New Trends in Spinal Surgery: Less Invasive Anatomical Approach to the Spine. The Advantages of the Anterior Approach in Lumbar Spinal Fusion.

AIM: To describe the history of the anterior approach to the lumbar spine from the beginning to the minimal invasive techniques that the authors have developed, and to discuss its advantages and drawbacks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors collected published data on the evolution of the anterior approach in the lumbar spine, and described its potential in different pathologies focusing on minimally invasive techniques. RESULTS: Several successful techniques of anterior lumbar approach have been developed over the years, leading to a progressive less invasive anatomical exposure of the spine. Anterior approaches of the lumbar spine gained popularity as an alternative to posterior routes in the management of tumors, infections, traumas, degenerative or deformity diseases and as a salvage procedure after posterior surgery. CONCLUSION: Advantages of the retroperitoneal anterior approach of the lumbar spine are well accepted: it preserves the anatomical structures of the abdomen and posterior tension band, avoiding muscle dissection. The implantation of lordotic cages with larger footprint improves local lordosis and fusion rate even in revision surgery. Drawbacks of traditional retroperitoneal approaches may be: vascular injury, deep venous thrombosis, risk of retrograde ejaculation in male in case of L5-S1 dissection. Therefore, several minimal invasive techniques have been developed to decrease the risks related to the traditional approaches. However, a long learning curve is required to achieve good skills and to manage possible technical concerns and complications.

[Non-tubercular vertebral osteomyelitis: diagnosis and therapy of 45 patients from a single Italian centre]. / Non-tubercular vertebral osteomyelitis: diagnosis and therapy of 45 patients from a single Italian centre.

AIM OF THE STUDY: to evaluate the episodes of non-tubercular spondylodiskitis diagnosed between 1998 and 2002 at Ospedale S. Corona, Pietra Ligure (SV). METHODS: prospective evaluation of vertebral osteomyelitis classified as spontaneous or iatrogenic if associated with procedures on the spinal cord, with detection of associated risk factors, localization, etiology and treatment. RESULTS: 45 episodes, 71% spontaneous and 29% iatrogenic were observed. Associated risk factors were present in 47% of spontaneous spondylodiskitis. Lumbosacral localization was detected in 68% of spontaneous and 100% of iatrogenic episodes. Other localizations in spontaneous spondylodiskitis were dorsal (25%) or cervical (7%). Methicillin-sensitive staphylococci caused the majority of spontaneous spondylodiskitis, while methicillin-resistant strains were more frequently involved in iatrogenic episodes. Among spontaneous spondylodiskitis, 63% healed with antibiotics for 8 weeks, but surgery was often needed in dorsal localizations. In iatrogenic forms antibacterial therapy for 8 weeks-6 months was effective in cases not associated with foreign bodies but their presence always required surgery for healing. CONCLUSIONS: spondylodiskitis is more frequently localized at the lumbosacral level. Beta-lactams are generally effective in spontaneous episodes, while iatrogenic episodes often require associations of drugs. Surgery may be required in the case of dorsal localization or in the presence of foreign bodies.

[Non-tubercular vertebral osteomyelitis: diagnosis and therapy of 45 patients from a single Italian centre]. / Spondilodisciti non tubercolari: valutazione prospettica di 45 pazienti seguiti presso un unico.

AIM OF THE STUDY: to evaluate the episodes of non-tubercular spondylodiskitis diagnosed between 1998 and 2002 at the Ospedale S. Corona, Pietra Ligure (SV). METHODS: perspective evaluation of vertebral osteomyelitis classified as spontaneous or iatrogenic if associated with procedures on the spinal cord, with detection of associated risk factors, localization, aetiology and treatment. RESULTS: 45 episodes, 71% spontaneous and 29% iatrogenic were observed. Associated risk factors were present in 47% of spontaneous spondylodiskitis. Lumbosacral localization was detected in 68% of spontaneous and 100% of iatrogenic episodes. Other localizations in spontaneous spondylodiskitis were dorsal (25%) or cervical (7%). Methicillin-sensitive staphylococci caused the majority of spontaneous spondylodiskitis, while methicillin-resistant strains were more frequently involved in iatrogenic episodes. Among spontaneous spondylodiskitis, 63% healed with antibiotics for 8 weeks, but surgery was often needed in dorsal localizations. In iatrogenic forms antibacterial therapy for 8 weeks-6 months was effective in cases not associated with foreign bodies but their presence always required surgery for healing. CONCLUSIONS: spondylodiskitis is more frequently localized at lumbosacral level. Beta-lactams are generally effective in spontaneous episodes, while iatrogenic ones often require associations of drugs. Surgery may be required in the case of dorsal localization or in the presence of foreign bodies.