Study Shows Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spinal Procedure

Medtronic has announced the results of a study that shows rapid patient recovery time after a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) procedure -- a surgical option for patients who suffer from chronic back or leg pain -- using the company's line of Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST).

The study, published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques, is the first study to present the results of a minimally invasive TLIF with a minimum of 18 months follow-up. The study showed the technique reduced blood loss during surgery; no blood transfusions were needed for any patients; all patients with mechanical low back pain noted improvement of their pain; and patients progressively increased their activity and resumed full activity at three months.

The study, sponsored by Medtronic and conducted between October 2001 and August 2002, evaluated 49 patients undergoing the MAST TLIF procedure. The technique incorporated use of Medtronic's METRx Tubular Retractor System, PYRAMETRIX ADVANCE Instrument Set and CD Horizon Sextant Spinal System.