UNASSIGNED: Few studies directly compare the effect of interbody cages with different degrees of lordosis in producing segmental lumbar lordosis (SLL) in the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure. Thus, we aimed to investigate changes in SLL in hyperlordotic cages compared to standard lordotic cages in open TLIF procedures.
UNASSIGNED: Thirty-eight consecutive patients who received open TLIF procedures performed by a single surgeon between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed. Twenty patients had \"hyperlordotic cages\" (20° lordosis), while 18 patients had \"standard lordotic cages\" (6° lordosis). Twenty-three patients had one-level TLIF procedures and 15 had two-level TLIF. Standard radiographic measurements, including SLL were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. SLL was measured from the superior endplate of the cephalad vertebra to the inferior endplate of the caudal vertebra. Changes in SLL were compared using Student\'s and paired t-tests.
UNASSIGNED: In one- and two-level open TLIF, both hyperlordotic and standard lordotic cages produced significant improvement in SLL. Among those receiving a one-level TLIF, SLL increased 7.8° (P=0.024) in those with standard lordotic cages; it increased 8.2° (P=0.020) in those with hyperlordotic cages. Among those receiving a two-level TLIF, SLL increased 13.9° (P=0.032) in those with standard lordotic cages; it increased 8.8° (P=0.023) in those with hyperlordotic cages. However, the improvement in SLL was not significantly different between the two cage types in either one or two-level TLIF procedures (P=0.917, P=0.389). At 1-year follow-up, there was no significant change in SLL, among standard lordotic and hyperlordotic cages (P=0.501, P=0.781).
UNASSIGNED: Although it is theorized that hyperlordotic cages would increase SLL during open TLIF procedures more than standard lordotic cages, our data failed to demonstrate that. As our study examined cases performed by a single surgeon immediately before and after adoption of these lordotic cages, it is likely that surgical technique is of equal or greater importance in improving SLL than the amount of lordosis designed into interbody cages.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) has gained popularity in the last few years, thanks to its numerous advantages. Recently the use of lordotic cages has been described, allowing theoretically a better lordosis restoration of the lumbar disc space. We described the results obtained with the use of lordotic cages in 27 patients who underwent ALIF procedure for L5-S1 disc degenerative disease, in terms of segmental lordosis and global lumbar lordosis changes.

Cervical spines previously posteriorly instrumented and fused with a kyphotic deformity represent a surgical challenge. Current treatment strategies include C7 pedicle subtraction osteotomy or a posterior-anterior-posterior approach, which carry the risk of significant complications. The objective of this study was to attempt to achieve lordosis with multiple anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) cages to overpower the posterior instrumentation.
Four adult cadaveric specimens were selected and underwent C3-C7 posterior laminectomy with posterior instrumentation in a kyphotic alignment using a 3.5-mm titanium screw-rod system. Next, ACDF from C3 to C7 was performed with 15° lordotic cages to restore cervical lordosis. Posterior instrumentation was then inspected for failure. Fluoroscopic images were obtained to calculate total construct lordosis and change in segmental lordosis. CT scans were obtained after ACDF to assess for loosening, instrumentation failure, endplate damage, or impaction. Bone mineral density was calculated on CT scans.
Age ranged from 59 to 82, and all specimens were male. No gross instrumentation failure was observed. Mean pre-ACDF lordosis between C3 and C7 was 0° (-5° to 5°). Post-ACDF lordosis increased to 37° (35°-38°). Mean segmental lordosis achieved with no endplate destruction was 13.1° (8°-17°). T scores for the cadavers were -0.5, -0.5, -3.2, and -5.1. Two levels of impaction were observed (12.5%). Failure of bone screw interface occurred in the cadaver, with a T score of -5.1 in the middle of the construct.
Our study demonstrates the validity of overpowering posterior instrumentation through multiple level ACDF with lordotic cages. This may obviate the need to perform posterior-anterior-posterior procedures.
Level III.

The aim of the study is to assess and quantify the effectiveness of interbody lordotic cages applied by trans-psoas approach to improve radiographic parameters, showing the differences between completely mini-invasive and hybrid approach.
We collected data of 65 patients affected by degenerative lumbar deformity/diseases and underwent mini-invasive lateral interbody fusion followed by percutaneous (group A, completely mini-invasive) or open (group B, hybrid) posterior instrumentation. A subgroup underwent anterior column realignment (ACR). We assessed statistical differences in preoperative and postoperative (at least 6-month) coronal and sagittal parameters, and disc angle (DA) at each level of cage application.
107 lordotic cages were implanted. Group B had the most significant mean changes, especially in coronal Cobb angle, sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence-LL mismatch and DA. Concerning DA, at each level of lordotic cage application, in group A changed from -2.9° preop to -6.5° postop (p = 0.01); in group B, DA changed from -2.6° to -9.5° (p = 0.002) and from +1° to -13.2° in patients underwent ACR.
Minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion is an effective technique in improving sagittal parameters. When combined with posterior open approach and/or application of ACR procedure greater corrections are possible.