An updated classification of the anatomical variations of the internal iliac venous drainage system: Surgical implications for anterior lumbar spinal approaches.

BACKGROUND: Advanced pelvic surgery is associated with potential vascular risks. The aim of this study was to complete the existing classification of the anatomical variations of the internal iliac veins encountered on a series of preoperative angio CT with a view to performing anterior lumbar spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this monocentric retrospective study conducted between 2010 and 2020, all preoperative angio CT performed before an anterior lumbar surgery were systematically analyzed. All the abnormalities of the iliac veins were referenced in an updated classification system. RESULTS: 910 patients (431 men and 479 women) with a mean age of 49 years [16-88] were included. Apart from the most common variant in the population (type I), 64 anatomical variations (7.0%) in the iliac veins were reported and classified according to our new classification. The percentage of coverage of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc is 52%, including 32% by the inferior vena cava before the confluence of the common iliac veins. At the level of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc, the coverage is 30% (same distribution between left and right). CONCLUSIONS: Variations of the iliac veins are frequent, and contrary to what one might think, and even if they can represent an anatomical trap during surgery, certain variations do not limit anterior lumbar spine surgery and are not more associated with vascular complications. Nevertheless, these anatomical variations must be known before any advanced pelvic surgery. Depending on their distribution, level L5-S1 is more suitable for ALIF, level L4-L5 for OLIF approaches.

The proximal femur fracture epidemic continued during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the volume and characteristics of emergency trauma surgery procedures done at our hospital between March 20 and April 20, 2020 (the first month of the national lockdown in France) and to compare these data to the same period in 2019. We hypothesized that a portion of fractures are unavoidable, thus specific preventative measures will be needed to reduce their incidence. METHODS: This was a continuous, observational and single center study. All patients who required urgent surgery for a fracture between March 20 and April 20, 2020, were included. Data for the same period in 2019 was retrieved. All the procedures were done at our hospital, which is a regional level II trauma center. RESULTS: During the first month of the lockdown, 70 patients underwent emergency surgery because of a fracture, versus 109 patients in the same period in 2019, thus an overall 36% drop. The mean age of the patients was higher in 2020 (68.4 years SD=22) than in 2019 (60.3 years SD=24, p=0.0210). There were fewer recreational and motor vehicle accidents in 2020 (34 vs. 10) and fewer work-related accidents (7 vs. 2) although the number of accidents at home were similar (65 vs. 55). CONCLUSION: During a public health emergency, it is vital to continue doing trauma surgery procedures, even though it requires a specific care pathway. The lockdown and associated behavioral changes have altered the spectrum of trauma surgery. A major decrease in motor vehicle, recreation and work-related accidents is the avoidable portion of this surgical activity, justifying specific preventative measures during a public health crisis. Conversely, the incidence of geriatric fractures - particularly of the proximal femur - did not change much overall, thus there is need for additional preventative measures in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, observational study.

Minimally invasive triangular lumboiliac and iliosacral fixation of posterior pelvic ring injuries with vertical instability: Technical note.

To date, no strong consensus exists on the best way to treat posterior pelvic ring injuries when there is no neurological deficit. Various fixation methods have been described; more recently, constructs that combine lumboiliac and iliosacral fixation have been introduced. This type of fixation is mainly indicated in cases of spinopelvic dissociation with large displacement of fracture fragments in the sagittal plane. However, these techniques are associated with postoperative complications, particularly infections and severe skin complications. This led us to propose a minimally invasive lumboiliac and iliosacral fixation technique for posterior pelvic ring injuries. The procedure is done with the patient prone. It consists of pedicle screw insertion into L4 or L5 and screw fixation of the ilium with fluoroscopy guidance; intraoperative distraction can be done depending on the amount of displacement. An iliosacral screw is then inserted percutaneously to allow reduction in the transverse plane and yield a triangular construct. In the five patients that we have operated using this technique, the mean preoperative vertical displacement was 11.9±6.9mm (SD) (min 1.3, max 19.7) versus 3.7±3.2mm (min 0.3, max 6.7) postoperatively and the mean preoperative frontal displacement was 7.5±3.7mm (min 4.2, max 12.4) versus 2.5±2.0mm (min 0.3, max 4.3) postoperatively. Minimally invasive iliosacral and lumboiliac fixation is an option for treating posterior pelvic ring fractures free of neurological deficit and especially spinopelvic dissociation.

Sagittal reduction of spinal deformity: Superior versus lateral screw-rod connection.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal malalignment can greatly impact a patient's quality of life. Various sagittal parameters are used as realignment goals; however, about 50% of patients end up being under-corrected postoperatively. To improve the correction, prebent rods are available with a radius of curvature corresponding to the patient's "ideal" sagittal alignment. But no studies have been done on how the radius of curvature changes according to the type of connection between the pedicle screws and rods. The goal of this experimental study was to quantify how much prebent rods flatten based on the method used to connect the screw and rod: top-loading screw vs. dome screw with lateral connector. METHODS: The experiment was done on a material testing system in axial compression on three constructs consisting of two rods secured with top-loading screws and three other constructs consisting of two rods secured with dome screws and lateral connector. The maximum angle of the construct was measured during loading and after removing the load. The primary outcome measure was the mean angle in each construct at each step. RESULTS: The mean angle of the constructs with top-loading screws when subjected to 500 N load was significantly less than in the constructs with dome screws and lateral connector: 18.6° vs. 24.5° respectively (p<0.0003). The mean angle of the constructs with top-loading screws after removing the load was significantly less than in the constructs with dome screws and lateral connector: 25.7° vs. 32.3° respectively, (p<0.0005). CONCLUSION: In vitro, top-loading screws produced significantly greater flattening than dome screws with lateral connector. These findings must be confirmed in vivo. Understanding the behavior of rods as a function of the type of screw connection can be an important factor to minimize the risk of under-correction in the sagittal plane. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Osteoporosis is a public health problem that is contributing to an increasing number of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The aim of this lecture is to summarize the current state of knowledge about osteoporotic fractures by answering five questions. 1/How does the spine typically age and how is osteoporosis diagnosed? Various normal aging processes will gradually modify the vertebral column (static, dynamic, bone quality). Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a DEXA scan. 2/How is an osteoporotic fracture evaluated clinically and radiologically? Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred modality for making the diagnosis and selecting the most appropriate treatment. 3/What are the treatment options for an osteoporotic fracture? The options are conservative treatment, conventional surgery, and minimally invasive techniques (cementoplasty, percutaneous instrumentation). 4/Which fractures should be treated, and which technique should be used? The choice is clear when neurological deficits are present, although the indications are less firm when there is no deficit. The treatment can be conservative (back brace) if the fracture is non-displaced and minimally painful, vertebroplasty if the fracture is painful and shows hyperintensity on T2-STIR sequences, vertebral expansion if the radiological deformity worsens along with symptoms. 5/What are the technical challenges and complications related to the presence of osteoporosis when treating vertebral fractures surgically? The reduced bone stock increases the risk of poor implant hold and postoperative mechanical complications (adjacent fracture, junctional kyphosis). Technical solutions have been developed (augmented screw fixation, transitional zone) to limit their impact. It is essential to know and master these techniques, and their indications. Treatment of the osteoporosis itself is crucial. Level of evidence V; Expert opinion.

Sacral hiatus corticosteroid injection in the management of radicular pain in adults.

Radicular pain is a common reason for patients to consult at back pain clinics. While epidural steroid injections are widely done, some aspects are still controversial. The epidural space can be accessed via a transforaminal approach, an interlaminar route or by passing through the sacral hiatus. The aim of this article is to describe the epidural injection technique through the sacral hiatus that our team uses and to report our experience with it. Beyond the treatment effect, sacral hiatus corticosteroid injection can be useful as a diagnostic test or as an interim solution. Image-guided injection is recommended to ensure optimal positioning of the needle below S3. Sacral hiatus corticosteroid injection is a relevant alternative for treating lumbar radiculopathy in adults.

French Spine Surgery Society guidelines for management of spinal surgeries during COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 in China, various measures have been adopted in order to attenuate the impact of the virus on the population. With regard to spine surgery, French physicians are devoted to take place in the national plan against COVID-19, the French Spine Surgery Society therefore decided to elaborate specific guidelines for management of spinal disorders during COVID-19 pandemic in order to prioritize management of patients. A three levels stratification was elaborated with Level I: Urgent surgical indications, Level II: Surgical indications associated to a potential loss of chance for the patient and Level III: Non-urgent surgical indications. We also report French experience in a COVID-19 cluster region illustrated by two clinical cases. We hope that the guidelines formulated by the French Spine Surgery Society and the experience of spine surgeons from a cluster region will be helpful in order optimizing the management of patients with urgent spinal conditions during the pandemic.

"Patient-specific" rods in the management of adult spinal deformity. One-year radiographic results of a prospective study about 86 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Based on global knowledge regarding sagittal alignment, preoperative planning is a crucial point in the management of adult spinal deformity (ASD). Patient-specific rods (PSR) have been recently developed in order to change preoperative planning into a postoperative reality. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the 1-year radiographic results of prospective ASD cohorts managed using PSR. METHODS: In this prospective study, all patients managed for an ASD using PSR since 2014 and with a minimal follow-up of 1-year were included. Radiographic parameters were evaluated pre and postoperatively and patients were stratified according to their final sagittal alignment status (A: aligned vs. MA: malaligned) according to the age-related Schwab classification. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's-t-test in order to compare groups. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 57.2 years. At one-year follow-up, mean sagittal vertical axis and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch were significantly improved. Twenty-two patients were aligned on both sagittal and coronal planes, 52 patients were still considered as malaligned in the sagittal plane, 3 were still malaligned in the coronal plane and 9 patients were malaligned in both planes (vs. 42 patients preoperatively). At final follow-up, the rate of mechanical complications was 18%. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, patient-specific rods can represent a useful supplementary tool in the management of ASD and transform preoperative planning into a postoperative reality. Corrections rates are comparable to other series in the literature with conventional rods, and fewer complications have been reported. However, further studies will be required in order to confirm these results.

Computation of Intersegmental Moments during Standing Posture: Can We Neglect the Horizontal Ground Reaction Force? Results from an Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: The development of postural analysis thanks to force and pressure platforms, in order to determine the center of pressure, can be valuable in the setting of spinal malalignment. The purpose of this study was to compare "pressure" and "force" platforms for the evaluation of the center of pressure. In other words, can we neglect the horizontal ground reaction force in the evaluation of intersegmental moments during standing posture? Methods. Postural data from two healthy adult volunteers were analyzed. Analysis of the posture was done according to a protocol providing sagittal intersegmental moments. A set of 36 markers was used to divide the body in 10 segments. Postacquisition calculations were done in order to obtain the sagittal net intersegmental moments. To evaluate the differences in intersegmental moments between force and pressure platforms, the postacquisition calculations were done with a simulated pressure platform. Mean intersegmental moments between each body segment for each volunteer were compared. FINDINGS: There were significant differences between the 2 platforms in intersegmental moments for the lumbo-sacral junction, hips, knees, and ankles (p < 0.005). All differences were inferior to intrasubject variability measured with the force platform (p < 0.001). Results from intra- and interobserver comparisons showed that differences measured with the pressure platform were all inferior to the standard error obtained with the force platform for every intersegmental moment (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: The use of a simulated pressure platform to determine intersegmental moments has the same clinical efficiency as force platforms. Moreover, the possibility to set the platform into the radiograph room will allow in a second time a correlation between radiographic parameters and biomechanical constraints applied to the spine.

Surgeon's and patient's radiation exposure during percutaneous thoraco-lumbar pedicle screw fixation: A prospective multicenter study of 100 cases.

HYPOTHESIS: Percutaneous pedicle screw fixations (PPSF) are increasingly used in spine surgery, minimizing morbidity through less muscle breakdown but at the cost of intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance that generates high radiation exposure. Few studies have been conducted to measure them accurately. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objective of our study is to quantify, during a PPSF carried out in different experimented centers respecting current radiation protection recommendations, this irradiation at the level of the surgeon and the patient. We have prospectively included 100 FPVP procedures for which we have collected radiation doses from the main operator. For each procedure, the doses of whole-body radiation, lens and extremities were measured. RESULTS: Our results show a mean whole body, extremity and lens exposure dose per procedure reaching 1.7±2.8µSv, 204.7±260.9µSv and 30.5±25.9µSv, respectively. According to these values, the exposure of the surgeon's extremities and lens will exceed the annual limit allowed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) after 2440 and 4840 procedures respectively. CONCLUSION: Recent European guidelines will reduce the maximum annual exposure dose from 150 to 20mSv. The number of surgical procedures to not reach the eye threshold, according to our results, should not exceed 645 procedures per year. Pending the democratization of neuronavigation systems, the use of conventional fluoroscopy exposes the eyes in the first place. Therefore they must be protected by leaded glasses. LEVEL OF PROOF: IV, case series.

Postural spinal balance defined by net intersegmental moments: Results of a biomechanical approach and experimental errors measurement.

AIM: To describe initial results and experimental error measurement of a protocol analyzing Human posture through sagittal intersegmental moments. METHODS: Postural analysis has been recently improved by development of three-dimensional radiographic imaging systems. However, in various situations such as global sagittal anterior malalignment interpretation of radiographs may not represent the real alignment of the subject. The aim of this study was to present initial results of a 3D biomechanical protocol. This protocol is obtained in a free standing position and characterizes postural balance by measurement of sagittal intersegmental net moments. After elaboration of a specific marker-set, 4 successive recordings were done on two volunteers by three different operators during three sessions in order to evaluate the experimental error measurement. A supplementary acquisition in a "radiographic" posture was also obtained. Once the data acquired, joint center, length, anatomical frame and the center of mass of each body segment was calculated and a mass affected. Sagittal net intersegmental moments were computed in an ascending manner from ground reaction forces at the ankles, knees, hips and the lumbo-sacral and thoraco-lumbar spinal junctions. Cervico-thoracic net intersegmental moment was calculated in a descending manner. RESULTS: Based on average recordings, clinical interpretation of net intersegmental moments (in N.m) showed a dorsal flexion on the ankles (8.6 N.m), a flexion on the knees (7.5 N.m) and an extension on the hips (8.5 N.m). On the spinal junctions, it was flexion moments: 0.34 N.m on the cervico-thoracic; 6.7 N.m on the thoraco-lumbar and 0.65 N.m on the lumbo-sacral. Evaluation of experimental error measurement showed a small inter-trial error (intrinsic variability), with higher inter-session and inter-therapist errors but without important variation between them. For one volunteer the "radiographic" posture was associated to significant changes compared to the free standing position. CONCLUSION: These initial results confirm the technical feasibility of the protocol. The low intrinsic error and the small differences between inter-session and inter-therapist errors seem to traduce postural variability over time, more than a failure of the protocol. Characterization of sagittal intersegmental net moments can have clinical applications such as evaluation of an unfused segment after a spinal arthrodesis.

The comprehensive anatomical spinal osteotomy classification.

BACKGROUND: Global sagittal malalignment is significantly correlated with health-related quality-of-life scores in the setting of spinal deformity. In order to address rigid deformity patterns, the use of spinal osteotomies has seen a substantial increase. Unfortunately, variations of established techniques and hybrid combinations of osteotomies have made comparisons of outcomes difficult. OBJECTIVE: To propose a classification system of anatomically-based spinal osteotomies and provide a common language among spine specialists. METHODS: The proposed classification system is based on 6 anatomic grades of resection (1 through 6) corresponding to the extent of bone resection and increasing degree of destabilizing potential. In addition, a surgical approach modifier is added (posterior approach or combined anterior and posterior approaches). Reliability of the classification system was evaluated by an analysis of 16 clinical cases, rated 2 times by 8 different readers, and calculation of Fleiss kappa coefficients. RESULTS: Intraobserver reliability was classified as 'almost perfect'; Fleiss kappa coefficient averaged 0.96 (range, 0.92-1.0) for resection type and 0.90 (0.71-1.0) for the approach modifier. Results from the interobserver reliability for the classification were 0.96 for resection type and 0.88 for the approach modifier. CONCLUSION: This proposed anatomically based classification system provides a consistent description of the various osteotomies performed in spinal deformity correction surgery. The reliability study confirmed that the classification is simple and consistent. Further development of its use will provide a common frame for osteotomy assessment and permit comparative analysis of different treatments.

[Not Available].

Chronic low back pain is extremelyfrequent and its management is still con troversial among spine physicians. For decades, intervertebral fusion has been considered as the gold- standard. However, non fusion techniques have been developed in order to avoid fusion's complications. Numerous studies have reported satisfactory results of total disc arthro- plasty in the management of lumbar degenerative disc disease. So far it is still dificult to prove the superiority of disc replacement over fusion due to a lack of high level studies. The aim of this work was to try to answers various questions related to that technique which was described twenty years ago.

The comprehensive anatomical spinal osteotomy classification.

BACKGROUND: Global sagittal malalignment is significantly correlated with health-related quality-of-life scores in the setting of spinal deformity. In order to address rigid deformity patterns, the use of spinal osteotomies has seen a substantial increase. Unfortunately, variations of established techniques and hybrid combinations of osteotomies have made comparisons of outcomes difficult. OBJECTIVE: To propose a classification system of anatomically-based spinal osteotomies and provide a common language among spine specialists. METHODS: The proposed classification system is based on 6 anatomic grades of resection (1 through 6) corresponding to the extent of bone resection and increasing degree of destabilizing potential. In addition, a surgical approach modifier is added (posterior approach or combined anterior and posterior approaches). Reliability of the classification system was evaluated by an analysis of 16 clinical cases, rated 2 times by 8 different readers, and calculation of Fleiss kappa coefficients. RESULTS: Intraobserver reliability was classified as "almost perfect"; Fleiss kappa coefficient averaged 0.96 (range, 0.92-1.0) for resection type and 0.90 (0.71-1.0) for the approach modifier. Results from the interobserver reliability for the classification were 0.96 for resection type and 0.88 for the approach modifier. CONCLUSION: This proposed anatomically based classification system provides a consistent description of the various osteotomies performed in spinal deformity correction surgery. The reliability study confirmed that the classification is simple and consistent. Further development of its use will provide a common frame for osteotomy assessment and permit comparative analysis of different treatments.

Systems for long-segment percutaneous spinal fixation: technical feasibility for various indications.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: New methods of spinal percutaneous fixation are developing very rapidly. However, few studies to date have focused on long-segment methods of instrumentation. OBJECTIVE: To report the technical feasibility of long-segment percutaneous stabilization for various indications. METHODS: The study included 24 patients with a mean age of 58 years (range 38-79). The etiologies included trauma, infection, tumors, or pathology secondary to degenerative lumbar scoliosis. The damaged vertebrae ranged from T5 to L4. All of the patients underwent posterior percutaneous long-segment fixation. When necessary, the anterior spinal column was stabilized by balloon kyphoplasty or via anterior approach. The results obtained were analyzed on the basis of clinical and radiological criteria. RESULTS: The constructs involved four levels on average per patient, located between T3 and S1. No extra-pedicular misplacements were observed. Two technical difficulties were noticed without clinical consequences. A significant improvement in the pain levels was obtained in all the patients in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Long-segment percutaneous fixation was found to be technically feasible and to considerably improve the patients' spinal deformations. When associated with balloon kyphoplasty, this intervention seems to provide less loss of correction than previous methods, and posterior fusion was therefore not required. As with all new methods, there is a learning curve, and the indications have to be strictly observed. Further studies need to be performed, however, with a longer follow-up to confirm the absence of long-term complications.