Faculty Collaboration Database

Laparoscopic assisted fusion of the lumbosacral spine. A biomechanical and histologic analysis of the open versus laparoscopic technique in an animal model. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1997 Jun 15;22(12):1407-12

Date

06/15/1997

Pubmed ID

9201846

DOI

10.1097/00007632-199706150-00021

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0030984944 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   18 Citations

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: An animal model for laparoscopic lumbosacral fusion.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the biomechanical and histologic results of open to laparoscopic lumbosacral discectomy and fusion in an animal model.

BACKGROUND DATA: Early clinical reports of laparoscopic lumbosacral fusions are encouraging, but animal experiments have not been reported.

METHODS: Ten pigs (50-80 kg) were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent an open anterior lumbosacral discectomy and fusion at L7-S1 using autologous bone graft and a titanium MOSS (DePuy Motech) cage. Group 2 was identical to Group 1 except that a laparoscopic technique was used. The animals were killed at 3 months, and the lumbosacral spines were harvested for biomechanical and histologic testing.

RESULTS: Estimated blood loss and average length of operation, respectively, for the two groups were: Group 1, 50 mL, 2 hours 50 minutes; and Group 2, 40 mL, 3 hours 40 minutes. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications in either group. Motion analysis results showed less motion in lateral bending, flexion, and extension than in the intact specimen in both groups. Tensile testing showed that the stiffness was significantly greater in the open group than in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.004). Histologic examination showed a less extensive discectomy and less bone growth in the implant in the laparoscopic group. Inadequate decortication of end-plates occurred in two animals who underwent laparoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS: Although lumbosacral discectomy and implant insertion can be performed using the laparoscopic technique, the construct may not have the same biomechanical strength as that attained with the open procedure. Laparoscopic-assisted lumbosacral fusion surgery requires additional investigation before it is widely used in clinical situations.

Author List

Riley LH 3rd, Eck JC, Yoshida H, Toth JM, Nguyen C, Lim TH, McGrady LM

Author

Jeffrey M. Toth PhD Associate Dean for Research in the School of Dentistry department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Blood Loss, Surgical
Bone Transplantation
Diskectomy
Intervertebral Disc
Laparoscopy
Lumbar Vertebrae
Prostheses and Implants
Sacrum
Spinal Fusion
Stress, Mechanical
Swine
Time Factors