Bioresorbable polymer implants in the unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedure.
Sixty patients from two centers have undergone instrumented transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with bioresorbable polymer cages and autograft bone for degenerative indications. This article discusses the technique of TLIF and its early outcomes. Although follow-up is short and results are preliminary, no adverse events or complications may be attributed to the bioresorbable polymer. Further multicenter clinical studies are underway with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up chosen as an endpoint to provide insight as to the future of biodegradable polymers as spinal interbody devices.
Lowe
Thomas G
TG
Woodbridge Orthopaedic Spine Specialists, Wheat Ridge, Colo, USA.
Coe
Jeffrey D
JD
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers