Stem fracture after total facet replacement in the lumbar spine: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Publication year: 2011
Source: The Spine Journal, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 24 June 2011
Daniel K., Palmer , Serkan, Inceoglu , Wayne K., Cheng
Background context: A randomized controlled multicenter investigational device exemption clinical trial comparing the total facet arthroplasty system (TFAS) (Archus Orthopedics, Redmond, WA, USA) with posterior fusion was discontinued because of financial reasons. To our knowledge, no clinical outcomes or complications have yet been presented for the TFAS, and no device-related complications have been reported for any other lumbar facet replacement system. Purpose: To report and discuss two cases of stem fracture after total facet replacement in the lumbar spine. Study design: Case report and literature review. Patient sample: A 55-year-old man with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 underwent total facet replacement at L4–L5 for Grade…