CASE STUDY: Trinica® Anterior Lumbar Plate System
Case courtesy of Dr Erik Van de Kelft, MD, PhD
A. Z. Nikolaas Medical Center, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Surgeon Profile
Dr Van de Kelft completed his undergraduate work at Sint-LievensCollege in Antwerp, Belgium. He went to medical school and did his residency at the University of Antwerp, followed by a fellowship at the University of Montpellier, France. He specializes in Neurosurgery and has completed a doctoral thesis on the molecular genetics of human gliomas. He is member of the Belgian Scientific Neurosurgery Association, Association des Heuro-Oncologues d’Expression Française, Royal Surgical Circle of Antwerp, North American Spine Society, American Association of Nuerological Surgeons, Neuro-oncology Committee of the European Association and the European Association of NeuroOncology.
Patient History
The patient is a 37-year-old non-smoking female who was experiencing
long-lasting incapacitating lower back pain with feelings of weakness and a
strange sensation in both of her legs. She had no previous surgery. Her pain
level scored a 6VAS score and a 30 ODI score.
She was treated for six months at the A.Z. Nikolaas pain clinic and rehabilitation centre. She was given an NSAID and epidural steroids, and took 50mg of Tramadol (three times a day), 1g Paracetamol (three times a day) and 5 mg Diazepam (two times a day). Additionally, the patient participated in an intense physical therapy programme for three months.
Pre-op MRI
Examination revealed normal sensation and strength in both legs but the patient had a positive straight-leg-raising test and diminished Schober index for lumbar flexion. A preoperative MR scan revealed degenerative disc disease (DDD) at L5-S1 associated with a medial disc herniation.
The Procedure
The patient underwent an anterior interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure using a
Trabecular Metal™TM-400 interbody implant with a Trinica®
ALP sacral plate for internal fixation. The procedure, which followed
the instructions in the implants’ surgical technique manuals, began with a
horizontal suprapubic skin incision followed by a vertical para-umbilical
incision in the abdominal fascia. The lumbo-sacral spine was reached through
a blunt retroperitoneal dissection. Orthostatic retractors were installed
and the level was confirmed via fluoroscopy. A complete discectomy was
completed at the L5-S1 level using rongeurs, curettes and a high speed
drill. The endplates were prepared and the implant size was measured.
Implanted sacral plate
and TM 400 device
The patient was fitted with a 10 mm high (21 mm by 32mm) Trabecular Metal TM-400 implant. Insertion was completed under flouoscopy and care was taken not to harm surrounding venous structures. After proper insertion of the interbody device, a 39 mm (80o) Trinica ALP sacral plate was secured with four 26 mm screws. The plate was easily placed and fitted the patient’s anatomical contour exceptionally well, even over the promonorium . The screws could easily be secured, and the procedure was completed without complication in sixty minutes. There was a 50 cc blood loss.
Case Comments
The patient’s pain improved considerably. Her postoperative VAS score was 1 (preoperatively 6), and her postoperative ODI score was 0 (preoperatively : 30). Follow-up is forthcoming and will be completed at twelve weeks. The patient was pleased with the result.
|
|
|
Lateral view immediately postoperative
Anterior view immediately postoperative
Quick links
Trinica Anterior Lumbar Plate System
Trinica Anterior Cervical Plate System
News: Anterior Approach Workshop
