Spinal News International’s top 10 most popular stories of February 2023

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Research looking at the Vertebral Bone Quality Score as a predictor of pedicle screw loosening was our most viewed story in February, followed by news of a milestone for Augmedics’ xvision spine system and a study on risk factors of medical malpractice litigation due to laminectomy. Making up the rest of the Top 10 was research on the demand for posterior spinal fusion as well as industry news from the likes of DiscGenics, NuVasive, Globus Medical and icotec.

1. Vertebral Bone Quality Score a strong predictor of pedicle screw loosening following degenerative lumbar disease surgery

The vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score is an influential factor associated with lumbar pedicle screw loosening, and a higher VBQ score is significantly correlated with a higher risk of screw loosening.

2. Augmedics reveals 3,000 patient milestone for xvision spine system

Augmedics has announced that it has now treated more than 3,000 patients with its augmented reality (AR) xvision spine system. The news comes just five months after xvision’s milestone 2,000th patient.

3. New research highlights risk factors of medical malpractice litigation due to laminectomy

Prompt and accurate diagnosis, co-ordination of care, timely referral for surgical intervention, and understanding of the indications versus limitations of conservative therapy may help to mitigate the risk of litigation associated with laminectomy.

4. High preoperative expectations of decompression plus fusion for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis

Patients have a higher preoperative expectation for decompression and fusion compared to decompression alone for the treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS). However, patients in both groups had high proportions of expectations fulfilled at two years’ post-surgery, a new study—published in The Spine Journal by Carol Mancuso (Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA) et al—has shown.

5. Increasing demand for posterior spinal fusion procedures will strain healthcare systems, new study suggests

The demand for posterior spinal fusion procedures is expected to increase by more than 80% by 2060. In addition, the demand will be even greater among older patients, who often need more costly care, and so placing an enormous strain on healthcare systems.

6. DiscGenics receives FDA RMAT designation for IDCT for degenerative disc disease

DiscGenics has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation to Injectable Disc Cell Therapy (IDCT or rebonuputemcel), an injectable, allogeneic discogenic progenitor cell therapy for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD).

7. NuVasive and Globus Medical announce merger

NuVasive and Globus Medical have revealed that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction.

8. Lateral single position surgery offers similar outcomes to circumferential anterior-posterior fusion, new research suggests

Lateral single position surgery (LSPS) and circumferential fusions have similar outcomes at two-years postoperatively, while reducing perioperative complications, improving perioperative efficiency and safety, a new study has shown.

9. icotec receives FDA clearance for its Ø 4.5mm VADER pedicle screws

icotec has been granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance to market its VADER pedicle system inclusive of Ø 4.5mm pedicle screws and extended long carbon/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods made from BlackArmor.

10. Newborn screening for SMA leads to more children being able to walk at two years post diagnosis, new study finds

Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), when combined with early treatment, results in better movement ability in affected children, including the ability to walk, when compared to children who are diagnosed once symptoms develop.


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