16 papers · updated 2026-09-26 · Spine · All topics
The newest papers on lumbar fusion from the orthopaedic journals The Reduction reads, newest first, each with a one-line summary. The list is drawn from the digest’s archive and refreshed every week.
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In a RCT of 118 TLIF patients, liposomal bupivacaine via ESPB cut opioid/PCA use more than a cheaper modified analgesic cocktail, though both controlled early pain well.
In 108 degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients, short-segment standalone LLIF showed low early revision rates (8.3% within 2 years) with durable coronal correction, and revision risk was driven by age, not radiographic parameters.
External validation of four prediction models for prolonged length of stay after lumbar interbody fusion showed only moderate accuracy and poor precision, so none are reliable enough for standalone discharge planning without local recalibration.
Higher preoperative RAPT scores predicted greater likelihood of home discharge and shorter hospital stay after TLIF, though not 30-day readmission, supporting its use in discharge planning.
In a large propensity-matched database study, robotic-assisted THA in patients with lumbar fusion or stiff spine showed lower rates of prosthetic complications, dislocation, transfusion, and revision compared to manual THA, supporting robotic precision in this high-risk group.
Global Alignment Masks Residual Segmental Malalignment in Short-Segment Lumbar Fusions.
In short-segment lumbar fusions, segmental alignment analysis reveals far more malalignment and postoperative worsening than global PI-LL measures, so surgeons should target segmental lordosis (especially at L5-S1) to avoid flatback deformity.
A multimodal deep learning model using preoperative CT and follow-up timing predicted pedicle screw loosening after single-level lumbar fusion with high accuracy (AUC 0.823), potentially guiding postoperative monitoring.
In a randomized trial, intrawound vancomycin powder during lumbar fusion did not shift infections toward gram-negative organisms nor induce vancomycin/methicillin resistance, supporting continued gram-positive-focused empiric antibiotic coverage for suspected SSI.
Prior overlapping lumbar fusion (not prior laminectomy alone) nearly triples revision risk after long-segment thoracolumbar fusion for adult spinal deformity, warranting distinct preoperative counseling.
Influence of endplate degeneration on fusion process in lateral lumbar interbody fusion.
In lateral lumbar interbody fusion, smoking, osteoporosis, sub-endplate trabecular sclerosis, Modic III changes, and elevated endplate Hounsfield units independently predicted incomplete fusion, aiding preoperative risk stratification.
In a propensity-matched cohort, lumbar disc replacement achieved indirect foraminal decompression and lordosis restoration equivalent to ALIF, with shorter operative time and similar pain outcomes.
Absence of bone marrow edema on early postoperative MRI may predict successful fusion after single-level lumbar interbody fusion, offering a useful imaging biomarker.
Biportal endoscopic interbody fusion demonstrated superior endplate preparation quality and better back pain outcomes compared to conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
Standard population age cutoffs miss many osteoporosis cases in lumbar fusion patients; lower, individualized thresholds and broader screening starting at age 50 are recommended.
ALIF with posterior instrumentation provides superior sagittal alignment, lower reoperation rates, and better long-term outcomes than TLIF in patients ≤50 years.
Posterior spinal fusion for skeletally mature adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis offers excellent radiographic outcomes but requires careful counseling about spinal mobility loss and decreased athletic performance.
Extreme lateral interbody fusion enables anterior disc access without approach surgeon or abdominal complications in minimally invasive manner.
United States Trends in Lumbar Fusion Surgery for Degenerative Conditions
Lumbar fusion rates rose 220% from 1990–2001, with the steepest increase after cage approval in 1996 and among elderly patients, without clear evidence of expanded indications.
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