Treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral spine using a novel technology of facet stabilization with facet wedge implant

Abstract

Transpedicular fixation with interbody fusion widely used in management of degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral spine is associated with significant intraoperative aggression during surgery and postsurgical pain syndrome. To improve treatment results, a novel minimally invasive technology of facet fixation with Facet Wedge implant in combination with transpedicular stabilization and interbody fusion has been introduced. The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of facet fixation technology with Facet Wedge implant in combination with transpedicular stabilization and interbody fusion in treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral spine. Materials and Methods. The study involved 19 patients who underwent unilateral decompression with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, ipsilateral transpedicular stabilization and facet fixation on the contralateral side, according to clinical and instrumental indications. The minimum follow-up period of observation and complex evaluation of treatment results was 12 months. Results. When assessing pain syndrome by visual analogue scale and the degree of disability according to Oswestry disability index in the early postoperative period and in the long-term period, mostly good and excellent outcomes, statistically significantly better results were observed compared to the preoperative values. An interbody bone block was formed within 12 months in 89% (n=17) of patients, according to radiographic data. Conclusion. Decompression with a novel minimally invasive technology of combined dorsal fusion provides the possibility to significantly reduce pain, lower the degree of disability and implement efficient stabilization of the operated functional spinal segment in patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral spine.