Lateral lumbar interbody fusion in adult spine deformity – A review of literature

IntroductionSurgery for adult spine deformity presents a challenging issue for spinal surgeons with high morbidity rates reported in the literature. The minimally invasive lateral approach aims at reducing these complications while maintaining similar outcomes as associated with open spinal surgeries. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the use of lateral lumbar interbody fusion in the cases of adult spinal deformity.MethodsA literature review was done using the healthcare database Advanced Research on NICE and NHS website using Medline. Search terms were “XLIF” or “LLIF” or “DLIF” or “lateral lumbar interbody fusion” or “minimal invasive lateral fusion” and “adult spinal deformity” or “spinal deformity”.ResultsA total of 417 studies were considered for the review and 44 studies were shortlisted after going through the selection criteria. The data of 1722 patients and 4057 fusion levels were analysed for this review. The mean age of the patients was 65.18 years with L4/5 being the most common level fused in this review. We found significant improvement in the radiological parameters (lordosis, scoliosis, and disk height) in the pooled data. Transient neurological symptoms and cage subsidence were the two most common complications reported.ConclusionLLIF is a safe and effective approach in managing adult spinal deformity with low morbidity and acceptable complication rates. It can be used alone for lower grades of deformity and as an adjuvant procedure to decrease the magnitude of open surgeries in high-grade deformities.     

The role of minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion in sagittal balance correction and spinal deformity

Purpose

The recent proliferation of minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) techniques has drawn attention to potential for these techniques to control or correct sagittal misalignment in adult spinal deformity. We systemically reviewed published studies related to LLIF use in adult spinal deformity treatment with emphasis on radiographic assessment of sagittal balance.

Methods

A literature review was conducted to examine studies focusing on sagittal balance restoration in adult degenerative scoliosis with the LLIF approach.

Results

Fourteen publications, 12 retrospective and 2 prospective, reported data regarding lumbar lordosis correction (1,266 levels in 476 patients) but only two measured global sagittal alignment.

Conclusion

LLIF appears to be especially effective when the lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance correction goals are less than 10° and 5 cm, respectively. However, the review demonstrated a lack of consistent reporting on sagittal balance restoration with the MIS LLIF techniques.

     

The use of bone morphogenetic protein in spine fusion

Background contextBecause pseudarthrosis remains a clinically significant complication after spinal arthrodesis, the role of recombinant bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) is continually evaluated in spine surgery.PurposeThis article reviews the important literature in clinical research involving the use of BMPs in the augmentation of spinal fusion.Study design/settingReview article.MethodsA literature search was performed via MEDLINE through PubMed with the dates January 1960 to July 2007 using the keywords “bone morphogenetic protein, BMP, spinal arthrodesis, and/or bone healing.” Pertinent preclinical and clinical publications were chosen based on relevance and quality for inclusion in this study.ResultsPublications focused on the historical context and potential clinical applications using BMP were selected to delineate the risks, benefits, and current indications for the augmentation of spinal arthrodesis.ConclusionsAlthough multiple commercially available recombinant BMPs have demonstrated clinical success in interbody and posterolateral fusions, the associated costs preclude its routine use in spinal arthrodesis. The spine surgeon must assess each patient individually based on age, bone quality, diagnosis, comorbidities, and risks of nonunion to determine the cost effectiveness of the use of BMP to augment spinal fusion.     

Etiology-Based Classification of Adjacent Segment Disease Following Lumbar Spine Fusion

Background

Adjacent segment disease (ASDz) is a potential complication following lumbar spinal fusion. A common nomenclature based on etiology and ASDz type does not exist and is needed to assist with clinical prognostication, decision making, and management.

Questions/Purposes

The objective of this study was to develop an etiology-based classification system for ASDz following lumbar fusion.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 65 consecutive patients who had undergone both a lumbar fusion performed by a single surgeon and a subsequent procedure for ASDz. We established an etiology-based classification system for lumbar ASDz with the following six categories: “degenerative” (degenerative disc disease or spondylosis), “neurologic” (disc herniation, stenosis), “instability” (spondylolisthesis, rotatory subluxation), “deformity” (scoliosis, kyphosis), “complex” (fracture, infection), or “combined.” Based on this scheme, we determined the rate of ASDz in each etiologic category.

Results

Of the 65 patients, 27 (41.5%) underwent surgery for neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy for adjacent-level stenosis or disc herniation and were classified as “neurologic.” Ten patients (15.4%) had progressive degenerative disc pathology at the adjacent level and were classified as “degenerative.” Ten patients (15.4%) had spondylolisthesis or instability and were classified as “instability,” and three patients (4.6%) required revision surgery for adjacent-level kyphosis or scoliosis and were classified as “deformity.” Fifteen patients (23.1%) had multiple diagnoses that included a combination of categories and were classified as “combined.”

Conclusion

This is the first study to propose an etiology-based classification scheme of ASDz following lumbar spine fusion. This simple classification system may allow for the grouping and standardization of patients with similar pathologies and thus for more specific pre-operative diagnoses, personalized treatments, and improved outcome analyses.

     

一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨治疗脊柱结核

目的探讨一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨融合术治疗脊柱结核的临床效果。方法 2006年7月~2013年9月,对36例胸腰段脊柱结核患者均采用一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨融合术治疗。后路内固定采用椎弓根螺钉系统,病灶清除后采用结构性支撑,自体大块髂骨植骨9例,椎间融合器椎间植骨并自体髂骨骨粒植骨27例。结果平均随访22个月,所有病例植骨均骨性融合,内固定无松动、断裂,3例有神经功能障碍者恢复良好。结论脊柱结核手术治疗中,后路病灶清除内固定是安全有效的。后路植骨融合率高,是一种较好的手术方式。     

History and current state of interbody fusion device material science

Interbody fusion devices are increasingly utilized in the field of adult lumbar spinal surgery. Surgical technique and device technology continues to improve upon the management of adult spinal pathology through indirect decompression, supplementation of the biological and mechanical properties of the local environment to encourage fusion, and directly addressing both sagittal and coronal deformity. Historically, interbody fusion was achieved through grafting and rudimentary devices. Recently, attention has been turned to the materials and design of interbody devices with the goal of providing the optimal interface between bone and the device to facilitate the fusion process. This review will provide historical context and address the current state of material science of interbody devices and design as well as outcomes and complications of various devices used in interbody reconstruction.     

Defining a core outcome set for adolescent and young adult patients with a spinal deformity

Background and purpose — Routine outcome measurement has been shown to improve performance in several fields of healthcare. National spine surgery registries have been initiated in 5 Nordic countries. However, there is no agreement on which outcomes are essential to measure for adolescent and young adult patients with a spinal deformity. The aim of this study was to develop a core outcome set (COS) that will facilitate benchmarking within and between the 5 countries of the Nordic Spinal Deformity Society (NSDS) and other registries worldwide.

Material and methods — From August 2015 to September 2016, 7 representatives (panelists) of the national spinal surgery registries from each of the NSDS countries participated in a modified Delphi study. With a systematic literature review as a basis and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework as guidance, 4 consensus rounds were held. Consensus was defined as agreement between at least 5 of the 7 representatives. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results — Consensus was reached on the inclusion of 13 core outcome domains: “satisfaction with overall outcome of surgery”, “satisfaction with cosmetic result of surgery”, “pain interference”, physical functioning”, “health-related quality of life”, “recreation and leisure”, “pulmonary fatigue”, “change in deformity”, “self-image”, “pain intensity”, “physical function”, “complications”, and “re-operation”. Panelists agreed that the SRS-22r, EQ-5D, and a pulmonary fatigue questionnaire (yet to be developed) are the most appropriate set of patient-reported measurement instruments that cover these outcome domains.

Interpretation — We have identified a COS for a large subgroup of spinal deformity patients for implementation and validation in the NSDS countries. This is the first study to further develop a COS in a global perspective.     

Awake Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Note

Background

Advances in modern spinal fusion techniques have allowed for less peri-operative morbidity and more rapid recovery from surgery. The addition of endoscopy to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fusion techniques represents the latest progression of efforts to minimize the impact of surgical intervention.

Technique

MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is performed endoscopically through a sub-centimeter working portal. Patients undergo light conscious sedation and remain awake to facilitate feedback with the surgeon and enhance post-operative recovery.

Results

Previously reported results of the first 100 cases performed by the senior author at a single institution are summarized. This cohort has been characterized by brief post-operative length of stay, low complication profile, and marked improvement in patient-reported outcomes scores, with no cases of pseudarthrosis at 1-year follow up.

Conclusions

The latest technical considerations and adaptations of a novel technique for endoscopic MIS spinal fusion without general anesthesia are described. A refined surgical technique and anesthetic protocol are presented in detail with recommendations for the successful implementation and performance of the procedure.

     

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) create intervertebral fusion by means of a posterior approach. Both techniques are useful in managing degenerative disk disease, severe instability, spondylolisthesis, deformity, and pseudarthrosis. Successful results have been reported with allograft, various cages (for interbody support), autograft, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. Interbody fusion techniques may facilitate reduction and enhance fusion. The rationale for PLIF and TLIF is biomechanically sound. However, clinical outcomes of different anterior and posterior spinal fusion techniques tend to be similar. PLIF has a high complication rate (dural tear, 5.4% to 10%; neurologic injury, 9% to 16%). These findings, coupled with the versatility of TLIF throughout the entire lumbar spine, may make TLIF the ideal choice for an all-posterior interbody fusion.     

Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Spine and Adult Deformity: Surgical Technique and the Evidence

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has become an increasingly popular technique utilized for the treatment of lumbar pathology. MIS-TLIF has exhibited a wide range of indications in both lumbar degenerative disease and adult spinal deformity. Due to its reduction in soft tissue trauma, this technique has also been demonstrated to minimize operative blood loss and postoperative pain when compared to open spinal fusions. Additionally, patient reported outcomes and fusion rates following MIS-TLIF have been promising. The present review investigates the current literature regarding MIS-TLIF techniques, outcomes, complications, and costs.     

Fundamental concepts of lumbar fusion and single-position circumferential lumbar interbody fusion

Lumbar interbody fusion has revolutionized the treatment of lumbar spinal disorders. Through restoration of disc height and interbody fusion, a surgeon has more options, particularly less invasive options, for surgical techniques. Single-position circumferential lumbar interbody fusion is becoming more common in the treatment of degenerative, oncologic, traumatic, and deformity disorders of the adult spine. The concept of circumferential interbody fusion has established itself in recent years, but has been afflicted by the impracicality of repositioning intraoperatively as well as only being able to address one aspect of the spine at a time. With single-position techniques, the surgeon is able to save operative time, reduce logistical problems of multi-position techniques, and operate on the spine from more than one approach simultaneously. As technology and surgeon familiarly increases, single-position interbody surgery is expected to gain even wider adoption in the adult spine field.     

Stem cells in preclinical spine studies

Background contextThe recent identification and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells have introduced a shift in the research focus for future technologies in spinal surgery to achieve spinal fusion and treat degenerative disc disease. Current and past techniques use allograft to replace diseased tissue or rely on host responses to recruit necessary cellular progenitors. Adult stem cells display long-term proliferation, efficient self-renewal, and multipotent differentiation.PurposeThis review will focus on two important applications of stem cells in spinal surgery: spine fusion and the management of degenerative disc disease.Study designReview of the literature.MethodsRelevant preclinical literature regarding stem cell sources, growth factors, scaffolds, and animal models for both osteogenesis and chondrogenesis will be reviewed, with an emphasis on those studies that focus on spine applications of these technologies.ResultsIn both osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, adult stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose show promise in preclinical studies. Various growth factors and scaffolds have also been shown to enhance the properties and eventual clinical potential of these cells. Although its utility in clinical applications has yet to be proven, gene therapy has also been shown to hold promise in preclinical studies.ConclusionsThe future of spine surgery is constantly evolving, and the recent advancements in stem cell–based technologies for both spine fusion and the treatment of degenerative disc disease is promising and indicative that stem cells will undoubtedly play a major role clinically. It is likely that these stem cells, growth factors, and scaffolds will play a critical role in the future for replacing diseased tissue in disease processes such as degenerative disc disease and in enhancing host tissue to achieve more reliable spine fusion.     

减压碎骨块行椎间融合治疗退变性腰椎不稳并狭窄病例对照研究

目的:探讨自体减压碎骨块在椎间融合中的价值。方法 :2014年4月至2015年5月,采用后路全椎板减压钉棒固定单侧改良TLIF入路椎间融合治疗退变性腰椎不稳并狭窄42例,男18例,女24例,其中24例单纯用自体减压碎骨块为椎间融合材料(治疗组),18例用cage加自体骨作为椎融合材料(对照组)。分析两组临床资料情况,对比两种治疗方式的骨性愈合时间、椎间融合率、椎间隙高度以及疗效的差异。结果:42例患者均获得随访,时间12~24个月,平均16个月。两组患者在发病年龄、性别比例、腰椎不稳程度及随访时间上差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者在临床疗效、椎间高度丢失情况、椎间融合率的差异也无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:利用减压碎骨块行椎间融合治疗退变性腰椎不稳并狭窄,术后融合率高,椎间隙高度维持良好,临床疗效满意,设计科学合理,并发症少,为治疗退变性腰椎管不稳并椎管狭窄提供了经济、实用、临床疗效确切的治疗方法。     

Surgical treatment of acute TB spondylitis: indications and outcomes

Introduction

Spinal tuberculosis represents a challenging disease to treat, not because of the technical expertise or the time required to cure it, but more so because of the decisions involved to treat it. The Medical Research Council (MRC) Working Party on Tuberculosis of the Spine designed trials to help address several questions.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed Medline, including English articles from 1934 to 1012, which pertain to spinal tuberculosis, with special effort in tracing the 13 MRC reports. The primary focus was on disease eradication, fusion rate, and a secondary focus on both short and long-term results in terms of disease recurrence and alignment. Additional searches were made on the use of spinal implants for infection cases.

Results

After reviewing MRC and non-MRC reports, it was evident that the “Hong Kong operation”, which involved radical debridement and strut grafting the lesion, produced better short-, medium- and long-term results in such aspects as fusion rate, spinal deformity and relapse of abscess/sinus. Subsequent work by others demonstrated the importance of prevention of progressive kyphosis, therefore the need to identify risk factors for these and pre-emptive measures such as kyphosis correction, careful graft selection, and instrumentation.

Conclusion

Improvement in quality of life is also accompanied by higher patient expectations. Though developing nations may lack the resources now, eventually patients will demand better functional and cosmetic results after being afflicted by this disfiguring and potentially disabling disease, and the “Hong Kong operation” represented the best outcome, provided resources were available.

     

Early bone ingrowth and segmental stability of a trussed titanium cage versus a polyether ether ketone cage in an ovine lumbar interbody fusion model

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLumbar interbody fusion is an effective treatment for unstable spinal segments. However, the time needed to establish a solid bony interbody fusion between the two vertebrae may be longer than twelve months after surgery. During this time window, the instrumented spinal segment is assumed to be at increased risk for instability related complications such as cage migration or subsidence. It is hypothesized that the design of new interbody cages that enable direct osseointegration of the cage at the vertebral endplates, without requiring full bony fusion between the two vertebral endplates, might shorten the time window that the instrumented spinal segment is susceptible to failure.PURPOSETo quantify the bone ingrowth and resulting segmental stability during consolidation of lumbar interbody fusion using two different cage types.STUDY DESIGNPreclinical ovine model.METHODSSeven skeletally mature sheep underwent bi-segmental lumbar interbody fusion surgery with one conventional polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cage, and one newly developed trussed titanium (TT) cage. After a postoperative time period of 13 weeks, non–destructive range of motion testing, and histologic analysis was performed. Additionally, sample specific finite element (FE) analysis was performed to predict the stability of the interbody fusion region alone.RESULTSPhysiological movement of complete spinal motion segments did not reveal significant differences between the segments operated with PEEK and TT cages. The onset of creeping substitution within the cage seemed to be sooner for PEEK cages, which led to significantly higher bone volume over total volume (BV/TV) compared with the TT cages. TT cages showed significantly more direct bone to implant contact (BIC). Although the mean stability of the interbody fusion region alone was not statistically different between the PEEK and TT cages, the variation within the cage types illustrated an all-or-nothing response for the PEEK cages while a more gradual increase in stability was found for the TT cages.CONCLUSIONSSpinal segments operated with conventional PEEK cages were not different from those operated with newly developed TT cages in terms of segmental stability but did show a different mechanism of bone ingrowth and attachment. Based on the differences in development of bony fusion, we hypothesize that TT cages might facilitate increased early segmental stability by direct osseointegration of the cage at the vertebral endplates without requiring complete bony bridging through the cage.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEInterbody cage type affects the consolidation process of spinal interbody fusion. Whether different consolidation processes of spinal interbody fusion result in clinically significant differences requires further investigation.     

Failure of a polyether-ether-ketone expandable interbody cage following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Purpose

Expandable cages are a more recent option for maintaining or restoring disc height and segmental lordosis with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Complications associated with expandable cages have not yet been widely reported. We report a case of postoperative failure of a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) expandable interbody device used during TLIF.

Methods

A 50-year-old man presented with severe back and right leg pain after undergoing L4-5 and L5-S1 TLIFs with expandable cages and L3-S1 posterior instrumented fusion. Imaging showed retropulsion of a portion of the interbody cage into the spinal canal causing nerve compression. Displacement occurred in a delayed manner. In addition, pseudoarthrosis was present.

Results

The patient underwent re-exploration with removal of the retropulsed wafer and redo fusion.

Conclusions

Expandable cages are a recent innovation; as such, efficacy and complication data are limited. As with any new device, there exists potential for mechanical failure, as occurred in the case presented.

     

A new lumbar fixation device alternative to pedicle-based stabilization for lumbar spine: In vitro cadaver investigation

Context: To evaluate the stability provided by a new bilateral fixation technique using an in vitro investigation for posterior lumbar segmental instrumentation.

Design: Experimental cadaver study. In this study, we propose an alternative technique for a posterior lumbar fixation technique called “inferior-oblique transdiscal fixation” (IOTF).

Setting: Study performed at Engineering Center for Orthopedic Research Exellence (ECORE) in Toledo University-Ohio.

Participants: Six human lumbar cadaveric specimen used in this study.

Interventions: In this study, we propose an alternative technique for a posterior lumbar fixation technique called “inferior-oblique transdiscal fixation” (IOTF). As a novel contribution to the classical technique, the entry point of the screw is the supero-lateral point of the intersecting line drawn between the corpus and the pedicle of the upper vertebra. This approach enables the fixation of two adjacent vertebrae using a single screw on each side without utilizing connecting rods.

Outcome Measures: Flexion (Flex), extension (Ext), right and left lateral bending (LB & RB), and right and left axial rotation (LR & RR), and the position data were captured at each load step using the Optotrak motion measurement system and compared for IOTF and posterior transpedicular stabilization.

Results: The Posterior stabilization system (PSS) and IOTF significantly reduced the ROM of L4-L5 segment compared to intact segment’s ROM. During axial rotation (AR) IOTF fused index segment more than PSS. Besides this, addition of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) cage improved the stabilization of IOTF system during flexion, extension and lateral bending. Whereas, PSS yielded better fusion results during extension compared to IOTF with and without interbody fusion cages.

Conclusions: We hypothesized that the new posterior bilateral system would significantly decrease motion compared to the intact spine. This cadaver study showed that the proposed new posterior fusion technique IOTF fused the index segment in a similar fashion to the classical pedicle screw fusion technique.     

Contralateral psoas seroma after transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion with bone morphogenetic protein-2 implantation

Background contextThe lateral transpsoas approach to interbody fusion of the lumbar spine (lateral lumbar interbody fusion [LLIF]) with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) augmentation has been increasingly performed in recent years. Potential side effects and adverse sequelae of BMP-2 in the acute setting remain to be fully elucidated.PurposeTo review the literature for reports of complications related to BMP-2 implantation in lumbar spinal surgery and present a case of a contralateral psoas muscle seroma after LLIF with BMP-2 implantation.Study designCase report and literature review.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for articles related to adverse events to BMP-2 in lumbar spinal surgery. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman who underwent routine right-sided transpsoas approach for LLIF with the use of BMP-2 at our institution and developed a left-sided psoas muscle fluid accumulation 2 weeks postoperatively.ResultsNo reports of complications contralateral to an LLIF approach attributable to an inflammatory response to BMP-2 were identified in the English literature. In the presented patient, a large (4.2×6.5×2.7 cm) left-sided sterile intramuscular psoas fluid collection was seen on a magnetic resonance imaging study obtained on postoperative day 14. At a 6-month follow-up, left-sided L5 radiculopathy resulting in 4/5 foot drop was confirmed by electromyography. The patient reported here represents the only case of a contralateral psoas seroma with suspected association to BMP-2 utilization in LLIF encountered at our institution.ConclusionsA serous psoas muscle fluid accumulation after BMP-2 implantation may rarely occur contralateral to the surgical approach for LLIF. Further characterization of complications related to BMP-2 implantation after lumbar spinal surgery will help guide preoperative informed decision making and the management of this unusual postoperative adverse event.     

Application of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in old thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation

Abstract

Background

The main indications for surgery for old thoracolumbar fractures are pain, progressive deformity, neurological damage, or increasing neurological deficit. These fractures have been one of the greatest therapeutic challenges in spinal surgery. Anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior procedures have been successful to some extent. As far as we know, there is no report in the literature of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for old thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 26-year-old man with old fracture and dislocation of T12/L1 was treated with TLIF. At 12 months' follow-up, multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scans showed that solid fusion had been achieved between T12 and L1. Back pain had resolved completely at 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

We performed TLIF for in a man with old fracture and dislocation of T12/L1, with good clinical outcome. TLIF might be an option in the treatment of old thoracolumbar fracture.     

Development and Application of Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion

The present study reviewed the relevant recent literature regarding the development and application of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), with a particular focus on its application and associated complications. The study evaluated the rationality of this technique and demonstrated the direction of future research by collecting data on previous operative outcomes and complications. A literature search was performed in Pubmed and Web of Science, including the following keywords and abbreviations: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF), oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), adjacent segment disease (ASD), and adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS). A search of literature published from January 2005 to January 2019 was conducted and all studies evaluating development and application of OLIF were included in the review. According to the literature, the indications for OLIF are various. OLIF has excellent orthopaedic effects in degenerative scoliosis patients and the incidence of bony fusion is higher than for other approaches. It also provides a better choice for revision surgery. It has various advantages in many aspects, but the complications cannot be ignored. As a new minimally invasive technique, the advantages of OLIF are obvious, but further evaluation is needed to compare its operation‐related data with that of traditional open surgery. In addition, more prospective studies are required to compare minimally invasive and open spinal surgery to confirm its specific efficacy, risk, advantages, learning curve, and ultimate clinical efficacy.