The authors evaluate the biomechanical strength of ‘facet wedge’ for stabilization of the spine [1]. The authors find that the technique has comparable stability to pedicle screws and advantages over translaminar screws.
The stabilization of the facets and distraction arthrodesis of facets has indeed a great potential for stabilization of the spine. The facets are the only true joints of the spine. Facets rather than the discs are probably the site of origin of degenerative processes in the spine [2]. Facetal listhesis and instability related to muscle disuse or abuse could be a primary issue that initiates the process of spinal degeneration [3, 4]. Distraction of the facets and their stabilization obviates the need of any additional surgical procedures in a number of degenerative spinal conditions [5, 6]. It is surprising that the authors call it a ‘refined’, ‘new’ and a ‘novel’ technique of spinal stabilization. The authors are encouraged to review several of our published papers on the subject [2–6]. Our clinical and anatomical studies on the subject bring out clearly the potential of facetal wedge fixation. Even available biomechanical studies on the subject have not been scrutinized [7]. Ignoring published material, particularly in the modern computer era where references can be available on fingertips cannot be pardoned. Material in a reputed spine journal can certainly and adversely influence future publications on the subject. It would have been prudent on the authors to review published material before undertaking their work and making erroneous claims.
References
Hartensuer R, Riesenbeck O, Schulze M, Gehweiler D, Raschke M, Pavlov P, Vordemvenne T (2014) Biomechanical evaluation of the Facet Wedge: a refined technique for facet fixation. Eur Spine J 23:2321–2329
Goel A (2012) Relevance of Goel’s hypothesis regarding pathogenesis of degenerative spondylosis and its implications on facet distraction surgery. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 3(2):39–41
Goel A (2010) Facet distraction spacers for treatment of degenerative disease of the spine: rationale and an alternative hypothesis of spinal degeneration. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 1(2):65–66
Goel A (2011) Facet distraction-arthrodesis technique: can it revolutionize spinal stabilization methods? J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 2(1):1–2
Goel A, Shah A (2011) Facetal distraction as treatment for single- and multilevel cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy: a preliminary report. J Neurosurg Spine 14(6):689–696
Goel A, Shah A, Jadhav M, Nama S (2013) Distraction of facets with intraarticular spacers as treatment for lumbar canal stenosis: report on a preliminary experience with 21 cases. J Neurosurg Spine 19(6):672–677
Tan LA, Gerard CS, Anderson PA, Traynelis VC (2014) Effect of machined interfacet allograft spacers on cervical foraminal height and area. J Neurosurg Spine 20(2):178–182
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Goel, A. Letter to the Editor concerning “Biomechanical evaluation of the Facet Wedge: a refined technique for facet fixation” by Hartensuer R. et al.; Eur Spine J (2014) 23:2321–2329. Eur Spine J 24, 404 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3709-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3709-9