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The five most popular items of April
Spine Surgery Today has put together a compilation of the five news stories and videos most viewed from April 2015 to keep you abreast of the current hot topics in spine surgery.
Addition of interbody arthrodesis to posterolateral arthrodesis adds no benefit
CHICAGO — The addition of interbody arthrodesis to a posterolateral arthrodesis in the setting of a L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis surgery does not produce superior fusion rates and only adds to the cost of the overall procedure, according to results of a study presented here. Read more.
Occult infections may be the cause of chronic pain after spine surgery
CHICAGO — Chronic pain after spine surgery can affect as many as 40% of patients, even after all surgical parameters are met and are normal. Occult spinal infections may be the cause of some of these cases of pain with unknown origin, according to a speaker here. Read more.
Minimally invasive spine fusion may offer faster recovery, other benefits
Mini-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, a type of minimally invasive spine fusion, is associated with less blood loss, less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery and return to work, according to spine surgeons at Loyola University Medical Center, in Maywood, Ill. Read more.
Postoperative pain most common reason for readmission after lumbar surgery
CHICAGO — Postoperative pain after lumbar discectomy accounted for about 2.5% of readmissions to the hospital within 30 days of surgery, according to study results presented here. Read more.
Marijuana frequently used illegally to treat spinal pain
SAN DIEGO — A large number of people who experience chronic spinal pain sufferers reportedly use marijuana to treat their pain; however, the majority of users do not have a prescription for the drug, a speaker here said. Read more.