Comparison of the long-term efficacy of ROI-C and conventional cage-plate in treatment of spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation: a retrospective study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07985-y · Published: October 21, 2024

Surgery Orthopedics Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study compares two surgical techniques, ROI-C and conventional cage-plate (CCP), for treating spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation (SCIWFD). The goal was to determine which method provides better cervical stability and fewer complications. The researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 83 patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using either ROI-C or CCP, focusing on clinical and radiological outcomes such as cervical lordosis, disc height, and fusion rates. The study concludes that ROI-C is as effective as CCP in improving cervical stability for SCIWFD, with the added benefits of being less invasive, requiring shorter operation times, and resulting in fewer complications.

Study Duration

28.63 ± 17.41 months and 29.48 ± 15.43 months

Participants

83 patients (60 males, 23 females)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Both ROI-C and CCP groups achieved bony fusion at the final follow-up, indicating similar efficacy in promoting spinal stability.
2
The ROI-C group experienced less intraoperative blood loss and shorter operative times compared to the CCP group, particularly in single-level surgeries.
3
While there was no significant difference in cage subsidence between the two groups, the incidence of dysphagia was significantly lower in the ROI-C group at the final follow-up.

Research Summary

This retrospective study compared the efficacy of ROI-C and conventional cage-plate (CCP) in improving cervical stability in patients with spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation (SCIWFD). The study found that both ROI-C and CCP achieved bony fusion at the final follow-up. However, ROI-C was associated with less blood loss, shorter operative times, and a lower incidence of dysphagia. The conclusion suggests that ROI-C is a reliable and minimally invasive surgical treatment option for SCIWFD, offering similar efficacy to CCP with additional advantages.

Practical Implications

Surgical Technique Selection

Surgeons can consider ROI-C as a viable alternative to CCP for ACDF in SCIWFD patients, especially when aiming for shorter operative times and reduced blood loss.

Postoperative Care

The lower incidence of dysphagia with ROI-C may lead to improved patient comfort and potentially reduce the need for prolonged postoperative care.

Minimally Invasive Approach

The study supports the adoption of ROI-C as a minimally invasive surgical option, potentially leading to faster patient recovery and fewer complications.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges that traumatic and degenerative cervical disc herniation may coexist, making it difficult to distinguish between clinical symptoms and imaging.
2
The homogeneity of the samples in this study may affect the accuracy of the conclusion.
3
Not specified

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Surgery