Resorbable polymer implants in unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
OBJECTIVE
Sixty patients underwent instrumentation-assisted posterior transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with resorbable polymer cages and autograft bone for degenerative disease. This article discusses the technique of TLIF and its early outcomes.


METHODS
Although the follow-up period is short and results are preliminary, no adverse events or complications were attributed to the resorbable polymer.


CONCLUSIONS
Further multicenter clinical studies are underway with a minimum 2-year follow-up period chosen as an endpoint to provide insight as to the future of biodegradable polymers as spinal interbody devices.
Lowe
Thomas G
TG
Woodridge Orthopaedic Spine Specialists, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA.
Coe
Jeffrey D
JD
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013997:Time Factors
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)