SAN CARLOS, Calif., June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A recently published paper in The Open Orthopaedics Journal compared outcomes for degenerative spondylolisthesis surgery using decompression and Empirical Spine’s LimiFlex™ Dynamic Sagittal Tether™ (DST) stabilization versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). The interim results of the FDA IDE trial showed both approaches led to substantial improvements in pain and function within the initial postoperative period, but the DST group had shorter hospital stays, earlier return to work, and higher patient-reported activity levels three months post-surgery.
The paper, entitled “Initial Perioperative, Work Status, Activity and Safety Outcomes after Decompression and Dynamic Sagittal Tether Stabilization versus Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Interim Results from an FDA IDE Trial,” was written by a team of researchers led by William F. Lavelle, M.D., of SUNY Upstate Medical University, Rick C. Sasso, M.D., of Indiana Spine Group, and William C. Welch, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania.
The analysis evaluated the 90-day outcomes of IDE study patients who received the LimiFlex DST versus TLIF stabilization after decompression surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis, a condition in which a vertebra slips forward on the vertebra below it, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. In addition to the improvements in pain and function, the results demonstrated that both approaches had no significant differences in perioperative complications or adverse effects within the initial postoperative period. However, the data showed that compared to TLIF, the DST procedure was shorter, less invasive, and resulted in a faster discharge. Also, for the DST group, faster recovery, return to work, and activity levels were noted.
“These interim results suggest that decompression and DST stabilization may be a viable alternative to TLIF for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, offering comparable outcomes with potential benefits in terms of hospital stay, return to work, and activity levels,” said Dr. Lavelle.
The paper adds to the growing body of literature on DST, a novel surgical device that uses a flexible tether designed to stabilize the spine and allow controlled motion, as opposed to rigid fusion. The FDA IDE trial is ongoing, and further data will be collected and analyzed to assess the long-term outcomes of decompression and DST stabilization versus TLIF.
Caution: The LimiFlex Dynamic Sagittal Tether is an investigational device in the United States and is limited by law to investigational use.
SOURCE Empirical Spine
