Actin-free Gc-globulin after minimal access and conventional anterior lumbar surgery

Tsung-Jen Huang1, Yi-Jan Weng, Yen-Yao Li

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chia-Yi, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. tjhuang@adm.cgmh.org.tw

Abstract

Insights

Minimal access surgery (MAS) showed reduced tissue trauma compared to open surgery (OS) in anterior lumbar disorders, as indicated by lower serum levels of actin-free Gc-globulin (Af-Gc), myoglobin (MG), and creatine kinase (CK). Af-Gc emerged as a sensitive marker for surgical trauma.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures
  • Biomarker Analysis

Background:

  • Minimally invasive joint arthroplasty adoption is rising, but its effectiveness in reducing pain and trauma is debated.
  • Previous literature suggests potential limitations in pain reduction and tissue trauma with minimally invasive joint procedures.
  • This study investigates tissue damage in minimal access surgery (MAS) versus conventional open surgery (OS) for anterior lumbar disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify and compare tissue damage between MAS and OS for anterior lumbar disorders.
  • To evaluate serum levels of actin-free Gc-globulin (Af-Gc), myoglobin (MG), and total creatine kinase (CK) as indicators of tissue trauma.
  • To determine the sensitivity of Af-Gc, MG, and CK as biomarkers for surgical trauma.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 23 patients undergoing either MAS (n=10) or OS (n=13) for anterior lumbar disorders.
  • Blood samples collected pre-surgery and at multiple intervals post-surgery (12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 168 hours).
  • Analysis of serum levels of actin-free Gc-globulin (Af-Gc), myoglobin (MG), and total creatine kinase (CK).

Main Results:

  • Serum level changes of Af-Gc, MG, and CK were significantly lower in the MAS group compared to the OS group.
  • Significant negative correlation between Af-Gc and MG changes (P=0.012); significant positive correlation between CK and MG changes (P<0.001).
  • A transient increase in CK levels was observed in the MAS group at 12 hours post-operation compared to the OS group.

Conclusions:

  • Serum level changes of Af-Gc, MG, and CK indicate that MAS is less tissue invasive than OS for anterior lumbar disorders.
  • Actin-free Gc-globulin (Af-Gc) demonstrated higher sensitivity as a biomarker for surgical trauma compared to MG and CK.
  • Transiently elevated CK levels in MAS at 12 hours may suggest increased soft tissue manipulation during the initial surgical approach.