Previous Section
New Developments in Spondylolisthesis
- Researchers continue to determine more precisely which patients will benefit from fusion and fixation by studying issues such as balance, spinal instability, and bone healing.
Investigators are studying new techniques that may be used to improve fusion and spinal stability. Some of these include:
- bone morphogenic protein (BMP)
- bone growth stimulators
- pastes that encourage growth of bone cells
- artificial disks
- tapered interbody cages
Studies are focusing on the long-term outcomes of various surgical procedures such as posterolateral fusion. A 10-year follow-up study of 129 Danish patients who had undergone posterolateral spinal lumbar fusion with or without pedicle screw instrumentation indicated that long-term improvement of functional outcome was maintained. For more information about these studies, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RT015&ID=17851701
- Researchers continue to study the long-term results of various surgical approaches for interbody fusion in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. A two-year follow up comparison study of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) showed that both techniques provided a good long-term outcome with TLIF being just as safe and simpler to perform. For further information about this study, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RT015&ID=18685873
- Researchers continue to determine factors that account for a higher incidence of degenerative spondylolisthesis in women (9%) than men (5%) by comparing three predisposing factors: the thickness of the L5 transverse process, the sacral table angle, and the height of the iliac crest. Significant differences were found between men and women. To read more about this interesting study, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RT015&ID=18310760
- Information regarding ongoing clinical studies in your area can be obtained at the Clinical Trials Listing Service at http://www.centerwatch.com
