Spine surgeon researchers recently published an article in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques comparing axial and anterior interbody fusions of the L5-S1 segment.
The study included a multi-center review of 96 patients who underwent spinal fusions through the standard retroperitoneal approach or the AxiaLIF in conjunction with supplemental posterior fusion from 2002 to 2010. In the radiographic analysis arthrodesis rates for ALIF were 79 percent and AxiaLIF was 85 percent.
The adverse events were similar between the two groups, but there was one serious intraoperative complication in the ALIF group. As a result, the researchers concluded that AxiaLIF "represents a safe and effective method for achieving an interbody fusion across the L5-S1 disc space when utilized in conjunction with posterior fusion."
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
51 Spine Surgeons on Top Leadership Strategies
Can Spine Device Start-Ups Still Survive?
Lateral Lumbar Spinal Surgery: Deficits for BMP vs. Non-BMP Fusion