Economic impact of improving outcomes of lumbar discectomy.

Background: Lumbar discectomy is usually a successful operation with a relatively low cost. Potential adjunctive procedures, such as repairing the anulus fibrosus or nucleus replacements, necessitate a cost-benefit analysis.

Purpose: This economic analysis was performed to understand the potential value of advanced implantable technologies designed to improve outcomes after discectomy.

Comparison of BRYAN cervical disc arthroplasty with anterior cervical decompression and fusion: clinical and radiographic results of a randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized, multicenter study of surgical treatment of cervical disc disease.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of cervical disc arthroplasty using a new arthroplasty device at 24-months follow-up.

Summary Of Background Data: Cervical disc arthroplasty preserves motion in the cervical spine.

Quality of life of lumbar stenosis-treated patients in whom the X STOP interspinous device was implanted.

Object: This study was conducted to compare the quality of life (QOL) in patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Using the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire, the authors compared the results obtained in patients treated with the X STOP Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD) System with those obtained in patients who underwent nonoperative therapies.

Methods: Patients with LSS were enrolled in a prospective 2-year multicenter study and randomized either to the X STOP or nonoperative group.

A multicenter, prospective, randomized trial evaluating the X STOP interspinous process decompression system for the treatment of neurogenic intermittent claudication: two-year follow-up results.

Study Design: A randomized, controlled, prospective multicenter trial comparing the outcomes of neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) patients treated with the interspinous process decompression system (X STOP) with patients treated nonoperatively.

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of the X STOP interspinous implant.

Summary Of Background Data: Patients suffering from NIC secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis have been limited to a choice between nonoperative therapies and decompressive surgical procedures, with or without fusion.

Anterior cervical fusion: a comparison of cage, dowel and dowel-plate constructs.

Background Context: Threaded lumbar cages have been used as a safe and effective surgical fusion method for a decade. Smaller versions have now been developed for the cervical spine to obviate the need for allograft use or iliac autograft harvest and to provide initial stability before fusion.

Purpose: To compare anterior cervical interbody fusion with the BAK/C Cervical Interbody Fusion System, cage (Centerpulse Spine-Tech Inc.