Emerging techniques and technologies in treating spinal disorders appear to be very promising. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are new techniques that have been developed for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with early promising clinical results. More sophisticated and technically advanced methods of surgical navigation are also being developed as spinal surgery moves toward less invasive or minimally invasive procedures. Cost effectiveness, complication rates, and clinical efficacy need to be better defined to determine the exact role of these emerging techniques and technologies.
The use of biologic technologies to engender spinal fusion is at various stages of scientific and clinical development. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 is now available for clinical use in anterior lumbar intervertebral fusion and has been extensively studied in other spinal fusion applications. Recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 7 is under examination in regulated clinical trials. Gene therapy technologies are in the preclinical stage of development. In time, biologic interventions will continue to capture greater roles in the treatment of spinal disease.
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