Browsing by Author "Huang, Chuan-Ching"

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    Advancing Prone-Transpsoas Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review and Evolution of Indications with Representative Cases.
    (Journal of clinical medicine, 2024-02) Drossopoulos, Peter N; Bardeesi, Anas; Wang, Timothy Y; Huang, Chuan-Ching; Ononogbu-Uche, Favour C; Than, Khoi D; Crutcher, Clifford; Pokorny, Gabriel; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Pollina, John; Taylor, William; Bhowmick, Deb A; Pimenta, Luiz; Abd-El-Barr, Muhammad M
    The Prone Transpsoas (PTP) approach to lumbar spine surgery, emerging as an evolution of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), offers significant advantages over traditional methods. PTP has demonstrated increased lumbar lordosis gains compared to LLIF, owing to the natural increase in lordosis afforded by prone positioning. Additionally, the prone position offers anatomical advantages, with shifts in the psoas muscle and lumbar plexus, reducing the likelihood of postoperative femoral plexopathy and moving critical peritoneal contents away from the approach. Furthermore, operative efficiency is a notable benefit of PTP. By eliminating the need for intraoperative position changes, PTP reduces surgical time, which in turn decreases the risk of complications and operative costs. Finally, its versatility extends to various lumbar pathologies, including degeneration, adjacent segment disease, and deformities. The growing body of evidence indicates that PTP is at least as safe as traditional approaches, with a potentially better complication profile. In this narrative review, we review the historical evolution of lateral interbody fusion, culminating in the prone transpsoas approach. We also describe several adjuncts of PTP, including robotics and radiation-reduction methods. Finally, we illustrate the versatility of PTP and its uses, ranging from 'simple' degenerative cases to complex deformity surgeries.
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    Evolution of the Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): From Open to Percutaneous to Patient-Specific.
    (Journal of clinical medicine, 2024-04) Drossopoulos, Peter N; Ononogbu-Uche, Favour C; Tabarestani, Troy Q; Huang, Chuan-Ching; Paturu, Mounica; Bardeesi, Anas; Ray, Wilson Z; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Goodwin, C Rory; Erickson, Melissa; Chi, John H; Abd-El-Barr, Muhammad M
    The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has seen significant evolution since its early inception, reflecting advancements in surgical techniques, patient safety, and outcomes. Originally described as an improvement over the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), the TLIF began as an open surgical procedure, that notably reduced the need for the extensive neural retractation that hindered the PLIF. In line with the broader practice of surgery, trending toward minimally invasive access, the TLIF was followed by the development of the minimally invasive TLIF (MIS-TLIF), a technique that further decreased tissue trauma and postoperative complications. Subsequent advancements, including Trans-Kambin's Triangle TLIF (percLIF) and transfacet LIF, have continued to refine surgical access, minimize surgical footprint, and reduce the risk of injury to the patient. The latest evolution, as we will describe it, the patient-specific TLIF, is a culmination of the aforementioned adaptations and incorporates advanced imaging and segmentation technologies into perioperative planning, allowing surgeons to tailor approaches based on individual patient anatomy and pathology. These developments signify a shift towards more precise methods in spine surgery. The ongoing evolution of the TLIF technique illustrates the dynamic nature of surgery and emphasizes the need for continued adaptation and refinement.
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    The Importance of Planning Ahead: A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Novel Trans-Facet Corridor for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Segmentation Technology.
    (World neurosurgery, 2024-05) Tabarestani, Troy Q; Drossopoulos, Peter N; Huang, Chuan-Ching; Bartlett, Alyssa M; Paturu, Mounica R; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Chi, John H; Ray, Wilson Z; Goodwin, C Rory; Amrhein, Timothy J; Abd-El-Barr, Muhammad M

    Background

    The rise of minimally invasive lumbar fusions and advanced imaging technologies has facilitated the introduction of novel surgical techniques with the trans-facet approach being one of the newest additions. We aimed to quantify any pathology-driven anatomic changes to the trans-facet corridor, which could thereby alter the ideal laterality of approach to the disc space.

    Methods

    In this retrospective cohort study, we measured the areas and maximum permissible cannula diameters of the trans-facet corridor using commercially available software (BrainLab, Munich, Germany). Exiting and traversing nerve roots, thecal sacs, and lumbar vertebrae were manually segmented on T2-SPACE magnetic resonance imaging. Spondylolisthesis, disc protrusions, and disc space heights were recorded.

    Results

    A total of 118 trans-facet corridors were segmented bilaterally in 16 patients (65.6 ± 12.1 years, 43.8% female, body mass index 29.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2). The mean areas at L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 were 89.4 ± 24.9 mm2, 124 ± 39.4 mm2, 123 ± 26.6 mm2, and 159 ± 42.7 mm2, respectively. The mean permissible cannula diameter at the same levels were 7.85 ± 1.43 mm, 8.98 ± 1.72 mm, 8.93 ± 1.26 mm, and 10.2 ± 1.94 mm, respectively. Both parameters increased caudally. Higher degrees for spondylolisthesis were associated with larger areas and maximum cannula diameters on regression analysis (P < 0.001).

    Conclusions

    Our results illustrate that pathology, like spondylolisthesis, can increase the area of the trans-facet corridor. By understanding this effect, surgeons can better decide on the optimal approach to the disc while taking into consideration a patient's unique anatomy.
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    Using Augmented Reality Technology to Optimize Transfacet Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Report
    (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024-03-01) Bardeesi, Anas; Tabarestani, Troy Q; Bergin, Stephen M; Huang, Chuan-Ching; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Wiggins, Walter F; Abd-El-Barr, Muhammad M
    The transfacet minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is a novel approach available for the management of lumbar spondylolisthesis. It avoids the need to manipulate either of the exiting or traversing nerve roots, both protected by the bony boundaries of the approach. With the advancement in operative technologies such as navigation, mapping, segmentation, and augmented reality (AR), surgeons are prompted to utilize these technologies to enhance their surgical outcomes. A 36-year-old male patient was complaining of chronic progressive lower back pain. He was found to have grade 2 L4/5 spondylolisthesis. We studied the feasibility of a trans-Kambin or a transfacet MIS-TLIF, and decided to proceed with the latter given the wider corridor it provides. Preoperative trajectory planning and level segmentation in addition to intraoperative navigation and image merging were all utilized to provide an AR model to guide us through the surgery. The use of AR can build on the safety and learning of novel surgical approaches to spine pathologies. However, larger high-quality studies are needed to further objectively analyze its impact on surgical outcomes and to expand on its application.