Laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion with rhBMP-2: a prospective study of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: To prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion with rhBMP-2. OBJECTIVES: It was hypothesized that discogenic pain could be treated successfully with an anterior lumbar interbody fusion performed laparoscopically using rhBMP-2 as a replacement for autogenous bone. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The traditional surgical treatment of discogenic pain involves painful incisions of muscles, with potential loss of integrity and strength. Harvesting of bone graft is associated with significant complications including persistent pain at the donor site. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients were studied prospectively with the surgery performed by one surgeon. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6 and 12 months after surgery. An unbiased radiologist read postoperative computed tomography scans for evidence of fusion. RESULTS: There were 8 male (36%) and 14 female (64%) patients. The average age was 38 years (range, 21-56 years). At 6 and 12 months after surgery 95% (21 of 22) were available for follow-up; 100% were satisfied with treatment at 12 months. Concerning their symptoms, 100% reported relief of back pain, 100% had improvement of leg pain, and 100% described significant functional improvement. Improvements were seen at 6 and 12 months on Oswestry (P < 0.001), functional testing (P < 0.001), and pain analog scale (P < 0.001). Radiographic analysis showed that all of the patients had evidence of a solid fusion at 6 months after operation. CONCLUSION: Discogenic low back pain can be effectively treated surgically with a laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion using rhBMP-2 in place of autogenous bone. The fusion occurs quickly and predictably with no adverse effects identified.

Patient outcomes after minimally destabilizing lumbar stenosis decompression: the "Port-Hole" technique.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective evaluation of the outcome of a decompressive procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis designed to preserve spinal stability. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether decompression could be achieved without subsequent fusion for spinal stenosis with and without degenerative spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The traditional surgical decompression of spinal stenosis involves removal of the posterior elements. Success occurs in 64% of cases, on the average, with results deteriorating over time. Concomitant spinal fusion is associated with higher costs and complication rates. METHODS: This prospective study included 54 consecutive patients treated surgically by one surgeon. Patients were contacted 21/2 and 4 years, on the average, after surgery. Patients with spondylolisthesis were evaluated for worsening of the listhesis after surgery. RESULTS: At a mean of 4 years after surgery, all patients were satisfied with their treatment. Concerning their symptoms, 80% reported relief of back pain; 96% had improvement of leg pain; 93% experienced relief of leg numbness; and 97% had relief of lower extremity weakness. Before surgery, only 1 patient could walk for longer than 15 minutes. After surgery, 98% (47/48) could walk for more than 15 minutes. Overall clinical results were graded as good to excellent (88%), fair (8%), or poor (4%). Clinical outcomes were comparable between those with and without degenerative spondylolisthesis (P = 0.08). Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis showed no change in the amount of slip in 13/15 patients (87%). CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative spinal stenosis, even with nonlytic spondylolisthesis, can be decompressed effectively without violating the integrity of the posterior elements.