A new study published in Spine examines dynamic stabilization against adjacent segment disease after patients undergo posterior lumbar interbody fusion.
The researchers examined 116 patients who underwent L4/5 posterior lumbar interbody fusion from August 2006 to September 2012. There were 76 patients who underwent a two-year follow-up. The patients were either in a group where they underwent L4/5 PLIF with a hybrid procedure using sublaminar taping on L3 lamina or conventional L4/5 PLIF.
The researchers found:
1. In the group that underwent the hybrid procedure using sublaminar taping, 3.7 percent of the patients reported adjacent segment disease, significantly less than the traditional group where 30 percent reported adjacent segment disease at L3/4.
2. There wasn't a significant difference between the two groups in adjacent segment disease at L5/S1; 5.7 percent of the hybrid procedure group using sublaminar taping reported ASD at L5/S1, compared with 8.7 percent in the traditional group.
3. None of the patients underwent reoperation for their adjacent segment disease at L2/3 or L5/S1.
4. The researchers conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis and found the surgical procedure difference was the only significant factor among the patients with L3/4 adjacent segment disease.
5. The study authors concluded, "Although further studies and longer follow-up are necessary, the hybrid procedure is expected to be effective for preventing ASP."