A meta-analysis on cervical artificial disc replacement versus ACDF for those with single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy was our most read story on Spinal News International in May. Studies on adult spinal deformity, pre-transfusion testing and the use of machine learning for predicting early-onset adjacent segment degeneration following ACDF were also popular. In addition, company announcements from NuVasive, Surgalign, Camber Spine and Accelus also made the top 10.
Cervical artificial disc replacement (c-ADR) provides better functional outcomes than anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a recent meta-analysis has shown.
2. One in five older adults regret undergoing corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity
One-in-five older adults regret their decision to undergo corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD), new research—published in the journal Spine by Owoicho Adogwa (University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA) et al—has found.
3. Pre-transfusion testing only necessary for select degenerative cervical spine surgery patients
Pre-transfusion testing for all patients undergoing degenerative cervical spine surgery is unnecessary and only patients with preoperative haemoglobin (Hgb) lower than 12 gr/dl would routinely need pre-transfusion testing. This is according to new research, published recently in the journal Transfusion by Jorge H. Núñez (University Hospital of Mutua Terrasa, Barcelona, Spain) et al.
Results from a two-level multicentre US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigational device exemption (IDE) study have shown superior outcomes with the Simplify cervical disc (NuVasive) compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in appropriately selected patients with two-level cervical spondylosis.
5. First successful surgical procedure performed using HOLO Portal surgical guidance system
Surgalign has announced that its HOLO Portal surgical guidance system has officially entered clinical use, with the first procedure performed at Indiana Spine Hospital (Carmel, USA) by Mario Brkaric, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon.
6. Machine learning can help predict early-onset adjacent segment degeneration following ACDF
Machine learning (ML) can help in the discovery of early-onset adjacent segment degeneration (EO-ASD) as well as predict its development following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). As such, the technology can be used to support clinical decision-making and precision-based spine care.
7. Myelopathy.org launches new website to better support those with degenerative cervical myelopathy
Myelopathy.org, which was founded in 2017 as a collaborative information and support initiative for those affected by degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), has announced the launch of its new website which it says offers a wealth of contemporary and evidence-based information that can help to complement the routine care of those with DCM, but also to help raise awareness among non-specialist healthcare professionals.
8. Camber Spine patents its Variant Retractor device
Camber Spine has announced that it has received a notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its Variant Retractor technology.
Operative treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) provides significant improvement in health-related quality of life at minimum three-year follow-up (mean 4.1 years), suggesting that the benefits of surgery for ASD remain durable long term. This is the key message to come out of a recent study which was published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine by Elias Elias (University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA) et al.
Accelus has announced both the launch and first procedures performed utilising its TiHawk7 expandable interbody cage—the latest addition to its FlareHawk interbody fusion system portfolio of spinal fusion cages—which features a new ultra-low profile with titanium at the bony interface.