittal malalignment. Despite subsidence being common, the majority of these cases resulted in complete fusion.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 3: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141907909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond the Limits to Become a Leading Force in Global Spine Surgery: Present and Future of Spine Surgery in Asia-Pacific.","authors":"Seok Woo Kim","doi":"10.14444/8669","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8669","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142576870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rotation Preserving Fixation for the Treatment of C1 Burst Fracture Combined With Type II Odontoid Fracture: 2 Case Reports and Literature Review.","authors":"Hui Tao, Shanzhong Shao, Kun Yang, Chang Liu, Cailiang Shen, Yinshun Zhang","doi":"10.14444/8646","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8646","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of a monoaxial screw-rod system and anterior screw fixation for C1 and type II odontoid fractures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective review of 2 consecutive patients with acute C1 and Anderson-D'Alonzo type II odontoid fractures. Both patients underwent treatment using a posterior monoaxial screw-rod system and anterior screw fixation. We reviewed their clinical records, including the visual analog pain scale and Neck Disability Index scores, as well as pre- and postoperative radiographs. Additionally, pre- and postoperative computed tomography images were used to classify the fracture types and assess the C1 to C2 reduction, rotation, and instability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both patients presented with type II C1 and type II B odontoid fractures, combined with Dickman type II transverse atlantal ligament injuries. All surgical procedures were successfully performed without complications such as vertebral artery injury, neurological deficit, esophageal injury, or wound infection. Both patients achieved almost complete bone healing of the fractures, and C1 to C2 rotation was well preserved (32° and 49°) without atlantoaxial instability after follow-ups of 21 and 25 months, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A monoaxial screw-rod system and anterior screw fixation could be promising surgical strategies for C1 fractures combined with type II odontoid fractures, even in cases involving transverse atlantal ligament injuries. The preservation of C1 to C2 rotation without atlantoaxial instability was observed after fixation. However, extensive case-finding and long-term follow-up are needed to understand the effectiveness of this treatment.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>In order to preserve the C1-C2 rotation, a monoaxial screw-rod system and anterior screw fixation may be more suitable for patients with C1 fractures combined with type II odontoid fractures.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 5: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142509858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Four-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty.","authors":"Hsuan-Kan Chang, Chih-Chang Chang, Tsung-Hsi Tu, Yi-Hsuan Kuo, Ching-Lan Wu, Mei-Yin Yeh, Chao-Hung Kuo, Chin-Chu Ko, Li-Yu Fay, Wen-Cheng Huang, Jau-Ching Wu","doi":"10.14444/8603","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion inevitably yields a higher chance of pseudarthrosis or require more reoperations than single-level procedures. Therefore, multilevel cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) could be an alternative surgery for cervical spondylosis, as it (particularly 3- and 4-level CDA) could preserve more functional motility than single-level disc diseases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of 4-level CDA, a relatively infrequently indicated surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent 4-level CDA were retrospectively reviewed. These highly selected patients typically had multilevel disc herniations with mild spondylosis. The inclusion criteria were symptomatic cervical spondylotic myelopathy, radiculopathy, or both, that were medically refractory. The clinical outcomes were assessed. The radiographic outcomes, including global and individual segmental range of motion (ROM) at C3-7, and any complications were also analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data from a total of 20 patients (mean age: 56 ± 8 years) with an average follow-up of 34 ± 20 months were analyzed. All patients reported improved clinical outcomes compared with that of preoperation, and the ROMs at C3-7 were not only preserved but also trended toward an increase (35 ± 8 vs 37 ± 10 degrees, pre- vs postoperation, <i>P</i> = 0.271) after the 4-level CDA. However, global cervical alignment remained unchanged. There was one permanent C5 radiculopathy, but no other neurological deteriorations or any reoperations occurred.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>For these rare but unique indications, 4-level CDA yielded clinical improvement and preserved segmental motility with low rates of complications. Four-level CDA is a safe and effective surgery, maintaining the ROM in patients with primarily disc herniations and mild spondylosis.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>For patients with mild spondylosis, whose degeneration at the cervical spine is not so severe, CDA is more suitable.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141088875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Experience With Novel Molded Allograft Anchors for the Management of Screw Loosening in Elderly Patients With Reduced Bone Density in Primary and Revision Lumbar Surgery.","authors":"Gregory M Malham, Dean T Biddau, Thomas A Wells-Quinn, Michael Selby, Geoffrey Rosenberg","doi":"10.14444/8616","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8616","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Various strategies have been used to reduce pedicle screw loosening following lumbar instrumented fusion, but all strategies have limitations. In this prospective multicenter cohort study, outcomes of elderly patients with reduced bone density who underwent primary or revision fusion surgery using a novel technique of pedicle screw augmentation with demineralized bone fiber (DBF) anchors were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study included elderly patients (aged >65 years) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-confirmed reduced bone density who required lumbar pedicle screw fixation and were treated with supplemental DBF allograft anchors during primary or revision surgery. The need for DBF anchors was determined by evaluating preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans (for revision surgery) and by the surgeons' tactile feedback intraoperatively during pedicle screw insertion and removal. After determining the pedicle screw void diameter with a sizing instrument, DBF anchors and pedicle screws of the same diameter were placed into the void. CT scans were obtained on postoperative day 2 to assess pedicle breach, pedicle fracture, or anchor material extrusion and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to assess screw loosening. Thereafter, to minimize radiation exposure, CT scans were only performed for recurrence of pain.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-three patients (79% women; mean age, 74 years) received 50 lumbosacral pedicle screws augmented with DBF anchors. Most surgeries (<i>n</i> = 18, 78%) were revisions, and most anchors were inserted into revision pedicle screw trajectories (<i>n</i> = 33, 66%). Day-2 CT scans revealed no pedicle breach/fracture or extrusion of anchor material. During a mean follow-up of 15 months (12-20 months), no screw loosening was detected, and no patient required pedicle screw revision surgery. There were no adverse events attributable to DBF allografts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DBF allograft anchors appear to be safe and effective for augmenting pedicle screws during revision surgeries in female elderly patients with reduced bone density.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Clinically, DBF reduced the rate of pedicle screw loosening in patients with reduced bone density. A significant reduction in screw loosening can decrease the need for revision surgeries, which are costly and carry additional risks. Enhanced bone integration from the DBF may promote better healing and long-term stability.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 3: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141311894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantitative Threshold of Intraoperative Radiological Parameters for Suspecting Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage Malposition Triggering Contralateral Radiculopathy.","authors":"Satoshi Hattori, Takashi Tanoue, Futoshi Watanabe, Keiji Wada, Shunichi Mori","doi":"10.14444/8617","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8617","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to clarify the quantitative threshold of intraoperative radiological parameters for suspecting posterior malposition of the oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) cage triggering contralateral radiculopathy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We measured the sagittal center and axial rotation angle (ARA) of the cage using postoperative computed tomography (CT) in 130 patients (215 cages) who underwent OLIF. The location of the cage tip was determined from axial magnetic resonance imaging in selected cases based on CT simulations to assess whether the cage was in contact with the contralateral exiting nerve or whether the surgical instruments could contact the nerve during intradiscal maneuvers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sagittal center of the cages was on average 41.5% from the anterior edge of the endplate (shown as AC/AP value: anterior end plate edge-cage center/anterior-posterior endplate edge ×100%), and posterior cage positioning ≥50% occurred in 14% of the cages. The ARA was -2.9°, and posterior oblique rotation of the cages ≥10° (ARA ≤ -10°) was observed in 13%. CT simulation showed that the cage tip could directly contact the contralateral nerve when the cage was placed deep in the posterior portion ≥50% of the AC/AP values with concomitant posterior axial rotation ≥10° (ARA ≤ -10°), or deep in an extremely rare portion ≥60% of the AC/AP values with posterior axial rotation ≥0° (ARA ≤ 0°). Six percent of the cages (13/215) were placed in these posterior oblique areas (potential contact area: PCA). Three cages in the PCA were in direct contact with the contralateral nerves, and 9 were placed deep just anterior to the nerves. Symptomatic contralateral radiculopathy occurred in 2 cages (2/13/215, 15.3%/0.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Two intraoperative radiological parameters (AC/AP and ARA) measurable during OLIF procedures may become practical indicators for suspecting cage malposition in PCA and may be available when determining whether to consider cage revision intraoperatively to a more ventral disc space or anteriorly from the opposite endplate edge.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141724656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: How to Improve Fusion Rate?","authors":"Hyun-Jin Park, John I Shin, Ki-Han You, Jason I Yang, Nathan Kim, Yong H Kim, Min-Seok Kang, Sang-Min Park","doi":"10.14444/8648","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8648","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (BE-TLIF) is a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating degenerative lumbar spine conditions. It offers advantages such as reduced soft tissue trauma and lower infection rates, but certain technical aspects may be challenging. The current study aims to identify strategies to enhance the fusion rate in BE-TLIF by addressing these specific challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature review was conducted on techniques to improve fusion rates in BE-TLIF.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review suggests that lateral-based portals supplemented with medial portals allowed for safe insertion of interbody cages with large footprint. Direct visualization of the disc space with a 30° endoscope assisted with better disc space preparation. Facetectomies performed with osteotomes, rather than burrs, ensured maximum retrieval of autologous bone graft. Utilizing bone morphogenetic proteins with sustained release carriers such as hydroxyapatite can be useful to increase fusion rates of BE-TLIF.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To our knowledge, the current literature is the first comprehensive review of strategies to enhance fusion rates in BE-TLIF. The proposed techniques and biological adjuncts are effective means to address key challenges associated with the procedure, and such strategies would potentially shorten the learning curve and improve clinical outcomes. Further clinical studies are required to validate these findings and establish standardized protocols.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>These findings provide practical solutions to overcome common challenges in BE-TLIF. The suggested techniques would reduce the incidence of pseudarthrosis, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately offer a safer and more reliable option for lumbar interbody fusion patients.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 5: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}