New Spinal Fusion Technique

A minimally invasive spinal surgery technique allows the surgeon to perform surgery through incisions less than an inch in length while leaving muscle virtually intact, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine (2002;97:7-12).

The technique is designed to reduce the pain, blood loss, tissue trauma, and recovery time associated with traditional spinal surgery. The study followed 12 patients for an average of 13.8 months after they underwent posterior lumbar fixation using the new technique. Fusion across the involved levels was achieved in all patients. Six were discharged in one to two days after surgery and the rest by day three. Six patients were rated with excellent results, five with good results, and one with a poor result.

The new technique uses the CD Horizon Sextant Spinal System, developed by Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST) division of Medtronic Sofamor Danek (Memphis, TN, USA). This system uses a novel mechanical arc device to deliver rods and screws, which rigidly fixate adjoining vertebrae, through small incisions in the skin.

"We're moving spine surgery in directions that give patients reliable options without as much pain and prolonged recovery as is associated with traditional procedures,” said Dr. Kevin Foley, associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee, who developed the technique and co-authored the study.




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