Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Research Articles

The Impact of Changes in Paraspinal Muscle Tissue on Lumbar Percutaneous Intradiscal Radiofrequency Therapy

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether fatty changes in paraspinal muscle tissue negatively affect pain relief and functional outcomes, measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), in patients undergoing intradiscal bipolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation for lumbar degenerative disc (LDD) disease. Fatty changes in paraspinal muscles, often associated with sarcopenia, are known to negatively influence treatment outcomes. However, there is limited research on how these changes affect pain and functional capacity following intradiscal procedures. Methods: In this study, data from 59 patients treated for LDD were analyzed. Pain severity was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the ODI was recorded before the procedure and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-procedure. Fatty changes in the paraspinal muscle tissue were evaluated using the Goutallier classification based on pre-procedure T2-weighted MRI scans, while disc degeneration was assessed using the Pfirrmann classification. Results: The results showed significant positive correlations between the Goutallier and Pfirrmann classifications and pain levels at all time points post-procedure (p < 0.05). Notably, the relationship between NRS scores and Goutallier classification was stronger than that with Pfirrmann classification (p < 0.05). ODI scores were also significantly correlated with both Goutallier and Pfirrmann classifications at each time point, with a stronger association observed between ODI and Goutallier classification than with NRS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that fatty changes in the paraspinal muscle tissue may significantly influence treatment outcomes and should be considered during pre-treatment evaluations. Further research is needed to explore this relationship more comprehensively.

Comparative study of clinical effects between oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Method: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of 80 patients with lumbar disc degenerative disease who underwent surgery in Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University from May 2018 to May 2023 were selected. The patients were divided into LLIF group and OLIF group according to surgical methods. Compare the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36), Visual Analog Scale(VAS) scores, Oswesterly Disability Index(ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA) scores, Cobb angle, and intervertebral height changes between two groups of patients pre- and posttreatment, and evaluate the differences in clinical efficacy and surgical complications. Result: Postsurgery, the SF-36 score, VAS score, ODI index, and JOA score of two groups were significantly better than presurgery(p<0.05); After three months of treatment, the improvement in OLIF group was better than LLIF group(p<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at six months postsurgery(p>0.05). Six months postsurgery, the intervertebral space height and Cobb angle of the two groups were significantly improved compared to presurgery (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups(p>0.05). There was no difference in clinical efficacy and incidence between the two groups(p>0.05). Conclusion: LLIF and OLIF may be both safe and effective minimally invasive surgical methods for the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9344 How to cite this: Wang Y, Song Y, Ma Y, Sun X, Wang H. Comparative study of clinical effects between oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2238-2242. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9344 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

EXPLORING THE FEASIBILITY OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISCOPATHY: A PILOT STUDY.

This longitudinal pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and potential benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma injections into the lumbar intervertebral discs in patients with low back pain and degenerative intervertebral monodiscopathy, assessing potential efficacy on disability. Longitudinal pilot study. Six participants with chronic low back pain and lumbar degenerative intervertebral disc (monodiscopathy) disease underwent 1 Platelet-Rich Plasma injection, with a 1-year follow-up. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections were administered into the lumbar intervertebral disc, and outcomes were measured using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, numeric rating scale for pain, Tampa scale for kinesiophobia and lumbar flexion range. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis assessed disc changes. No adverse events were reported. At the end of the 1-year follow-up, half of the patients showed significant improvements in disability scores at 1 year, while 3 of the 6 patients had no change. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no significant disc changes. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections show promise for some patients with low back pain and degenerative intervertebral discopathy patients. However, caution is warranted due to study limitations, including small sample size and lack of a control group. Further research is needed to define Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy protocols.

COMPARING THE CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF LUMBAR TRANSFORAMINAL VS INTERLAMINAR EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS IN A REGISTRY COHORT

Epidural steroid injections are a safe and effective treatment for acute low back pain associated with radicular pain. Objective: The main objective of the study is to find the clinical outcomes of lumbar transforaminal vs interlaminar epidural steroid injections in a registry cohort. Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, over one year, from June 2023 to June 2024. A total of 185 patients were included in the study. Patients aged >18 years and presented with symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease were included in the study. Results: The mean age of the TFESI group was 45.6 ± 10.3 years, while the ILESI group had a mean age of 46.2 ± 9.8 years (p = 0.67). The gender distribution was also comparable, with 55 males and 37 females in the TFESI group, and 58 males and 35 females in the ILESI group (p = 0.78). Baseline pain intensity (VAS score) and disability (ODI score) were similar between the two groups, with no significant differences in VAS (7.6 ± 1.1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.58) or ODI (52.4 ± 10.2 vs. 51.9 ± 9.9, p = 0.71). In the TFESI group, 52.2% of patients had lumbar disc herniation, compared to 49.5% in the ILESI group (p = 0.69). Lumbar spinal stenosis was diagnosed in 32.6% of patients in the TFESI group and 34.4% in the ILESI group (p = 0.81). Conclusion: It is concluded that both lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) and interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ILESI) are effective in the management of lumbar radiculopathy, leading to significant reductions in pain and improvements in functional outcomes.

Semaglutide exposure and its association with adverse outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease.

Semaglutide, a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has transformed the therapeutic landscape for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, its effect on osteoclast activity and its potential to induce weight-related muscle loss raises concerns about its impact on spine surgery outcomes. As such, evaluating semaglutide's influence on transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is imperative, given the procedure's reliance on successful bony fusion to prevent postoperative instability and further interventions. Using an all-payer database (MARINER), the authors analyzed data from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were 18-74 years of age and who underwent short-segment fusion (≤ 3-level) TLIFs between January 2018 and October 2022. Patients were either exposed to semaglutide or not. A comprehensive 1:3 (exposure vs no exposure) matching was performed based on age, sex, obesity, hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, smoking status, osteoporosis, levels of surgery, and basal-bolus insulin dependence. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank testing were performed to study the probability of additional lumbar fusion surgery within 1 year. After the 1:3 matching, 1781 patients were identified, with 447 in the semaglutide-exposed cohort and 1334 in the nonexposed cohort. Most patients in both groups were 55-69 years old, and 59.3% were female. Analysis showed that the likelihood of undergoing additional lumbar fusion surgery within 1 year post-TLIF was significantly higher in the semaglutide-exposed group than in the nonexposed group (OR 11.79, 95% CI 8.17-17.33). Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank testing further confirmed a statistically significant divergent probability in the need for additional surgery within 1 year between the cohorts (log-rank, p < 0.001). Semaglutide exposure appears to be associated with a higher likelihood of additional lumbar fusion surgeries within 1 year post-TLIF, especially in patients receiving the medication for longer durations. Although the mechanisms remain speculative, potential impacts on bone turnover and the onset of muscle loss may be contributory factors. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms and to develop strategies for optimizing surgical outcomes in these patients.

Regenerative therapies for lumbar degenerative disc diseases: a literature review.

This review aimed to summarize the recent advances and challenges in the field of regenerative therapies for lumbar disc degeneration. The current first-line treatment options for symptomatic lumbar disc degeneration cannot modify the disease process or restore the normal structure, composition, and biomechanical function of the degenerated discs. Cell-based therapies tailored to facilitate intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration have been developed to restore the IVD extracellular matrix or mitigate inflammatory conditions. Human clinical trials on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have reported promising outcomes exhibited by MSCs in reducing pain and improving function. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells possess unique regenerative capacities. Biomaterials aimed at NP replacement in IVD regeneration, comprising synthetic and biological materials, aim to restore disc height and segmental stability without compromising the annulus fibrosus. Similarly, composite IVD replacements that combine various biomaterial strategies to mimic the native disc structure, including organized annulus fibrosus and NP components, have shown promise. Furthermore, preclinical studies on regenerative medicine therapies that utilize cells, biomaterials, growth factors, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and biological agents have demonstrated their promise in repairing degenerated lumbar discs. However, these therapies are associated with significant limitations and challenges that hinder their clinical translation. Thus, further studies must be conducted to address these challenges.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted MRI Diagnosis in Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: A Systematic Review.

Systematic review. Lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) poses a significant global health care challenge, with accurate diagnosis being difficult using conventional methods. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning and deep learning, offers promising tools for improving diagnostic accuracy and workflow in lumbar DDD. This study aims to review AI-assisted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis in lumbar DDD and discuss current research for clinical use. A systematic search of electronic databases identified studies on AI applications in MRI-based lumbar DDD diagnosis, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms included combinations of "Artificial Intelligence," "Machine Learning," "Deep Learning," "Low Back Pain," "Lumbar," "Disc," "Degeneration," and "MRI," targeting studies in English from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed experimental and observational studies in peer-reviewed journals. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, AI techniques, performance metrics, and diagnostic outcomes, with quality assessed using predefined criteria. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, employing various AI methodologies, including machine learning and deep learning, to diagnose lumbar DDD manifestations such as disc degeneration, herniation, and bulging. AI models consistently outperformed conventional methods in accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, with performance metrics ranging from 71.5% to 99% across different diagnostic objectives. The algorithm model provides a structured framework for integrating AI into routine clinical practice, enhancing diagnostic precision and patient outcomes in lumbar DDD management. Further research and validation are needed to refine AI algorithms for real-world application in lumbar DDD diagnosis.

Index-level fusion and adjacent segment disease following dynamic stabilization for lumbar degenerative disc disease: illustrative case.

Dynesys dynamic stabilization (DDS) is an alternative to surgical fusion for the operative management of degenerative lumbar spondylosis. Compared to rigid instrumentation and fusion, DDS is purported to preserve a higher degree of spinal range of motion and reduce the risk of developing adjacent segment disease (ASD). A 60-year-old female presented with severe back pain and bilateral leg pain, which had progressed over the prior 4 years. Nine years earlier, she had undergone DDS system implantation at L5-S1 for lumbar stenosis and spondylosis. Repeat imaging revealed an unintended fusion at the index level (L5-S1) and ASD causing severe lateral recess stenosis at L4-5. She underwent DDS system removal, decompression at L4-5, and extension of the fusion to L4. Although DDS has been marketed as a motion-preserving system that avoids fusion and reduces the risk of ASD, unintended index-level fusion and ASD can still occur after DDS system surgery. These potential complications should be assessed when determining the optimal primary surgical treatment for patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24179.

The role of the greater trochanter pain syndrome in lumbar degenerative disc disease surgery.

Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is highly discussed during spine surgeons, accompanies lumbar pain and complicates differential diagnosis. The aim is to raise awareness among physicians and demonstrate the lumbar spine degenerative diseases (LSDD) association with GTPS. A retro-prospective analysis enrolled 172 patients with LSDD with GTPS signs. Group I - retrospective (n = 112), group II - prospective (n = 60). Patients of group II with the confirmed diagnosis clinically and by the ultrasound recieved a GCS injection (Betamethasone 2mg\ml + 5mg\ml - 1.0). Also the VAS, X-ray and SPSS Statistics package were used. 112 patients in group I, 89 (79.5%) had increased pain in the hip early postOp to 7.8 points by VAS. All patients required trigger point injections of GCS and 68 (77%) received a repeat injection. 76 from 112 patients were tracked for long-term results, and recurrence of GTPS was detected in five people who treated conservatively for threemonths without dynamics. They were identified GTPS by ultrasound. During the injection, 39 from 43 (90%) patients noted pain reduction to 2.1 by VAS, but symptoms of radiculopathy or spinal stenosis persisted. Two patients (5%) did not note any changes. Two patients (5%) noted complete pain regression and refused the surgery. Timely detection of GTPS among spinal surgeons influences tactics and, in some cases, allows one to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions. In turn, ignoring the symptoms of GTPS in the preoperative period can lead to pain intensification in the greater trochanter after surgery for degenerative diseases of the spine.

Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Leads to Increased Subsequent Facet Injections Compared to Anterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusions

Study Design Retrospective Matched Cohort. Objective Despite known consequences to the facet joints following lumbar total disc replacement (TDR), there is limited data on facet injection usage for persistent postoperative pain. This study uses real-world data to compare the usage of therapeutic lumbar facet injections as a measure of symptomatic facet arthrosis following single-level, stand-alone TDR vs anterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF/LLIF). Methods The PearlDiver database was queried for patients (2010-2021) with lumbar degenerative disc disease who received either a single-level, stand-alone TDR or ALIF/LLIF. All patients were followed for ≥2 years and excluded if they had a history of facet injections or spinal trauma, fracture, infection, or neoplasm. The two cohorts were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, insurance, year of operation, and medical comorbidities. The primary outcome was the use of therapeutic lumbar facet injections at 1-, 2-, and 5-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included subsequent lumbar surgeries and surgical complications. Results After 1:1 matching, each cohort had 1203 patients. Lumbar facet injections occurred significantly more frequently in the TDR group at 1-year (6.07% vs 1.66%, P &lt; .0001), 2-year (8.40% vs 3.74%%, P &lt; .0001), and 5-year (11.47% vs 6.40%, P &lt; .0001) follow-up. 5-year injection-free probability curves demonstrated an 87.1% injection-free rate for TDR vs 92.9% for ALIF/LLIF. There was no clinical difference in the incidence of subsequent lumbar surgeries or complications. Conclusion Compared with ALIF/LLIF, patients who underwent TDR received significantly more facet injections, suggesting a greater progression of symptomatic facet arthrosis. TDR was not protective against reoperations compared to ALIF/LLIF.

Association of Untreated Pre-surgical Depression With Pain and Outcomes After Spinal Surgery.

Prospective Cohort Study. Untreated pre-surgical depression may prolong post-surgical pain and hinder recovery. However, research on the impact of untreated pre-surgical depression on post-spinal surgery pain is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to assess pre-surgical depression in patients and analyze its relationship with post-surgical pain and overall post-surgical outcomes. We recruited 100 patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery due to spondylolisthesis, degenerative lumbar disc diseases, and herniated lumbar disc diseases. Psychiatrists evaluated them for the final selection. We assessed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scores, numerical back and leg pain scales, and medication dosage data collected before and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Ninety-one patients were included in this study; 40 and 51 were allocated to the control and depression groups, respectively. The pre- and post-surgical leg pain, back pain, and functional scores were not different. However, the depression group showed higher ODI and EQ-5D and lower JOA scores than the control group 3 months post-surgery. Partial correlation analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the JOA and BDI scores and a positive correlation between the EQ-5D and BDI scores at 3 months postoperatively. Untreated depression can prolong postoperative pain and hinder recovery. Detecting and treating depression in patients before spine surgery may improve their overall quality of life and functional recovery.

Allogeneic Disc Progenitor Cells Safely Increase Disc Volume and Improve Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lumbar Disc Degeneration-Results of an FDA-Approved Biologic Therapy Randomized Clinical Trial.

Progenitor cells derived from intervertebral disc tissue demonstrated immunomodulatory and regenerative properties in preclinical studies. We report the safety and efficacy results of a US Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical trial of these cells for the treatment of symptomatic degenerative disc disease. Sixty patients with symptomatic single-level lumbar degenerative disc disease (mean age 37.9 years, 60% men) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase I/Phase II study at 13 clinical sites. They were randomized to receive single intradiscal injections of either low-dose cells (N = 20), high-dose cells (N = 20), vehicle alone (N = 10), or placebo (N = 10). The primary endpoint was mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain improvement >30% at 52 weeks. Disc volume was radiologically assessed. Adverse events (AEs), regardless of whether they were related to treatment, were reported. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 4, 12, 26, 52, 78, and 104 weeks posttreatment. At week 52, the high-dose group had a mean VAS percentage decrease from baseline (-62.8%, P = 0.0005), achieving the endpoint of back pain improvement >30%; the mean change was also significantly greater than the minimal clinically important difference of a 20-point decrease (-42.8, P = 0.001). This clinical improvement was maintained at week 104. The vehicle group had a smaller significant decrease in VAS (-52.8%, P = 0.044), while the low-dose and placebo groups showed nonsignificant improvements. Only the high-dose group had a significant change in disc volume, with mean increases of 249.0 mm3 (P = 0.028) at 52 weeks and 402.1 mm3 (P = 0.028) at 104 weeks. A minority of patients (18.3%) reported AEs that were severe. Overall, 6.7% of patients experienced serious AEs, all in the vehicle (n = 1) or placebo (n = 3) groups, none treatment related. High-dose allogeneic disc progenitor cells produced statistically significant, clinically meaningful improvements in back pain and disc volume at 1 year following a single intradiscal injection and were safe and well tolerated. These improvements were maintained at 2 years post-injection. NCT03347708-Study to Evaluate the Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Injectable Disc Cell Therapy, a Treatment for Symptomatic Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Analysis of Finger Photo Pulse Plethysmography and Body Composition among Low Back Pain Subjects with Lumbar Disc Degenerative Diseases Diagnosed by MRI Analysis

Lumbar disc degenerative disc disease, accompanied by back pain, is a prominent health concern in society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the connection of arterial stiffness and body composition in the patients suffering low back pain with lumbar disc degenerative disorders. A comparative study was performed on 197 patients, both male and female, between the ages of 30 and 70, who were experiencing low back pain. These patients have undergone magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral region to evaluate the intervertebral disc's nucleus and annulus as well as its signal intensity and height. The Pfirrmann grading method was used to determine the extent of disc degeneration. The statistical analysis revealed no significant link between overall body fat and stiffness index in disc bulging and nerve compression groups. However, the group experiencing nerve compression demonstrated a statistically significant association between visceral fat and reflection index in individuals who were overfat and obese. In addition, there was a notable correlation between PWV and the reflection index of the disc bulging groups. So, whole body fat and PWV had a different impact on disc degeneration. The PWV has a robust positive correlation with both the stiffness index and reflection index. The presence of subcutaneous fat and vascular stiffness may not have any impact on low back pain in patients with disc bulging and nerve compression. Early identification of vascular stiffness and study of body composition serve as initial measures to avoid the progression of disc degeneration.

Association of TaqI (rs731236) Polymorphism of Vitamin D Receptor Gene with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) significantly contributes to low back pain, with a complicated etiology involving genetic and environmental facts. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene with LDDD. In total, 248 patients with symptomatic LDDD and 146 control subjects were examined. The evaluation of clinical features of patients with LDDD comprised radiodiagnostic magnetic resonance imaging, neurologic examinations, pain scores including the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability investigation with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Genotyping of the VDR gene polymorphism was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Individuals of the LDDD group who were VDR TaqI AA genotype carriers were significantly greater than the other group (P= 0.014), whereas those with GG genotype were significantly lower (P= 0.028) in the patient group. In addition, VAS and ODI scores were significantly lower in the GG genotype carrier group, whereas AA genotype carriers had the greatest scores (P= 0.004). Carrying the G allele decreased the risk of LDDD 1.7 times (P= 0.014) and carrying the A allele enhanced the risk 1.8 times (P= 0.028). Moreover, G-allele carriers had significantly lower VAS (P= 0.002) and ODI scores (P < 0.0001). VDR TaqI (rs731236) GG genotype and G allele have protective potential, whereas the AA genotype and A allele are risk factors for LDDD. The findings reveal a statistically significant association of the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism of VDR gene polymorphism with LDDD. This result highlights the potential role of genetic factors in developing LDDD and suggests avenues for future research in genetic screening and personalized treatment strategies.

Endoscopic Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: A Narrative Review of Full-Endoscopic and Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery

BackgroundDegenerative lumbar spine disease is the leading cause of disability and work absenteeism worldwide. Lumbar microdiscectomy became the standard treatment for herniated discs and stenotic disease. With the evolution of different techniques, endoscopic spinal surgery emerged to minimize the surgical footprint while providing at least non-inferior results. Currently, two different types of endoscopic spine procedures are dominating the surgical scenario: “Full-Endoscopic” (FE) and Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic”(UBE) Spine Surgery. The aim of this study is to describe and analyze their indications, their technical characteristicswithitsadvantagesanddisadvantagesofbothtechniquesandtheirfuture trends. MethodsWe performed a narrative review of the most relevant articles published up to August 2023 through a Pub Med search. The search terms "Full-Endoscopic Spine Surgery" and "Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery" were used. The articles selected, were independently reviewed by 3 authors and 55 full text articles were reviewed. ResultsThe FE and UBE Spine Surgery techniques were described. The FE technique is performed with a monoportal access under constant saline irrigation. The FE comprises the transforaminal and the interlaminar approaches, and the indication depends from the pathology to treat, and still remains controversial. UBE can approach also the spine from a posterior, postero lateral,and para spinal route. It uses two different ports addressed to a target with continuous irrigation. The process of establishing these two portals is called triangulation. ConclusionFE and UBE spine surgery have demonstrated outcomes comparable to open surgery, minimizing complications and surgical footprint.

Practice variation in surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease: exploring regional and hospital factors influencing surgical rates

The presence of significant, unwarranted variation in treatment suggests that clinical decision making also depends on where patients live instead of what they need and prefer. Historically, high practice variation in surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) has been documented. This study aimed to investigate current regional variation in surgical treatment for sciatica resulting from LDDD. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of all Dutch adults (>18 years) between 2016 and 2019. Demographic data from Statistics Netherlands were merged with a nationwide claims database, covering over 99% of the population. Inclusion criteria comprised LDDD diagnosis codes and relevant surgical codes. Practice variation was assessed at the level of postal code areas and hospital service areas (HSAs). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify variables associated with surgical treatment. Among the 119,148 hospital visitors with LDDD, 14,840 underwent surgical treatment. Practice variation for laminectomies and discectomies showed less than two-fold variation in both postal code and HSAs. However, instrumented fusion surgery demonstrated a five-fold variation in postal code areas and three-fold variation in HSAs. Predictors of receiving surgical treatment included opioid prescription and patient referral status. Gender differences were observed, with males more likely to undergo laminectomy or discectomy, and females more likely to receive instrumented fusion surgery. Our study revealed low variation rates for discectomies and laminectomies, while indicating a high variation rate for instrumented fusion surgery in LDDD patients. High-quality research is needed on the extent of guideline implementation and its influence on practice variation.

Risk Factors for Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease in Middle-aged and Older Women: A Prospective Case-Control Study of 2370 Subjects.

Given the distinct physiological and societal traits between women and men, we propose that there are distinct risk factors for lumbar degenerative disc disease surgeries, including lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), in middle-aged and older populations. However, few studies have focused on middle-aged and older women. This study aims to identify these risk factors specifically in this population. In this case-control study, the study group comprised 1202 women aged ≥ 45 years who underwent operative treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDH, n = 825; LSS, n = 377), and the control group comprised 1168 women without lumbar disease who visited a health examination clinic during the same period. The study factors included demographics (age, body mass index [BMI], smoking, labor intensity, and genetic history), female-specific factors (menopausal status, number of deliveries, cesarean section, and simple hysterectomy), surgical history (number of abdominal surgeries, hip joint surgery, knee joint surgery, and thyroidectomy), and systemic diseases (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of associated factors. The risk factors for surgical treatment of LDH in middle-aged and older women included BMI (OR = 1.603), labor intensity (OR = 1.189), genetic history (OR = 2.212), number of deliveries (OR = 1.736), simple hysterectomy (OR = 2.511), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.932), and hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (OR = 2.662). For surgical treatment of LSS, the risk factors were age (OR = 1.889), BMI (OR = 1.671), genetic history (OR = 2.134), number of deliveries (OR = 2.962), simple hysterectomy (OR = 1.968), knee joint surgery (OR = 2.527), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.476), hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (OR = 2.413), and diabetes (OR = 1.643). Cerebrovascular disease was a protective factor against surgery for LDH (OR = 0.267). BMI, genetic history, number of deliveries, simple hysterectomy, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia were independent risk factors for surgical treatment of both LDH and LSS in middle-aged and older women. Two disparities were found: labor intensity was a risk factor for LDH patients, and knee joint surgery and diabetes were risk factors for LSS patients.

Lipid Peroxidation, Reduced Glutathione, and Glutathione Peroxidase Levels in Intervertebral Discs of Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.

BACKGROUND Either a reduction in antioxidant levels or an accumulation of reactive oxygen species can heighten susceptibility to oxidative damage in disc cells. To date, no research has investigated the levels of lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARs]), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in excised human lumbar disc tissues affected by degenerative disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate lipid peroxidation products in excised disc tissues from patients with degenerative disc disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-two patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and nonlumbar disc degeneration (nonLDD) groups according to Pfirrmann classification. Intervertebral discs were obtained from all patients during the operation and were homogenized for analysis. TBARs levels were measured using fluorometry. GSH levels and GPx activity were quantified spectrophotometrically using a kinetic method. RESULTS TBARs levels in excised discs from LDD patients (5.18±4.14) were significantly higher than those from nonLDD patients (2.56±1.23, P=0.008). The levels of TBARs tended to increase with the severity of degeneration according to the Pfirrmann classification. However, these 2 groups showed no significant differences in reduced glutathione levels or glutathione peroxidase activity (P>0.05). Patients with LDD exhibited a worse health-related quality of life, reflected in lower utility and EQ-VAS scores and higher Oswestry disability index scores. CONCLUSIONS There was a notable increase in lipid peroxidation products in the excised intervertebral discs of patients with LDD. This finding suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to the development of disc degeneration.

1066 Comparative Outcome Using Expandable Versus Static Cage in Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease

INTRODUCTION: Subsidence has been a common concern or complication in patients undergoing TLIF with an expandable cage or standalone DLIF with a static cage. It could lead to further complications such as pseudoarthrosis, lumbar kyphosis, and radiculopathy. Recently, expandable technology has emerged in lateral interbody fusion, which could be delivered through the smaller surgical corridors. Therefore we sought to determine the extent of radiological outcome and subsidence rate in patients with expandable cages. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent DLIF was performed. Only patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease were included. Baseline demographic and radiographic outcomes such as cage subsidence, anterior and posterior disc height, foraminal dimensions, and other spinopelvic parameters were collected. The primary endpoint was severe cage subsidence (grade 2 and 3) per level according to the classification by Marchi et al. Multivariate Analysis was performed. RESULTS: 59 patients underwent DLIF with expandable (n = 25) and static (n = 34) cages respectively. Both expandable and static groups have comparable baseline demographic such as age, gender, BMI, and medical comorbidities. The average follow-up period was 16 months. Both groups also had a comparable rate of the standalone construct (40% vs 68%, p 0.088). Significant higher cage width and length were used in the expandable group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the restoration of both anterior and posterior disc heights, foraminal height, and central canal diameter. A significantly lower rate of severe subsidence was observed in the expandable group (4% vs 26.5%, p = 0.023) compared to the static group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, expandable cages in DLIF patients were observed to have a significantly lower rate of subsidence when compared to those who received static cages.

Assessing the risk of lumbar degenerative disc disease associated with swimming: A systematic review.

The purpose of the current study is to synthesize the outcomes of investigations reporting the odds of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) in competitive swimmers compared to controls. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines from inception until March 2023 to identify relevant studies evaluating the risk for lumbar DDD associated with swimming. Data in the current literature were synthesized for positive imaging findings of DDD at one or more lumbar level in swimmers compared to nonswimmers. Additionally, data regarding prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration and back pain in competitive swimmers were synthesized. Four studies were included in the final analysis. Study quality and risk of bias were deemed adequate. There was significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 0.74) regarding data collected, population of swimmers, sample size, and methods. Therefore, a meta-analysis was not conducted. The majority of the studies included in this study (three of four) reported that swimmers have increased odds of developing lumbar DDD. Additionally, secondary outcome analysis indicated that swimmers have a higher probability of developing moderate-to-severe back pain. Competitive swimming appears to be associated with the presence of DDD on advanced imaging and moderate-to-severe back pain. These findings are limited by significant differences in study methodology in the included studies. Although swimming is conventionally considered a low-impact sport, elite swimmers risk developing lower back pain and disc pathology, possibly because training involves unique biomechanics with repetitive rotational and hyperextension/flexion of the spine. Further research investigating risk factors involving biomechanics of swimming on the spine may have important implications for stroke technique, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for swimmers.