Case Studies
STREAMLINING POSTERIOR FUSION WITH THE LINESIDER® SPINAL SYSTEM THROUGH A LIMITED INCISION APPROACH
Performed by Dr. Lane Spero
Litchfield Hills Orthopedic Associates, LLP
Clinical History
A 69-year-old male presented with severe lower back pain (LBP) and bilateral leg pain that progressively worsened over the course of a year. The pain was debilitating, making it difficult for the patient to walk more than 200 feet without significant discomfort. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy (PT), epidural steroid injections (ESIs), NSAIDs, and oral steroids, provided minimal relief. While his medical history included surgeries for his shoulder, gastrointestinal (GI) system, hand, and total hip arthroplasty (THA), he had no prior spine surgeries.
PRE-OP PAIN
The patient reported his pain as severe, with a visual analog scale (VAS) back score of 9/10. His inability to ambulate beyond 200 feet without excruciating pain underscored the impact of his condition on daily life and mobility.
SIGNIFICANT PATHOLOGY
Diagnostic imaging, including MRI and X-rays, revealed severe lumbar spinal stenosis characterized by both central and foraminal narrowing, as well as spondylolisthesis, correlating with the patient’s significant pain and mobility limitations.
Procedure
To address the patient’s debilitating symptoms, a bilateral TLIF procedure was undertaken, featuring the LineSider Spinal System. LineSider modular screws were utilized to provide immediate, controlled fixation and enhanced stabilization, which were essential in addressing the patient’s spinal instability caused by spondylolisthesis and stenosis. The system’s modular design offered Dr. Spero improved visibility and flexibility, helping to streamline the procedure, which went smoothly and without complications.
“I prefer to use the LineSider Modular Cortical System because it allows me to work through a limited incision,” Dr. Spero commented. “By placing the screws first without the tulips, I can perform my posterolateral fusion within the same limited exposure before adding the tulips and rods to complete the case.”
Outcomes
The patient experienced a full recovery. Post-operatively, his pain resolved completely, with his VAS back score improving to 0/10 after the incision healed. Neurological function was fully restored, and the patient regained his ability to ambulate normally without any limitations or assistive devices.
Radiological imaging at follow-up confirmed excellent placement of the LineSider screws and interbody device, with significant restoration of disc height and foraminal space. At the three-month follow-up, the patient had successfully completed physical therapy and reported sustained improvements in mobility and quality of life. He expressed high satisfaction with the procedure and required no ongoing pain medication.
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