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: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 1841

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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Personalized Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

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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 280
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, 2395 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 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2024
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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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31 pages, 4570 KiB  
Perspective
Advancements in Custom 3D-Printed Titanium Interbody Spinal Fusion Cages and Their Relevance in Personalized Spine Care
by Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Shaleen Vira, John C. Elfar and Morgan P. Lorio
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(8), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14080809 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 381
Abstract
3D-printing technology has revolutionized spinal implant manufacturing, particularly in developing personalized and custom-fit titanium interbody fusion cages. These cages are pivotal in supporting inter-vertebral stability, promoting bone growth, and restoring spinal alignment. This article reviews the latest advancements in 3D-printed titanium interbody fusion [...] Read more.
3D-printing technology has revolutionized spinal implant manufacturing, particularly in developing personalized and custom-fit titanium interbody fusion cages. These cages are pivotal in supporting inter-vertebral stability, promoting bone growth, and restoring spinal alignment. This article reviews the latest advancements in 3D-printed titanium interbody fusion cages, emphasizing their relevance in modern personalized surgical spine care protocols applied to common clinical scenarios. Furthermore, the authors review the various printing and post-printing processing technologies and discuss how engineering and design are deployed to tailor each type of implant to its patient-specific clinical application, highlighting how anatomical and biomechanical considerations impact their development and manufacturing processes to achieve optimum osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. The article further examines the benefits of 3D printing, such as customizable geometry and porosity, that enhance osteointegration and mechanical compatibility, offering a leap forward in patient-specific solutions. The comparative analysis provided by the authors underscores the unique challenges and solutions in designing cervical, and lumbar spine implants, including load-bearing requirements and bioactivity with surrounding bony tissue to promote cell attachment. Additionally, the authors discuss the clinical outcomes associated with these implants, including the implications of improvements in surgical precision on patient outcomes. Lastly, they address strategies to overcome implementation challenges in healthcare facilities, which often resist new technology acquisitions due to perceived cost overruns and preconceived notions that hinder potential savings by providing customized surgical implants with the potential for lower complication and revision rates. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into how modern 3D-printed titanium interbody fusion cages are made, explain quality standards, and how they may impact personalized surgical spine care. Full article
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15 pages, 1081 KiB  
Perspective
New Perspectives on Risk Assessment and Anticoagulation in Elective Spine Surgery Patients: The Impact of Ultra-Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery Techniques on Patients with Cardiac Disease
by Alexandre Siciliano, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Sergio Luis Schmidt, Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli, Paulo Sérgio Teixeira de Carvalho, Abduljabbar Alhammoud, Stenio Karlos Alvim Fiorelli, Marcos Arêas Marques and Morgan P. Lorio
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(7), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14070761 - 17 Jul 2024
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Abstract
The advent of ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, characterized by significantly reduced surgery times, minimal blood loss, and minimal tissue trauma, has precipitated a paradigm shift in the preoperative management of patients with cardiac disease undergoing elective spine procedures. This perspective article explores [...] Read more.
The advent of ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, characterized by significantly reduced surgery times, minimal blood loss, and minimal tissue trauma, has precipitated a paradigm shift in the preoperative management of patients with cardiac disease undergoing elective spine procedures. This perspective article explores how these advancements have influenced the requirements for preoperative cardiac workups and the protocols surrounding the cessation of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies. Traditionally, extensive cardiac evaluations and the need to stop anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents have posed challenges, increasing the risk of cardiac events and delaying surgical interventions. However, the reduced invasiveness of endoscopic spine surgery presents a safer profile for patients with cardiac comorbidities, potentially minimizing the necessity for rigorous cardiac clearance and allowing for more flexible anticoagulation management. This perspective article synthesizes current research and clinical practices to provide a comprehensive overview of these evolving protocols. It also discusses the implications of these changes for patient safety, surgical outcomes, and overall healthcare efficiency. Finally, the article suggests directions for future research, emphasizing the need for updated guidelines that reflect the reduced perioperative risk associated with these innovative surgical techniques. This discussion is pivotal for primary care physicians, surgeons, cardiologists, and the broader medical community in optimizing care for this high-risk patient population. Full article
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