European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Vertebral body defects represent one of the most common orthopedic challenges. In order to advance the transfer of stem cell therapies into orthopedic clinical practice, we performed this study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a composite bioartificial graft based on a hydroxyapatite bone scaffold (CEM-OSTETIC(®)) combined with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a rat model of vertebral body defects. ⋯ MSCs in combination with a hydroxyapatite scaffold improved the repair of a model bone defect and might represent a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of vertebral bone defects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Clinical outcomes of minimally invasive versus open approach for one-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at the 3- to 4-year follow-up.
Supporters of minimally invasive approaches for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) have reported short-term advantages associated with a reduced soft tissue trauma. Nevertheless, mid- and long-term outcomes and specifically those involving physical activities have not been adequately studied. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of mini-open versus classic open surgery for one-level TLIF, with an individualized evaluation of the variables used for the clinical assessment. ⋯ Despite an improved functional status of MO-TLIF patients in the short term, the clinical outcomes of mini-open TLIF at the 3- to 4-year follow-up showed no clinically relevant differences to those obtained with open TLIF.