The recovery trajectory of patient-reported outcomes in elderly patients with frailty undergoing lumbar spine fusion: a propensity score-matching analysis
The objective of this study was to assess the complicated relationship between frailty, perioperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in elderly patients (≥ 75 years old) undergoing lumbar spine fusion (LSF).
Neighborhood-level measures of socioeconomic status impact healthcare utilization and surgical outcomes in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients in the Deep South
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of neighborhood-level and individual-level measures of socioeconomic status with readmission, complication rates, and postoperative length of stay of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in the Deep South.
The impact of lower thoracic versus upper lumbar upper instrumented vertebra in minimally invasive correction of adult spinal deformity
The goal of this study was to compare the impact of using a lower thoracic (LT) versus upper lumbar (UL) level as the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) on clinical and radiographic outcomes following minimally invasive surgery for adult spinal deformity.
Smartphone accelerometers as tools to study the effect of socioeconomic disparities in neurosurgical outcomes: a multi-institutional retrospective analysis
Smartphones and wearable devices can be effective tools to objectively assess patient mobility and well-being before and after spine surgery. In this retrospective observational study, the authors investigated the relationship between these longitudinal perioperative patient activity data and socioeconomic and demographic correlates, assessing whether smartphone-captured metrics may allow neurosurgeons to distinguish intergroup patterns.
Awake, endoscopic lumbar interbody spinal fusion: 10 years of experience with the first 400 cases
Awake, endoscopic spinal fusion has been utilized as an ultra-minimally invasive surgery technique to accomplish the goals of spinal fixation, fusion, and disc height restoration. While many techniques exist for this approach, this series represents a single institution's experience with a large cohort and the evolution of this method.
Patient-reported outcome trajectories the first 24 months after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a Quality Outcomes Database study
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) shows varying levels of improvement after surgical treatment. While some patients improve soon after surgery, others may take months to years to show any signs of improvement. The goal of this study was to evaluate postoperative improvement, patient-reported outcomes, and patient satisfaction up to 2 years after surgical treatment for CSM, which will help optimize the current treatment strategies and effectively manage patient expectations.
Clinical and radiographic comparison of robot-assisted single-position versus traditional dual-position lateral lumbar interbody fusion
The potential of robot-assisted (RA) single-position (SP) lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) warrants further investigation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of RA-SP-LLIF in improving both clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
Impact of pedicle screw accuracy on clinical outcomes after 1- or 2-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
When creating minimally invasive spine fusion constructs, accurate pedicle screw fixation is essential for biomechanical strength and avoiding complications arising from delicate surrounding structures. As research continues to analyze how to improve accuracy, long-term patient outcomes based on screw accuracy remain understudied. The objective of this study was to analyze long-term patient outcomes based on screw accuracy.
Editorial. The AO Spine/Praxis Spinal Cord Institute clinical practice guidelines for acute spinal cord injury: interpretation and implications for clinical practice
Response to the AO Spine/Praxis Spinal Cord Institute guidelines for the management of acute spinal cord injury
Development of a unified and comprehensive definition of successful spinal fusion: a systematic review
Spinal fusion is a commonly performed surgical procedure used to relieve pain, deformity, and instability of various spinal pathologies. Although there have been attempts to standardize spinal fusion assessment radiologically, there is currently no unified definition that also considers clinical symptomology. This review attempts to create a more holistic and standardized definition of spinal fusion.
Advances in neurosurgical education: literature review of mixed-reality simulation models and novel mixed-reality spine prototype
Mixed-reality (MR) applications provide opportunities for technical rehearsal, education, and estimation of surgical performance without the risk of patient harm. In this study, the authors provide a structured literature review on the current state of MR applications and their effects on neurosurgery training. They also introduce an MR prototype for neurosurgical spine training.
The gap between surgeon goal and achieved sagittal alignment in adult cervical spine deformity surgery
Malalignment following cervical spine deformity (CSD) surgery can negatively impact outcomes and increase complications. Despite the growing ability to plan alignment, it remains unclear whether preoperative goals are achieved with surgery. The objective of this study was to assess how good surgeons are at achieving their preoperative goal alignment following CSD surgery.
A novel posterior decompression technique (anterior sliding decompression osteotomy) for beak-type ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine
Conventional decompression surgery for beak-type ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the thoracic spine, whether approached anteriorly or posteriorly, poses several challenges, including technical complexity, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, incomplete decompression, and potential neurological deterioration. Therefore, the authors introduce a novel technique, anterior sliding decompression osteotomy (ASDO), for thoracic myelopathy caused by OPLL and evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.
Assessing the prognostic impact of body composition phenotypes on surgical outcomes and survival in patients with spinal metastasis: a deep learning approach to preoperative CT analysis
The prognostic significance of body composition phenotypes for survival in patients undergoing surgical intervention for spinal metastases has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of body composition phenotypes on surgical outcomes and 5-year survival.
Impact of contrast administration and CT reconstruction plane on Hounsfield units for assessing underlying bone quality in the lumbar spine
Hounsfield units (HUs) may better predict biomechanical complications of instrumented fusion than conventional bone quality measures. Typically, noncontrast axial slices are used. This study aims to address the influence of reconstruction plane and contrast administration on measured HUs in patients undergoing lumbar spine imaging.
Presentation, management, and outcome of traumatic spine injuries in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Traumatic spinal injury (TSI) involves diverse etiologies, posing different risks among patient populations worldwide. Discrepancies in TSI treatment and outcomes between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries highlight the critical necessity for tailored management approaches for this global challenge. This study delves into the presentation, management, and outcomes of TSI in Africa.
Return to play in professional football players following traumatic cervical spine injury: expert opinions from the National Football League spine surgeons
There is a paucity of high-quality return-to-play (RTP) data following treatment of cervical spine injuries in contact sports. In this study, the authors gathered insights from National Football League (NFL) team spine surgeon consultants to highlight current practices in treating cervical spine injuries and report decision-making regarding RTP in professional American football players.
A propensity score-matched comparison between single-stage and multistage anterior/posterior lumbar fusion surgery: a Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative study
Patients undergoing anterior/posterior lumbar fusion surgery can undergo either a single-stage or multistage operation, depending on surgeon preference. The goal of this study was to assess different patient outcomes between single-stage and multistage lumbar fusion procedures in a multicenter setting.
Maintaining stability at the lumbosacral-pelvic region in adult spinal deformity surgery without sacroiliac joint fusion: are 4 pelvic screws superior to 2 pelvic screws?
The objective of this study was to compare a multiple pelvic screw fixation strategy (dual bilateral 4 pelvic screw fixation [4PvS]) with the use of single bilateral 2 pelvic screw fixation (2PvS), with the aim of addressing lumbosacral junction stability.
Letter to the Editor. Methodological considerations for long-term lumbar surgery outcomes in patients with depression and anxiety