From more follow-up data on artificial disc replacement to new sources of stem cells for spinal fusion procedures, here are five recent studies drawing attention from spine surgeons:
1. Orthofix released results from its M6-C artificial cervical disc single-level clinical trial, which determined that the device has statistically significant benefits at three and four years compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
2. Adipose cells, typically referred to as fat, could be a useful source of stem cells to promote bone growth in spinal fusion, according to researchers from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Medicine.
3. Work relative value units assigned to open decompression and interlaminar stabilization are undervalued, according to a study in the International Journal of Spine Surgery.
4. Spine surgeries performed late in the week are linked with increased lengths of stay, especially when patients are discharged to a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine.
5. DiscGenics finished enrolling patients in a Japanese study of IDCT, anallogenic, injectable disc cell therapy for lumbar disc degeneration. The U.S. IDCT study treated all 60 subjects and reported no safety issues after one-year follow-ups, according to the company.