Comparison of navigated versus non-navigated pedicle screw placement in 260 patients and 1434 screws: screw accuracy, screw size, and the complexity of surgery.

Objective: Computer 3D navigation (3D NAV) techniques in spinal instrumentation can theoretically improve screw placement accuracy and reduce injury to critical neurovascular structures, especially in complex cases. In this series, we analyze the results of 3D NAV in pedicle screw placement accuracy, screw outer diameter, and case complexity in comparison with screws placed with conventional lateral fluoroscopy.

Methods: Pedicle screws placed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine using either standard lateral fluoroscopy or 3D NAV using isocentric fluoroscopy were retrospectively analyzed.

Lumbar juxtafacet cyst resection: the facet sparing contralateral minimally invasive surgical approach.

Study Design: A retrospective review.

Objective: To report our approach and results using a contralateral minimally invasive spinal surgical muscle splitting approach that allows visualization of the cyst without extensive removal of the adjacent facet joint.

Summary Of Background Data: The use of tubular retractors for spinal surgery can potentially minimize tissue injury.

Biological intervertebral disc replacement: an in vivo model and comparison of two surgical techniques to approach the rat caudal disc.

Study Design: Prospective randomized animal study.

Objective: To determine a surgical technique for reproducible and functional intervertebral disc replacement in an orthotopic animal model.

Methods: The caudal 3/4 intervertebral disc (IVD) of the rat tail was approached by two surgical techniques: blunt dissection, stripping and retracting (Technique 1) or incising and repairing (Technique 2) the dorsal longitudinal tendons.

Total disc replacement using a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc in vivo: new animal model and initial results.

Study Type:  Basic science Introduction:  Chronic back pain due to degenerative disc disease (DDD) is among the most important medical conditions causing morbidity and significant health care costs. Surgical treatment options include disc replacement or fusion surgery, but are associated with significant short- and long-term risks.1 Biological tissue-engineering of human intervertebral discs (IVD) could offer an important alternative.