Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-04-01Epub Date: 2023-12-22DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0409
Jon Park, Dong-Ki Ahn, Dae-Jung Choi
{"title":"Treatment Concept and Technical Considerations of Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.","authors":"Jon Park, Dong-Ki Ahn, Dae-Jung Choi","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0409","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0409","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Decompression is a major component of surgical procedures for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). In addition to sufficient decompression to guarantee the relief of neurological pain, compensating surgical instability after wider laminectomy and foraminotomy and instrumentation with caging and fusion with grafting are performed to secure or restore the foraminal dimension and correct coronal/sagittal imbalance for longer survival of the adjacent segment. Endoscopic spinal surgery (ESS) has been developed under the flag of successful decompression while preserving structural integrity as much as possible with the help of magnification and illumination. ESS provides a technical possibility and feasibility for solving LSS by decompression alone. Recently, many endoscopic trials have been conducted to overcome conventional surgical treatment that requires wider dissection, escape inevitable complications from surgical damage, and compensate for the fusion technique. However, biportal ESS has some technical limitations, including clinical difficulties in accessibility for more moderate to severe stenosis and challenges for complicated conditions with segmental ventral slip, isthmic defect, stenosis combined with foraminal stenosis or foraminal disk rupture, or degenerative segmental scoliosis with disk height collapsing and endplate fatigue fracture. Because decompression alone is a skill for eliminating pathologies, there is no function of preserving degenerative structure or stopping the recurrence of disk degeneration or subsidence. This review of clinical reports investigated the possibility of biportal ESS for treating degenerative lumbar disorders by sufficient decompression and adequate elimination of various pathologies and decreasing technical complications. The results of this study may help develop better innovative spinal surgical techniques in the near future.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11065520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138827960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-04-01Epub Date: 2023-12-26DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0413
Dong-Ho Lee, Hyung Rae Lee, Kiehyun Daniel Riew
{"title":"An Algorithmic Roadmap for the Surgical Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Dong-Ho Lee, Hyung Rae Lee, Kiehyun Daniel Riew","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0413","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of disability, and its surgical management is crucial for improving patient neurological outcomes. Given the varied presentations and severities of DCM, treatment options are diverse. Surgeons often face challenges in selecting the most appropriate surgical approach because there is no universally correct answer. This narrative review aimed to aid the decision-making process in treating DCM by presenting a structured treatment algorithm. The authors categorized surgical scenarios based on an algorithm, outlining suitable treatment methods for each case. Four primary scenarios were identified based on the number of levels requiring surgery and K-line status: (1) K-line (+) and ≤3 levels, (2) K-line (+) and ≥3 levels, (3) K-line (-) and ≤3 levels, and (4) K-line (-) and ≥3 levels. This categorization aids in determining the appropriateness of anterior or posterior approaches and the necessity for fusion, considering the surgical level and K-line status. The complexity of surgical situations and diversity of treatment methods for DCM can be effectively managed using an algorithmic approach. Furthermore, surgical techniques that minimize the stages and address challenging conditions could enhance treatment outcomes in DCM.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11065509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139037397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2023-12-22DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0410
Wongthawat Liawrungrueang, Sung Tan Cho, Peem Sarasombath, Inhee Kim, Jin Hwan Kim
{"title":"Current Trends in Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Wongthawat Liawrungrueang, Sung Tan Cho, Peem Sarasombath, Inhee Kim, Jin Hwan Kim","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0410","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0410","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review summarizes existing evidence and outlines the benefits of artificial intelligence-assisted spine surgery. The popularity of artificial intelligence has grown significantly, demonstrating its benefits in computer-assisted surgery and advancements in spinal treatment. This study adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), a set of reporting guidelines specifically designed for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The search strategy used Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, including \"MeSH (Artificial intelligence),\" \"Spine\" AND \"Spinal\" filters, in the last 10 years, and English- from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2023. In total, 442 articles fulfilled the first screening criteria. A detailed analysis of those articles identified 220 that matched the criteria, of which 11 were considered appropriate for this analysis after applying the complete inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. Analysis of these studies revealed the types of artificial intelligence-assisted spine surgery. No evidence suggests the superiority of assisted spine surgery with or without artificial intelligence in terms of outcomes. In terms of feasibility, accuracy, safety, and facilitating lower patient radiation exposure compared with standard fluoroscopic guidance, artificial intelligence-assisted spine surgery produced satisfactory and superior outcomes. The incorporation of artificial intelligence with augmented and virtual reality appears promising, with the potential to enhance surgeon proficiency and overall surgical safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138827959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2024-01-30DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0203
Niladri Kumar Mahato, Paramanand Maharaj, Brian C Clark
{"title":"Lumbar Spine Anatomy in Supine versus Weight- Bearing Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Detecting Significant Positional Changes and Testing Reliability of Quantification.","authors":"Niladri Kumar Mahato, Paramanand Maharaj, Brian C Clark","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0203","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>Testing between and within group differences and assessing reliability of measurements.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To study and compare lumbar spine morphology in supine and weight-bearing (WB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).</p><p><strong>Overview of literature: </strong>Upright lumbar MRI may uncover anatomical changes that may escape detection when using conventional supine imaging. This study quantified anatomical dimensions of the lumbar spine in the supine and WB MRI, compared specific morphometric differences between them, and tested the intra-rater reliability of the measurements. Repeated measures analysis was used to compare within- and between-session measurements performed on the supine and WB images. Reliability and agreement were assessed by calculating intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 12 adults without any history of back pain were used in this study. Sagittal T2-weighted images of the lumbar spine were acquired in the supine and WB positions twice (in two separate sessions scheduled within a week). Linear, angular dimensions, and cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured using proprietary software. Supine and WB data acquired from the two imaging sessions were tested for intra-rater reliability. Quantified data were normalized for each session to test the significance of differences. ICC was calculated to test the reliability of the measurements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Linear, angular, and CSA measurements demonstrated strong within-position (supine and WB) correlations (r -values, 0.75-0.97). Between-position (supine vs. WB) differences were significant for all measured dimensions (p<0.05). Between-session measurements demonstrated a strong correlation (r -values, 0.64-0.83). Calculated ICC showed strong agreement among the measurements.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Anatomical dimensions of the lumbar spine may demonstrate consistent and significant differences between supine and WB MRI for specific structural parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139575037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2024-02-21DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0138
Guodong Wang, Yang Li, Chenggui Zhang, Ping Liu, Jianmin Sun
{"title":"Erector Spinae Atrophy Correlates with Global Sagittal Imbalance and Postoperative Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Incidence in Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis.","authors":"Guodong Wang, Yang Li, Chenggui Zhang, Ping Liu, Jianmin Sun","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0138","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lumbar erector muscle atrophy and global sagittal imbalance in lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK) and with postoperative proximal junctional kyphosis.</p><p><strong>Overview of literature: </strong>Lumbar erector muscle atrophy has been studied in LDK. However, its role in the compensatory mechanism is still under intense discussion, and the role of erector spinae (ES) muscle is always overlooked.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study enrolled 51 patients with LDK out of 382 patients with adult degenerative spinal deformity. Baseline information was reviewed including demographic data and complications. Sagittal spinopelvic alignments and global imbalance parameters were assessed on full-length X-ray images of the spine. Muscularity and the fatty infiltration area of the ES and multifidus (MF) were measured at the L4/5 level on preoperative magnetic resonance image to evaluate the lumbar erector muscle atrophy. Stratification by sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was performed: group 1 with SVA <100 mm and group 2 with SVA >100 mm, and these groups were compared. Spearman correlation and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze and define risk factors of postoperative proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Group 2 had lower ES and MF muscularity than group 1. ES muscularity correlated with SVA (r=-0.510, p<0.003), lumbar lordosis (r=-0.415, p<0.018), and postoperative PJK (r=-0.508, p<0.022). MF muscularity did not correlate with the above parameters. Multivariable logistic regression analysis verified ES muscularity (odds ratio [OR], 0.001; p<0.039) and SVA (OR, 1.034; p<0.048) as the risk factors for postoperative PJK.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ES atrophy, besides the MF, is an important predictor in distinguishing decompensated LDK from well-compensated ones. It plays an important role in compensatory mechanism, not only correlates with global sagittal imbalance but also ties to PJK after deformity corrective surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139911886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Surgical Outcomes of Full Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy for Proximal Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy.","authors":"Deokcheol Lee, Kazuo Ohmori, Reiko Yoneyama, Takuro Endo, Yasuhiro Endo","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0206","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective analysis of case series.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to clarify the effects of full endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy (FPCF) on cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA).</p><p><strong>Overview of literature: </strong>The method for decompressing the ventral nerve root and anterior horn (AH) in CSA is controversial.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients without myelopathy who underwent FPCF for proximal CSA between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed. The outcome measure was the results of the manual muscle testing (MMT) of the deltoid and biceps. Preoperative nerve root and AH compression were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. The intervertebral foramen morphology and bony decompression extent were evaluated by computed tomography.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FPCF was performed at the C4/5 level and at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels in 14 and 11 patients, respectively. The width of the narrowest intervertebral foramen was significantly narrower on the affected side than on the healthy side at the C4/5 (2.5 mm vs. 3.6 mm) and operated C5/6 (1.9 mm vs. 3.1 mm) levels. AH compression occurred at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels in 28% and 21% of the patients, respectively. Bony decompression was performed laterally beyond the narrowest foramen at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels in 96% and 91% of the patients, respectively. Compared with patients without AH compression, in those with AH compression, the lamina was resected medially by an average of >1.7 mm and >3.6 mm at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels, respectively. Furthermore, 76% and 81% of the facet joint surfaces were preserved at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels, respectively. Postoperative MMT grade improvement was excellent, good, and fair in 64%, 20%, and 16% of the patients, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FPCF was effective for treating proximal CSA.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139911892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2024-02-21DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0131
Lixian Tan, Xiaokang Du, Runmin Tang, Limin Rong, Liangming Zhang
{"title":"Preoperative Adjacent Facet Joint Osteoarthritis Is Associated with the Incidence of Adjacent Segment Degeneration and Low Back Pain after Lumbar Interbody Fusion.","authors":"Lixian Tan, Xiaokang Du, Runmin Tang, Limin Rong, Liangming Zhang","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0131","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>A retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To analyze the association between preoperative adjacent facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) and outcomes of lumbar interbody fusion (LIF).</p><p><strong>Overview of literature: </strong>Whether preoperative adjacent FJOA is associated with the incidence of radiological adjacent segment degeneration (RASD) and low back pain (LBP) relief after lumbar fusion remains unknown.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included patients who underwent LIF. The demographic characteristics and radiographic and surgical data were collected and evaluated. The included patients were divided into control group and FJOA group based on the preoperative adjacent facet joint Pathria grade. Preoperative and last follow-up LBP Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, leg pain (LP) VAS, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and RASD were evaluated and compared. The improvement rates in VAS and ODI were calculated and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of LBP relief and incidence of RASD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 197 patients (control group, 86; FJOA group, 111) were included, and the median follow-up was 46 months. The VAS and ODI in both groups significantly improved after surgery. At the last follow-up, the FJOA group had higher VAS and lower VAS improvement rates of LBP than the control group (p<0.05). However, no significant difference in the LP VAS and ODI was found between the two groups. The incidence of RASD in the FJOA group was significantly higher than that in the control group (48.6% vs. 30.2%, p=0.034). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative adjacent FJOA was significantly associated with LBP relief (odds ratio [OR], 0.691; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.498-0.958) and the postoperative incidence of RASD (OR, 1.406; 95% CI, 1.020-1.939).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The preoperative FJOA in the adjacent segments was significantly associated with LBP following LIF. Patients with preoperative FJOA were more likely to have RASD following lumbar fusion surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139911889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparison of the Fixation Strengths of Screws between the Traditional Trajectory and the Single and Double Endplate Penetrating Screw Trajectories Using Osteoporotic Vertebral Body Models Based on the Finite Element Method.","authors":"Takumi Takeuchi, Yuhei Takamizawa, Kazumasa Konishi, Hideto Sano, Masahito Takahashi, Hitoshi Kouno, Naobumi Hosogane","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0238","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>This is a finite element (FE) study.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To compare the fixation strength of traditional trajectory (TT) and single and double endplate penetrating screw trajectories (SEPST/DEPST) to the osteoporotic vertebral body model based on the FE method.</p><p><strong>Overview of literature: </strong>SEPST/DEPST have been developed to enhance the fixation strength in patients with diffuse idiopathic hyperostosis (DISH). This technique was also applied to patients with osteoporosis. However, determining the superiority of SEPST/ DEPST is difficult because of the heterogeneous patient backgrounds.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty vertebrae (T12 and L1) from 10 patients with osteoporosis (two males and eight females; mean age, 74.7 years) were obtained to create the 10 FE models. First, a single screw was placed with TT and SEPST/DEPST, and the fixation strength was compared by axial pullout strength (POS) and multidirectional loading tests. Second, two screws were placed on the bilateral pedicles with TT and SEPST/DEPST, and the fixation force of the vertebrae in the constructs in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial rotation was examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SEPST and DEPST had 140% and 171% higher POS values than TT, respectively, and the DEPST result was statistically significant (p =0.007). The multidirectional fixation strength was significantly higher in DEPST and SEPST than in TT in the cranial, caudal, and medial directions (p <0.05) but not in the lateral direction (p =0.05). The vertebral fracture strength at the lower instrumented vertebra of the DEPST tended to be higher than that of TT. The vertebral motion angles in SEPST and DEPST were significantly smaller in lateral bending (p =0.02) and tended to be smaller in flexion and extension than in TT (p =0.13).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study may provide useful information for spine surgeons in deciding whether to choose the SEPS or DEPS technique for augmenting fixation in osteoporotic vertebral fracture surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139911922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lumbar Transforaminal Injection of Steroids versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for Prolapse Lumbar Intervertebral Disc with Radiculopathy: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Pilot Study.","authors":"Anuj Gupta, Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Vishwajeet Singh, Daram Nagarjuna","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0115","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>Double-blind randomized controlled pilot study.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of steroids with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administered by lumbar transforaminal injection (LTI) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.</p><p><strong>Overview of literature: </strong>Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is one of the most common conditions managed by spine surgeons in routine practice. Once conservative management fails, LTI is diagnostic and often therapeutic. Steroids are the gold standard drug used for LTI but have limitations and side effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this single-center double-blind randomized controlled pilot study, 46 patients were recruited and randomized by the lottery method. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for leg pain, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) were assessed at 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics, preprocedure VAS scores, mODI, and SF-12 scores (p=0.52). At the 1-week follow-up, the steroid group had significantly better improvement than the PRP group (p=0.0001). At the 3-week follow-up, both groups showed comparable outcomes; however, the PRP group had better symptom improvement. At 6 weeks and 6 months, the PRP group had better outcomes (VAS, p<0.0001; ODI, p=0.02; SF-12, p=0.002). Moreover, 17 and 16 patients in the steroid and PRP groups underwent repeat LTI with steroids or surgery because of pain recurrence during follow-up. At 1 year, no difference in outcomes was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PRP may be a useful alternative to steroids for LTI in lumbar radiculopathy. Although improvement was delayed and 1-year outcomes were comparable, the 6-week and 6-month outcomes were better with PRP than with LTI. Multiple PRP injections may be beneficial because of its autologous nature. However, further studies with a larger number of participants, longer follow-up, and repeat LTIs are warranted to draw definite conclusions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140020866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asian Spine JournalPub Date : 2024-02-01Epub Date: 2024-01-30DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0128
Francis Jia Yi Fong, Chee Yit Lim, Jun-Hao Tan, Hwee Weng Dennis Hey
{"title":"A Comparison between Structural Allografts and Polyetheretherketone Interbody Spacers Used in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Francis Jia Yi Fong, Chee Yit Lim, Jun-Hao Tan, Hwee Weng Dennis Hey","doi":"10.31616/asj.2023.0128","DOIUrl":"10.31616/asj.2023.0128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Among interbody implants used during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), structural allografts and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are the most used spacers. Currently, no consensus has been established regarding the superiority of either implant, with US surgeons preferring structural allografts, whereas UK surgeons preferring PEEK. The purpose of this systematic review (level of evidence, 4) was to compare postoperative and patient-reported outcomes between the use of structural allografts PEEK interbody spacers during ACDF. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched for articles comparing the usage of structural allograft and PEEK interbody spacers during ACDF procedures from inception to April 10, 2023. The searches were conducted using the keywords \"Spine,\" \"Allograft,\" and \"PEEK\" and were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Subsequent quality and sensitivity analyses were performed on the included studies. Nine studies involving 1,074 patients were included. Compared with the PEEK group, the structural allograft group had comparable rates of postoperative pseudoarthrosis (p=0.58). However, when stratified according to the number of levels treated, the 3-level ACDF PEEK group was 3.45 times more likely to have postoperative pseudoarthrosis than the structural allograft group (p=0.01). Subsequent postoperative outcomes (rate of subsidence and change in the preoperative and postoperative segmental disc heights) were comparable between the PEEK and structural allograft groups. Patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] of neck pain and Neck Disability Index [NDI]) were comparable. This study showed that for 3-level ACDFs, the use of structural allografts may confer higher fusion rates. However, VAS neck pain, NDI, and subsidence rates were comparable between structural allografts and PEEK cages. In addition, no significant difference in pseudoarthrosis rates was found between PEEK cages and structural allografts in patients undergoing 1- and 2-level ACDFs.</p>","PeriodicalId":8555,"journal":{"name":"Asian Spine Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910133/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139575008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}