F Cuzzocrea1, A Ivone2, E Jannelli1, A Fioruzzi1, E Ferranti1, R Vanelli1, F Benazzo1. 1. S.C. Ortopedia e Traumatologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy. 2. S.C. Ortopedia e Traumatologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy. alessandro.ivone87@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low back pain and sciatica represent a common disabling condition with a significant impact on the social, working and economic lives of patients. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure used in degenerative spine conditions. Several types of cages were used in the TLIF procedure. PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a difference in terms of symptomatology improvement, return to daily activities and fusion rate between metal cages and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who have undergone TLIF from October 2015 to May 2016. All patients were clinically evaluated with questionnaires and were assessed with CT scan and standing X-ray films of the full-length spine. RESULTS: We found no significant functional differences in the two groups. At 1-year follow-up, osteolysis was present in 50% of cases of the PEEK cages and in 10% cases of the metal cages. The degree of fusion at 1 year was evaluated as complete in 40% cases of the metal cages and 15% cases of the PEEK cages. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a better fusion rate and prevalence of fusion in the group treated with metal cages, reflecting the well-known osteoinductive properties of titanium and tantalum.
BACKGROUND:Low back pain and sciatica represent a common disabling condition with a significant impact on the social, working and economic lives of patients. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure used in degenerative spine conditions. Several types of cages were used in the TLIF procedure. PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a difference in terms of symptomatology improvement, return to daily activities and fusion rate between metal cages and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who have undergone TLIF from October 2015 to May 2016. All patients were clinically evaluated with questionnaires and were assessed with CT scan and standing X-ray films of the full-length spine. RESULTS: We found no significant functional differences in the two groups. At 1-year follow-up, osteolysis was present in 50% of cases of the PEEK cages and in 10% cases of the metal cages. The degree of fusion at 1 year was evaluated as complete in 40% cases of the metal cages and 15% cases of the PEEK cages. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a better fusion rate and prevalence of fusion in the group treated with metal cages, reflecting the well-known osteoinductive properties of titanium and tantalum.
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