Personalized Approaches to Spine Surgery: Innovations and Future Directions

A special issue of Journal of Personalized Medicine (ISSN 2075-4426). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Medicine, Cell, and Organism Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 3695

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Division of Personalized Pain Therapy Research & Education, Center for Advanced Spine Care of Southern Arizona, 4787 E Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
2. Department of Orthopaedics, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
3. Department of Orthopedics, Hospital Universitário Gaffre e Guinle, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, RJ, Brazil
Interests: spinal surgery; spinal disorders; thoracic and lumbar spine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Division of Nutrigenomics, SpliceGen, Therapeutics, Inc., Austin, TX 78701, USA
2. Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
3. Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, & Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
4. Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
5. Division of Personalized Pain Therapy Research & Education, Center for Advanced Spine Care of Southern Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
6. The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, LLC., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Interests: addiction research; personalized medicine; genetic factors influencing addiction and behavioral disorders employing nutrigenomics and epigenetics; addiction recovery; pain therapy; mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of spine surgery is undergoing a transformative changes with the integration of personalized medicine, which offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance patient outcomes. Personalized approaches to spine surgery, including the application of innovative technologies and methodologies, are paving the way for tailored treatments that cater to the individual needs of patients. These advancements are not only enhancing surgical precision, but also patient recovery times and individuals’ overall quality of life.

The integration of big data, genomics, precision imaging, artificial intelligence, robotics, navigation, augmented and virtual reality, and 3D printing technologies is revolutionizing the way in which we approach the treatment of common painful degenerative conditions of the spine. These methodologies enable us to understand more deeply the patient-specific factors that affect whether or not degenerative pathologies become painful and the development of targeted surgical interventions. Furthermore, the advent of novel materials and techniques, such as 3D printing for custom implants and minimally invasive procedures, is having a significant impact on the field.

The Special Issue of the Journal of Personalized Medicine, entitled “Personalized Approaches to Spine Surgery: Innovations and Future Directions”, aims to showcase the latest research, reviews, and communications highlighting the cutting-edge advancements and future prospects in personalized spine surgery. We seek contributions that explore the integration of personalized medicine techniques in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of spinal disorders. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the use of genomics and biomarkers in surgical planning, innovations in surgical technology and materials, AI applications in diagnostic and treatment strategies, and the impact of personalized approaches on patient outcomes.

We invite you to share your research, insights, and experiences in this rapidly evolving field, contributing to the advancement of personalized spine surgery and the improvement of patient care. Together, let us explore the innovative and future directions that will shape the landscape of spine surgery for years to come.

Dr. Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski
Prof. Dr. Kenneth Blum
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • personalized medicine
  • spine surgery
  • precision imaging
  • minimally invasive techniques
  • 3D printing in orthopedics
  • biomarkers in spinal health
  • artificial intelligence in surgery
  • robotics in spine surgery
  • genomics and spinal disorders
  • pain management and rehabilitation
  • surgical navigation systems
  • biocompatible materials for implants
  • patient-specific surgical planning
  • regenerative medicine in spine health
  • future trends in spinal surgery

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

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12 pages, 272 KiB  
Review
Clinical Application of 3D-Printed Artificial Vertebral Body (3DP AVB): A Review
by Roman Kiselev and Aleksander Zheravin
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(10), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14101024 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Introduction: The choice of prosthesis for vertebral body reconstruction (VBR) remains a controversial issue due to the lack of a reliable solution. The subsidence rate of the most commonly used titanium mesh cages (TMC) ranges from 42.5% to 79.7%. This problem is [...] Read more.
Introduction: The choice of prosthesis for vertebral body reconstruction (VBR) remains a controversial issue due to the lack of a reliable solution. The subsidence rate of the most commonly used titanium mesh cages (TMC) ranges from 42.5% to 79.7%. This problem is primarily caused by the differences in the elastic modulus between the TMC and bone. This review aims to summarize the clinical and radiological outcomes of new 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies (3DP AVB). Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted to extract relevant studies. After screening the titles and abstracts, a total of 50 articles were selected for full-text analysis. Results: Preliminary data suggest fewer implant-related complications with 3DP AVB. Most comparative studies indicate significantly lower subsidence rates, reduced operation times and decreased intraoperative blood loss. However, the scarcity of randomized clinical trials and the high variability of the results warrant caution. Conclusion: Most literature data show an advantage of 3DP AVB in terms of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and subsidence rate. However, long manufacturing times, high costs and regulatory issues are this technology’s main drawbacks. Full article
15 pages, 2100 KiB  
Review
Neuroinflammatory Approach to Surgical Trauma: Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Immune and Neuroendocrine Responses
by Gustavo N. Silva, Virna G. A. Brandão, Marcelo V. Perez, Kenneth Blum, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski and Rossano K. A. Fiorelli
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(8), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14080829 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1091
Abstract
The severity and invasiveness of clinical outcomes from organic responses to trauma are influenced by individual, surgical, and anesthetic factors. A stress response elicits neuroendocrine and immune reactions that may lead to multi-organ dysfunction. The degree of neuroinflammatory reflex activation from trauma can [...] Read more.
The severity and invasiveness of clinical outcomes from organic responses to trauma are influenced by individual, surgical, and anesthetic factors. A stress response elicits neuroendocrine and immune reactions that may lead to multi-organ dysfunction. The degree of neuroinflammatory reflex activation from trauma can increase pro-inflammatory cytokine production, leading to endothelial dysfunction, glycocalyx damage, neutrophil activation, and multisystem tissue destruction. A shift in patient treatment towards a neuroinflammatory perspective has prompted a new evaluation protocol for surgical patients, required to understand surgical pathogenesis and its link to chosen anesthetic–surgical methods. The goal of this study is to summarize and disseminate the present knowledge about the mechanisms involved in immune and neuroendocrine responses, focusing on video laparoscopic surgeries. This article outlines various measures cited in the literature aimed at reducing the burden of surgical trauma. It reviews anesthetic drugs, anesthetic techniques, and intensive care procedures that are known to have immunomodulatory effects. The results show a preference for more sensitive inflammatory mediators to tissue trauma serving as care tools, indicators for prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes. Full article
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11 pages, 2392 KiB  
Perspective
Clinical Implementation of Tissue-Sparing Posterior Cervical Fusion: Addressing Market Access Challenges
by Morgan P. Lorio, Pierce D. Nunley, Joshua E. Heller, Bruce M. McCormack, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski and Jon E. Block
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(8), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14080837 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1272
Abstract
Background: The traditional open midline posterior cervical spine fusion procedure has several shortcomings. It can cause soft tissue damage, muscle atrophy, compromise of the lateral masses and painful prominent posterior cervical instrumentation or spinous process if there is dehiscence of the fascia. Additionally, [...] Read more.
Background: The traditional open midline posterior cervical spine fusion procedure has several shortcomings. It can cause soft tissue damage, muscle atrophy, compromise of the lateral masses and painful prominent posterior cervical instrumentation or spinous process if there is dehiscence of the fascia. Additionally, patients frequently experience the rapid development of adjacent segment disease, which can result in the reemergence of debilitating pain and functional impairment. Clinical relevance: Tissue-sparing posterior cervical fusion is an alternative method for treating patients with symptomatic cervical degenerative disc disease. However, widespread clinical adoption has been challenged by ambiguity, misunderstandings and misinterpretations regarding appropriate procedural reimbursement coding. Technological advancement: The tissue-sparing posterior cervical fusion procedure was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 (CORUS™ Spinal System and CAVUX® Facet Fixation System (CORUS/CAVUX); Providence™ Medical Technology). This technique addresses the concerns with traditional spine fusion methods by achieving the stability and outcomes of posterior cervical fusion without the morbidity associated with significant muscle stripping in the traditional approach. This technology uses specialized implants and instrumentation to perform all of the steps required to facilitate bone fusion and provide stability while minimizing tissue disruption. The technique involves extensive bone preparation for fusion and placement of specialized stabilization implants that span the facet joint, promoting natural bone growth and fusion while reducing the need for extensive exposure. This procedure provides an effective, less invasive solution for patients with cervical degenerative disc disease. Reimbursement and coding clarity: The article provides a comprehensive rationale for appropriate reimbursement coding for tissue-sparing posterior cervical fusion. This is a critical aspect for the adoption and accessibility of medical technologies. This information is crucial for practitioners and healthcare administrators, ensuring that innovative procedures are accurately coded and reimbursed. Procedural details and clinical evidence: By detailing the procedural steps, instruments used and the physiological basis for the procedure, this article serves as a valuable educational resource for spine surgeons and payers to appropriately code for this procedure. Conclusions: The description of work for CORUS/CAVUX is equivalent to the current surgical standard of lateral mass screw fixation with decortication and onlay posterior grafting to facilitate posterior fusion. Thus, it is recommended that CPT codes 22600/22840 be used, as they best reflect the surgical approach, instrumentation, decortication, posterior cervical fusion and bone grafting procedures. Full article
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