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Cortical and pedicle screws have similar outcomes in posterior lumbar interbody fusion
Cortical screws offered similar results in pain amelioration and functional status when compared with pedicle screws for posterior lumbar interbody fusion, according to the results of a recently published study.
Researchers conducted a prospective, randomized, noninferiority trial with 79 eligible patients who underwent a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). The patients were randomly assigned to pedicle screws (n=39) or cortical screws (n=40) for the procedure.
Using fusion rates as the primary outcome, researchers found similar rates at 6-month and 12-month follow-up in both groups (P = .81 and P = .61). At 12 months, fusion was achieved in 34 of 39 patients (87.2%) in the pedicle screw group and in 34 of 38 patients (89.5%) in the cortical screw group.
Additionally, cortical screws resulted in less blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, and incision length when compared with pedicle screws.
Researchers concluded cortical screws can provide similar results as pedicle screws at 1-year follow-up and can likely be substituted in PLIF. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: Lee reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.