Spinal Fusion

The FDA published guidance on performance criteria for spinal plating systems being submitted for 510(k) approval using the safety and performance-based pathway.

Results showed patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion prior to total hip arthroplasty experienced a higher rate of dislocations compared with patients who underwent THA first.

Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who received a short course of postoperative steroids after posterior spinal fusion had decreased opioid use and no increase in wound complications, according to published results.

Medtronic plc recently announced the launch of its Adaptix Interbody System, a 3D-printed titanium implant that “addresses surgeons’ universal needs of fusion outcomes,” according to a company press release.

Long lumbopelvic fixation failure occurred in 29.4% of adult patients whose fixation to correct adult spinal deformity involved iliac-sacral or S2 alar iliac screws, according to presented results.

Length of stay was greatly reduced in patients who received spinal anesthesia and a thoracolumbar interfacial plane block with marcaine or liposomal bupivacaine during “awake” spine fusion surgery, a presenter said.

Cervical spine surgery results may be improved by addressing patients’ nutritional status, bone mineral density, frailty, mental health and other factors preoperatively, a presenter said at the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting.

Tobacco use and smoking, in particular, wreak widespread havoc on the musculoskeletal system.

Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs when the functional spinal unit breaks down. It can lead to disabling pain and neurological dysfunction, particularly when spinal nerves or the spinal cord is impinged.

Panel members unanimously recommended that facet screws, which are now pre-amendment devices, be changed to class 2 devices, during the Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel of the FDA Medical Devices Advisory Committee.