Clinical Spine Surgery最新文献

Study design: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The study retrospectively analyzed the factors associated with the development of adjacent vertebral fractures.

Summary of background data: Adjacent vertebral fractures (AVF) may occur following cement vertebroplasty, and several risk factors have been reported with controversies.

Methods: A total of 123 patients, with a mean age of 79.2 years, who underwent single-level vertebroplasty were included in the investigation. We systematically collected data encompassing baseline demographics, osteoporosis parameters, surgical details, radiologic measurements, and Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the lumbar spine. Subsequently, univariable, followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses, were employed to identify the risk factors of AVFs.

Results: Thirty of 123 patients had AVFs within 6 months following vertebroplasty. The AVF group exhibited a higher percentage of multiple preexisting vertebral compression fractures (P=0.006), a greater volume of injected cement (P=0.032), and a more pronounced reduction in local kyphosis (P=0.007). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed multiple preexisting vertebral compression fractures and a reduction in local kyphosis exceeding 8 degrees were independent risk factors for AVFs (P=0.008 and 0.003, respectively), with odds ratios of 3.78 (95% confidence interval: 1.41-10.12) and 4.16 (95% CI: 1.65-10.50), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with multiple preexisting vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) had significantly lower bone mineral density Z-score, T-score, and HU values compared with those without preexisting VCFs (P<0.05). Conversely, there were no significant differences in T-score or HU values between patients with no VCFs and those with a single VCF.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both bone strength and local alignment are key factors associated with adjacent vertebral fractures. Specifically, having multiple preexisting vertebral compression fractures and a reduction in local kyphosis exceeding 8 degrees are independent risk factors. The presence of more than one previous vertebral compression fracture serves as a significant clinical indicator of advanced bone density reduction in patients with osteoporosis, offering a quick and straightforward method for identifying high-risk patients. Patients exhibiting these risk factors should be monitored more closely for favorable clinical outcomes.

Level of evidence: Level III-retrospective nonexperimental study.

Study design: Hybrid retrospective/prospective study.

Objective: The study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of the FFX facet cage versus pedicle screw (PS) fixation in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Summary of background data: A previous single-arm study reported on the safety, fusion rate, and patient outcomes associated with the use of the FFX facet cage in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. There are no long-term studies reporting outcomes with this device compared with the use of pedicle screw fixation.

Methods: Following a medical records review, subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were consented to and enrolled in the prospective arm of the study. CT scans and dynamic X-rays were performed to assess fusion rates, range of motion, and translation. Adverse events during the 2-year post-index procedure were also analyzed. Preoperative and 2+ year Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) back and leg scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were also obtained.

Results: A total of 112 subjects were enrolled with 56 patients included in the PS and FFX groups. Mean age was 63.1±11.2 and 67.1±10.9 years and the mean number of levels operated was 1.8±0.8 and 2.3±1.0, respectively, for the PS and FFX groups. There was no difference between the 2 groups for the primary composite fusion endpoint assessed with the FFX group achieving a 91% bony facet fusion rate. There was also no difference in postoperative complications or adverse events during the 2-year follow-up period. A higher percentage of patients in the PS group (10.7%) required reoperation compared with the FFX group (3.6%). Although both groups experienced significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores versus preoperative assessment, there was no difference between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: The present study documents the long-term safety and efficacy of the FFX device in patients with LSS with a reduction in reoperation rate when compared with PS fixation.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Study design: Review of mesh-container plasty (MCP) in osteolytic vertebral metastases.

Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of MCP in treating advanced vertebral metastases with posterior wall defects.

Background: Diagnosis of vertebral metastases typically relies on the patient's tumor history, bone scans, or vertebral MRI. Surgical intervention often involves sampling vertebral body tissue for pathologic diagnosis. The revised Tokuhashi score is commonly used to predict survival time in patients with bone metastases. Outcome evaluation frequently employs the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) in assessing spinal surgery outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis included 111 patients treated between January 2014 and January 2018 in our hospital. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: MCP group (n=51) and PVP group (n=60). Grades based on the percentage of posterior wall defect area were established: grade I (≤25%), grade II (26% to 50%), grade III (51% to 75%), and grade IV (76% to 100%). Efficacy was assessed using VAS and ODI.

Results: Both MCP and PVP groups exhibited significant pain relief and improved motor function. No significant differences were observed in VAS and ODI scores at any follow-up point ( P >0.05). In the MCP group, bone cement leakage occurred in 13 cases, with a leakage rate of 25.49%. However, none of the patients experienced clinical or neurological symptoms. In the PVP group, bone cement leakage occurred in 50% of patients, with 6 patients developing neurological symptoms. Significant differences between the groups were observed in major complications related to bone cement leakage ( P =0.03).

Conclusion: MCP demonstrates efficacy in pain relief and safety in treating vertebral metastases with deficient posterior walls. It represents a promising option for spinal surgeons managing vertebral metastases with posterior wall deficiencies.

Study design: Single-center retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To compare the correction of fractional curve and L5 tilt in 2RVBT versus PSF with LIV in the lumbar spine.

Summary of background data: Vertebral body tethering, an AIS fusion-alternative, avoids rigid constructs, allowing for lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) selection. Single-tether constructs break, but mini-open thoracoscopic assistant double-row vertebral body tethering (2RVBT) reduces this. Limited comparative studies exist with posterior spinal fusion (PSF).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of AIS correction surgeries with lumbar LIV using preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative imaging. Patients were divided into 2RVBT or PSF groups. Data included age, Riser, UIV, LIV, instrumented levels, and revision rates. Radiographic analyses included preoperative and postoperative main curve Cobb (MCC), secondary curve Cobb (SCC), fractional curve Cobb (FCC), and L5 tilt.

Results: Ninety-nine patients participated (49 in 2RVBT, 50 in PSF). Preoperatively, secondary CC differed significantly (2RVBT: 44.6±10.4 degrees vs. PSF: 39.5±11.8 degrees, P=0.026), but not L5 tilt, MCC, or FCC. Postoperatively, MCC (2RVBT: 25.7±12.3 degrees vs. PSF: 19.5±7.4 degrees, P=0.003) and SCC (2RVBT: 18.0±8.4 degrees vs. PSF: 14.5±6.6 degrees, P=0.012) varied. Preoperative to postoperative changes in MCC (2RVBT: -32.0±11.3 degrees vs. PSF: -37.2±13.3 degrees, P=0.044) and L5 tilt (-13.8±9.0 degrees vs. PSF: -8.1±6.8 degrees, P=0.001) differed. Revision rates were similar (2RVBT: 2.0%, PSF: 4.0%, P=0.57). In 2RVBT, 3 tethers broke, 1 revision occurred for a broken tether, and 1 pleural effusion needed thoracocentesis. In PSF, 1 superficial infection needed surgery, and 1 revision was for add-on phenomenon. After PSM for Lenke classification, 54 patients remained (27 in each group). At 2 years, 2RVBT showed less MCC correction (-30.8±11.8 degrees vs. -38.9±11.9 degrees, P=0.017), but greater L5 tilt correction (-14.6±10.0 degrees vs. -7.5±6.0 degrees, P=0.003).

Conclusions: This study with a minimum 2-year radiographic follow-up demonstrates that 2RVBT results in greater L5 tilt correction when compared with posterior spinal fusion after PSM for Lenke classification and similar rates of revision surgery.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Study design: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Guttering is a technique that creates a tunnel through the vertebral body adjacent to the endplate to remove compressive pathologies behind the vertebral body during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In this study, we investigated cases of patients who underwent gutter-shaped osteotomy (guttering) to decompress retro-corporeal compressive lesions.

Summary of background data: Retro-corporeal pathologies causing cord compression cannot be removed using conventional ACDF.

Materials and methods: A total of 217 patients who underwent ACDF to treat cervical myelopathy and were followed up for ≥1 year were retrospectively reviewed. The fusion rate, subsidence, neck pain visual analog scale (VAS), arm pain VAS, and neck disability index (NDI) were assessed. Results were compared between the guttering (patients for whom guttering was performed) and nonguttering (patients for whom guttering was not performed) groups.

Results: Thirty-five patients (16.1%) were included in the guttering group, while 182 patients (83.8%) were included in the nonguttering group. Fusion rates assessed by interspinous motion (P=0.559) and bone bridging on computed tomography (CT) (P=0.541 and 0.715, respectively) were not significantly different between the 2 groups at 1 year after surgery. Furthermore, neck pain VAS (P=0.492), arm pain VAS (P=0.099), and NDI (P=1.000) 1 year after surgery did not demonstrate significant intergroup differences. All patients in the guttering group exhibited healed guttering on 1-year postsurgery CT.

Conclusions: Guttering as an adjunct to ACDF could provide a more expansive workspace for complete decompression when compressive pathology extends retrocorporeal. This additional bone resection is not associated with increased pseudarthrosis or subsidence or related to aggravation of patient symptoms.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Study design: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

Objective: To examine the effect of intraoperative epidural administration of Depo-Medrol on postoperative back pain and radiculitis symptoms in patients undergoing Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).

Summary of background data: Postoperative pain is commonly experienced by patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Adequate management of intense pain is necessary to encourage early ambulation, increase patient satisfaction, and limit opioid consumption. Intraoperative steroid application has been shown to improve postoperative pain in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgeries. There have been no studies examining the effect of epidural steroids on both back pain and radicular pain in patients undergoing TLIF.

Method: In all, 151 patients underwent TLIF surgery using rh-BMP2 with 3 surgeons at a single institution. Of those, 116 remained in the study and were included in the final analysis. Based on a 1:1 randomization, a collagen sponge saturated with either Saline (1 cc) or Depo-Medrol (40 mg/1 cc) was placed at the annulotomy site on the TLIF level. Follow-up occurred on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7, and postoperative months 1, 2, and 3. Lumbar radiculopathy was measured by a modified symptom- and laterality-specific Visual Analog Scale (VAS) regarding the severity of back pain and common radiculopathy symptoms.

Results: The patients who received Depo-Medrol, compared with those who received saline, experienced significantly less back pain on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7 ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference in back pain beyond day 7. Radiculopathy-related symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, and weakness tended to be reduced in the steroid group at most time points.

Conclusion: This study provides Level 1 evidence that intraoperative application of Depo-Medrol during a TLIF surgery with rh-BMP2 significantly reduces back pain for the first week after TLIF surgery. The use of epidural Depo-Medrol may be a useful adjunct to multimodal analgesia for pain relief in the postoperative period.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether weekday lumbar spine fusion surgery has an impact on surgical and inpatient physical therapy (PT) outcomes.

Summary of background data: Timing of surgery has been implicated as a factor that may impact outcomes after spine surgery. Previous literature suggests that there may be an adverse effect to having surgery on the weekend.

Methods: All patients ≥18 years who underwent primary lumbar spinal fusion from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients were subdivided into an early subgroup (surgery between Monday and Wednesday) and a late subgroup (surgery between Thursday and Friday). Surgical outcome variables included inpatient complications, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year revisions. PT data from the first inpatient PT session included hours to PT session, AM-PAC Daily Activity or Basic Mobility scores, and total gait trial distance achieved.

Results: Of the 1239 patients identified, 839 had surgery between Monday and Wednesday and 400 had surgery between Thursday and Friday. Patients in the later surgery subgroup were more likely to experience a nonsurgical neurologic complication (3.08% vs. 0.86%, P =0.008); however, there was no difference in total complications. Patients in the early surgery subgroup had their first inpatient PT session earlier than patients in the late subgroup (15.7 vs. 18.9 h, P <0.001). However, patients in the late subgroup achieved a farther total gait distance (98.2 vs. 75.4, P =0.011). Late surgery was a significant predictor of more hours of PT (est.=0.256, P =0.016) and longer length of stay (est.=2.277, P =0.001). There were no significant differences in readmission and revision rates.

Conclusions: Patients who undergo surgery later in the week may experience more nonsurgical neurologic complications, longer wait times for inpatient PT appointments, and longer lengths of stay. This analysis showed no adverse effect of later weekday surgery as it relates to total complications, readmissions, and reoperations.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Study design: Retrospective review.

Objective: To determine whether the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" score is associated with the development of postoperative ileus.

Summary of background data: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery has a high complication rate. One common complication is postoperative ileus, and poor postoperative mobility has been implicated as a modifiable risk factor for this condition.

Methods: Eighty-five ASD surgeries in which ≥5 levels were fused were identified in a single institution database. A physical therapist/physiatrist collected patients' daily postoperative AM-PAC scores, for which we assessed first, last, and daily changes. We used multivariable linear regression to determine the marginal effect of ileus on continuous AM-PAC scores; threshold linear regression with Bayesian information criterion to identify a threshold AM-PAC score associated with ileus; and multivariable logistic regression to determine the utility of the score thresholds when controlling for confounding variables.

Results: Ten of 85 patients (12%) developed ileus. The mean day of developing ileus was postoperative day 3.3±2.35. The mean first and last AM-PAC scores were 16 and 18, respectively. On bivariate analysis, the mean first AM-PAC score was lower in patients with ileus than in those without (13 vs. 16; P< 0.01). Ileus was associated with a first AM-PAC score of 3 points lower (Coef. -2.96; P< 0.01) than that of patients without ileus. Patients with an AM-PAC score<13 had 8 times greater odds of developing ileus ( P= 0.023). Neither the last AM-PAC score nor the daily change in AM-PAC score was associated with ileus.

Conclusions: In our institutional cohort, a first AM-PAC score of <13, corresponding to an inability to walk or stand for more than 1 minute, was associated with the development of ileus. Early identification of patients who cannot walk or stand after surgery can help determine which patients would benefit from prophylactic management.

Level of evidence: Level-III.

Study design: Retrospective cohort analysis.

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes of outpatient anterior cervical disk replacements (ACDR) performed in free-standing private ambulatory surgery centers versus tertiary hospital centers.

Summary of background data: ACDR is an increasingly popular technique for treating various degenerative pathologies of the cervical spine. There has been an increase in the utilization of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) for outpatient cervical procedures due to economic and convenience benefits; however, a paucity of literature exists in evaluating long-term safety and efficacy of ACDRs performed in ASCs versus outpatient hospital centers.

Methods: A retrospective cohort review of all patients undergoing 1- or 2-level ACDRs at 2 outpatient ASCs and 4 tertiary care medical centers from 2012 to 2020, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months, was performed. Approval by each patient's insurance and patient preference determined distribution into an ASC or non-ASC. Demographics, perioperative data, length of follow-up, complications, and revision rates were analyzed. Functional outcomes were assessed using VAS and NDI at follow-up visits.

Results: One hundred seventeen patients were included (65 non-ASC and 52 ASC). There were no significant differences in demographics or length of follow-up between the cohorts. ASC patients had significantly lower operative times (ASC: 89.5 minutes vs. non-ASC: 110.5 minutes, P <0.001) and mean blood loss (ASC: 17.5 mL vs. non-ASC: 25.3 mL, P <0.001). No significant differences were observed in rates of dysphagia (ASC: 21.2% vs. non-ASC: 15.6%, P <0.001), infection (ASC: 0.0% vs. non-ASC: 1.6%, P =0.202), ASD (ASC: 1.9% vs. non-ASC: 1.6%, P =0.202), or revision (ASC: 1.9% vs. non-ASC: 0.0%, P =0.262). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and NDI scores ( P <0.001), but no significant differences in the degree of improvement were observed.

Conclusions: Our 2-year results demonstrate that ACDRs performed in ASCs may offer the advantages of reduced operative time and blood loss without an increased risk of postoperative complications.

Study design: Retrospective review.

Objectives: We substratified the mFI-5 frailty index to reflect controlled and uncontrolled conditions and assess their relationship to perioperative complications.

Summary of background data: Risk assessment before adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is critical because the surgery is highly invasive with a high complication rate. Although frailty is associated with risk of surgical complications, current frailty measures do not differentiate between controlled and uncontrolled conditions.

Methods: Frailty was calculated using the mFI-5 index for 170 ASD patients with fusion of ≥5 levels. Uncontrolled frailty was defined as blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg, HbA1C >7% or postprandial glucose >180 mg/dL, or recent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, while on medication. Patients were divided into nonfrailty, controlled frailty, and uncontrolled frailty cohorts. The primary outcome measure was perioperative major and wound complications. Bivariate analysis was performed. Multivariable analysis assessed the relationship between frailty and perioperative complications.

Results: The cohorts included 97 nonfrail, 54 controlled frail, and 19 uncontrolled frail patients. Compared with nonfrail patients, patients with uncontrolled frailty were more likely to have age older than 60 years (84% vs. 24%), hyperlipidemia (42% vs. 20%), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score >42 (84% vs. 52%) ( P <0.05 for all). Controlled frailty was associated with those older than 60 years (41% vs. 24%) and hyperlipidemia (52% vs. 20%) ( P <0.05 for all). On multivariable regression analysis controlling for hyperlipidemia, functional independence, motor weakness, ODI>42, and age older than 60 years, patients with uncontrolled frailty had greater odds of major complications (OR 4.24, P =0.03) and wound complications (OR 9.47, P =0.046) compared with nonfrail patients. Controlled frailty was not associated with increased risk of perioperative complications ( P >0.05 for all).

Conclusions: Although patients with uncontrolled frailty had higher risk of perioperative complications compared with nonfrail patients, patients with controlled frailty did not, suggesting the importance of controlling modifiable risk factors before surgery.

Level of evidence: 3.