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Published on: May 31, 2017
Assessment of Rod Material Types in Spine Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Jennifer Z Mao1, Alexander G Fritz2, Jean-Marc P Lucas3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Buffalo General Medical Center, Kaleida Health, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
This systematic review found that both rigid and semirigid rods provide high fusion rates and improve pain and function after lumbar spine fusion surgery. Neither rod material type demonstrated superiority in outcomes or complication rates.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedic biomechanics
- Spinal fusion techniques
Background:
- Traditional lumbar spine fusion surgery utilizes rigid fixation.
- Semirigid rods were developed to address supraphysiologic rigidity.
- A comprehensive evaluation comparing rod material types in surgical outcomes was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the impact of rod material type (rigid vs. semirigid) on surgical outcomes in lumbar spine fusion.
- To compare fusion rates, pain improvement, functional outcomes, and complication rates between rigid and semirigid spinal fixation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was performed.
- Data were extracted from 17 studies involving 1399 patients across 3 electronic databases.
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria were rigorously applied to selected studies.
Main Results:
- Both rigid and semirigid rods achieved high fusion rates (92.2% vs. 95.5%).
- Significant improvements in back and leg pain were observed with both rod types, with no clear superiority.
- Comparable rates of reoperation, adjacent segment disease, screw fracture, and wound infection were noted between rigid and semirigid rods.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar spine fusion surgery yields high fusion rates irrespective of rod material type.
- Surgical intervention effectively improves pain and function, with no significant difference between rigid and semirigid rods.
- Rates of reoperation, adjacent segment disease, mechanical complications, and infection are comparable between the two rod types, warranting further investigation.
