Differences in the Exposure of the Lumbar Nerve Root Between Experts and Novices: Results From a Realistic Simulation Pilot Study With Force Sensors.

Study Design: Nonrandomized prospective trial.

Objective: Several studies could demonstrate "learning curves" in almost every single surgical procedure for unexperienced surgeons. This is in sharp contrast to the rising quality requirements in public health care to provide surgical training at patients "expense.

Mid- to long-term results of total lumbar disc replacement: a prospective analysis with 5- to 10-year follow-up.

Background Context: The role of fusion of lumbar motion segments for the treatment of intractable low back pain (LBP) from degenerative disc disease (DDD) without deformities or instabilities remains controversially debated. Total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) has been used as an alternative in a highly selected patient cohort. However, the amount of long-term follow-up (FU) data on TDR is limited.

Influence of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on the outcome of total lumbar disc replacement: a prospective clinical, histological, X-ray and MRI investigation.

Introduction: The role of fusion of lumbar motion segments for the treatment of axial low back pain (LBP) from lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) without any true deformities or instabilities remains controversially debated. In an attempt to avoid previously published and fusion-related negative side effects, motion preserving technologies such as total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) have been introduced. The adequate extent of preoperative DDD for TDR remains unknown, the number of previously published studies is scarce and the limited data available reveal contradictory results.

The fate of facet joint and adjacent level disc degeneration following total lumbar disc replacement: a prospective clinical, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging investigation.

Study Design: Prospective clinical, x-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging investigation following total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) with ProDisc II (Synthes, Paoli, PA).

Objective: To examine the progression of adjacent level degeneration (ALD), facet joint degeneration (FJD) as well as associated risk factors following TDR.

Summary Of Background Data: Fusion procedures have been associated with adjacent level morbidities and facet joint pathologies in a considerable number of patients.

Interdependence between disc space height, range of motion and clinical outcome in total lumbar disc replacement.

Study Design: Clinical and radiologic assessment obtained from an ongoing prospective trial following total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) with ProDisc II.

Objective: To analyze the interaction between the parameters of disc space height (DSH), range of motion (ROM) and clinical outcome scores following TDR.

Summary Of Background Data: The interdependence between DSH, ROM and the clinical symptomatology has been well documented for patients with degenerative disc disease, fusion candidates and healthy control subjects.