Use of biphasic calcium phosphate versus demineralized bone matrix: retrospective clinical and CT analysis of posterolateral fusion results.

PURPOSE: Bone graft extenders have been developed to prevent donor site morbidity associated with iliac crest bone graft, but few studies compared the efficacy of various substitutes. Our purpose was to determine fusion rate and clinical outcome in patients undergoing lumbar arthrodesis using demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). METHODS: Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis undergoing one-level or two-level arthrodesis of lumbar spine were retrospectively reviewed. Two treatment groups placed either BCP or DBM, in addition to local autograft in lumbar posterolateral space. Three-dimensional CT exam and dynamic flexion-extension radiographs at postoperative 2-year were assessed for posterolateral fusion status and pain scale and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for clinical outcome. RESULTS: Of the 148 patients reviewed (including 23 in one- and 58 patients in two-level in BCP group, and 47 in one- and 20 patients in two-level in DBM group), no significant differences were found in terms of age, sex, BMI, smoking, diabetes, steroids, number of level fused, non-union rate or revision surgery between BCP and DBM groups. Significantly improved pain scale of back and leg and ODI were found in both groups postoperatively without group difference. We found a comparable fusion rate in one-level surgery (100% versus 93.6%) and a superior fusion rate of BCP group in two-level surgery (98.3% versus 80.0%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Being a bone graft extender without osteoinductive property, with local autograft, BCP is comparable to DBM for one- and superior for two-level fusion. No significant difference was found in clinical outcomes.

Early Gender Differences in Pain and Functional Recovery Following Thoracolumbar Spinal Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: To analyze gender differences regarding the recovery experience (pain, function, complications) after spinal arthrodesis surgery. METHODS: Pre-operative and post-operative gender-based differences in patient-reported outcomes for open posterior spinal arthrodesis at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were studied, including age, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, number of vertebrae fused, type of surgery, primary vs. revision surgery, and complications. Statistical analysis included the use of Student's t-test, Chi square, linear regression, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho. RESULTS: Primary or revision posterior arthrodesis was performed on 1931 consecutive adults (1219 females, 712 males) for deformity and degenerative pathologies. At surgery, females were older than males (61.7 years vs. 59.7 years, p < 0.01), had slightly more comorbidities (1.75 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01), and were more likely to undergo deformity correction (38% vs. 22%, p < 0.01). Females described more pre-op pain (female VAS = 6.54 vs. male VAS = 6.41, p < 0.01) and lower pre-op function (female ODI = 49.73 vs. male ODI = 46.52, p < 0.01). By 3 months post-op, there was no significant gender difference in VAS or ODI scores. Similar pain and function scores between males and females continued through 6 months and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Although females have more pain and dysfunction before undergoing spinal surgery, the differences in these values do not reach the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID). Post-operatively, there is no difference in pain and function scores among males and females at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Comparison between 1 g and 2 g of Intrawound Vancomycin Powder Application for Prophylaxis in Posterior Instrumented Thoracic or Lumbosacral Spine Surgery: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) after instrumented spinal surgery is one of the most serious complications in spite of the routine use of prophylactic intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Many studies have suggested that intrawound vancomycin powder, applied during the intraoperative period, may decrease the incidence of SSI after surgery. However, the appropriate dose of vancomycin has not yet been reported. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare between the use of 1 g and 2 g intrawound vancomycin powder and to find out which of these two groups can reduce the rate of deep wound infection in posterior instrumented thoracic or lumbosacral spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preliminary study was conducted from July 2013 to July 2015 at Lerdsin Hospital. A total of 400 patients were enrolled in the study, and their individual demographics were recorded. All patients underwent posterior instrumented thoracic or lumbosacral spine surgery. Of these, 131 patients received IV cefazolin and 2 g of vancomycin powder intrawound application, 134 patients received 1 g of intrawound vancomycin powder in addition to IV cefazolin, and 135 patients were given only IV cefazolin and were assigned as the control group. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one patients were treated with posterior instrumented thoracic or lumbosacral fusions using IV cefazolin and adjuvant 2 g of intrawound vancomycin powder. Five patients in this group developed deep infections (3.8%). One hundred and thirty-four patients were treated with posterior instrumented thoracic or lumbosacral fusions using IV cefazolin and adjuvant 1 g of intrawound vancomycin powder. Of these, four patients developed deep infections (2.98%). One hundred and thirty-five patients in the control group were treated with posterior instrumented thoracic or lumbosacral using only IV cefazolin as prophylaxis. Of these, four patients developed deep infections (2.96%). Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the most common isolated organism. There were no adverse clinical outcomes or wound complications due to local application of vancomycin powder. CONCLUSION: The preliminary result could not state the relation of intrawound vancomycin powder to the deep infection; further study with adequate sample size is required.

L4 erector spinal plane block after lumbar spine arthrodesi: A case-series. / Bloqueo del plano del erector espinal en L4 en cirugía de artrodesis lumbar: serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic erector spinae plane block is now performed in many different surgical procedures, including lumbar spinal fusion. We evaluated the analgesic effect of lumbar ESP performed at L4 after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS AND CASE SERIES: Eight patients scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion were included in the case series. Erector spinae plane block was performed at L4 preoperatively, administering 20ml of 0.2% ropivacaine on each side. We recorded patient-reported pain intensity during the first 48 postoperative hours using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and rescue analgesia requirements. Pain at rest was controlled in all patients (VAS 0 to 3), although pain on movement ranged from mild to severe (VAS 0 to 8). Rescue analgesia consumption ranged from 1 to 22mg morphine. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar ESP appears to contribute to pain control during the first 48hours after lumbar spinal fusion.

Lumbar spinal stenosis: comparison of surgical practice variation and clinical outcome in three national spine registries.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common spinal procedure in the elderly. To avoid persisting low back pain, adding arthrodesis has been recommended, especially if there is a coexisting degenerative spondylolisthesis. However, this strategy remains controversial, resulting in practice-based variation. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate in a pragmatic study if surgical selection criteria and variation in use of arthrodesis in three Scandinavian countries can be linked to variation in treatment effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational study based on a combined cohort from the national spine registries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients aged 50 and older operated during 2011-2013 for LSS were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs): Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (primary outcome), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for leg pain and back pain, and health-related quality of life (Euro-Qol-5D) were reported. Analysis included case-mix adjustment. In addition, we report differences in hospital stay. METHODS: Analyses of baseline data were done by analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, or logistic regression tests. The comparisons of the mean changes of PROMs at 1-year follow-up between the countries were done by ANOVA (crude) and analysis of covariance (case-mix adjustment). RESULTS: Out of 14,223 included patients, 10,890 (77%) responded at 1-year follow-up. Apart from fewer smokers in Sweden and higher comorbidity rate in Norway, baseline characteristics were similar. The rate of additional fusion surgery (patients without or with spondylolisthesis) was 11% (4%, 47%) in Norway, 21% (9%, 56%) in Sweden, and 28% (15%, 88%) in Denmark. At 1-year follow-up, the mean improvement for ODI (95% confidence interval) was 18 (17-18) in Norway, 17 (17-18) in Sweden, and 18 (17-19) in Denmark. Patients operated with arthrodesis had prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Real-life data from three national spine registers showed similar indications for decompression surgery but significant differences in the use of concomitant arthrodesis in Scandinavia. Additional arthrodesis was not associated with better treatment effectiveness.

Surgical Infection after Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Arthrodesis: CT Analysis of Spinal Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of infection after instrumented lumbar spine surgery, the demographic and surgical variables associated with acute infection, and the influence of infection and debridement on the consolidation of spinal fusion. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the hospital ethics committee, an observational study was made on a prospective cohort of consecutive patients surgically treated by posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis (n = 139, 2005-2011). In all cases, the minimum follow-up period was 18 months. The following bivariate analysis was conducted of demographic and surgical variables: non-infection group (n = 123); infection group (n = 16). Fusion rates were determined by multislice CT. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Incidence of deep infection requiring debridement: 11.51% (95% confidence interval, 5.85-17.18]). Bivariate analysis: differences were observed in hospital stay (7.0 days [range, 4-10] vs 14.50 days [range, 5.25-33.75]; P = 0.013), surgical time (3.15 h vs 4.09 h; P = 0.004), body mass index (25.11 kg/m2 [22.58-27.0] vs 26.02 kg/m2 [24.15 to 29.38]; P = 0.043), Charlson comorbidity index (median, 0 vs 1; P = 0.027), and rate of unsuccessful consolidation according to CT (18.4% vs 72.7%; P = 0.0001). In a model of multivariate logistic regression, taking as the dependent variable unsuccessful arthrodesis after 1 year, and adjusting for the other independent variables (infection, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and surgical time), the only variable that was significantly associated with an outcome of unsuccessful spinal fusion after 1 year was infection, with OR = 12.44 (95% confidence interval, 2.50-61.76). CONCLUSION: Deep infection after instrumented lumbar spine arthrodesis is a common complication that compromises the radiographic outcome of surgery. Patients who develop a postoperative infection and require debridement surgery are 12 times less likely to achieve satisfactory radiological fusion.

Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Meta-analysis of the Fusion Rates. What is the Optimal Graft Material?

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is an increasingly popular procedure with several potential advantages over traditional open TLIF. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to compare fusion rates of different graft materials used in MIS-TLIF, via meta-analysis of the published literature. METHODS: A Medline search was performed and a database was created including patient's type of graft, clinical outcome, fusion rate, fusion assessment modality, and duration of follow-up. Meta-analysis of the fusion rate was performed using StatsDirect software (StatsDirect Ltd, Cheshire, United Kingdom). RESULTS: A total of 1533 patients from 40 series were included. Fusion rates were high, ranging from 91.8% to 99%. The imaging modalities used to assess fusion were computed tomography scans (30%) and X-rays (70%). Comparison of all recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) series with all non-rhBMP series showed fusion rates of 96.6% and 92.5%, respectively. The lowest fusion rate was seen with isolated use of autologous local bone (91.8%). The highest fusion rate was observed with combination of autologous local bone with bone extender and rhBMP (99.1%). The highest fusion rate without the use of BMP was seen with autologous local bone + bone extender (93.1%). The reported complication rate ranged from 0% to 35.71%. Clinical improvement was observed in all studies. CONCLUSION: Fusion rates are generally high with MIS-TLIF regardless of the graft material used. Given the potential complications of iliac bone harvesting and rhBMP, use of other bone graft options for MIS-TLIF is reasonable. The highest fusion rate without the use of rhBMP was seen with autologous local bone plus bone extender (93.1%).

C1-C2 stabilization by Harms arthrodesis: indications, technique, complications and outcomes in a prospective 26-case series.

INTRODUCTION: C1-C2 arthrodesis is a surgical challenge due to the proximity of neurovascular structures (vertebral arteries and spinal cord) and the wide range of motion of the joint, hampering bone fusion. A variety of techniques have been successively recommended to reduce anatomic risk and improve results in terms of biomechanical stability and fusion rates. Recently, Harms described a new technique using polyaxial screws in the C1 lateral masses and C2 pedicles. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study reports our experience in a consecutive series of 26 patients operated on by C1-C2 arthrodesis using the Goel and Harms technique, and details technical aspects step by step. Routine systematic immediate postoperative CT and 6-month CT controlled screw positioning and assessed fusion. Follow-up was at least 1 year, except in 2 cases (10 months). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 57 years were included. Indications comprised: C2 non-union (n=11), C1-C2 fracture and/or dislocation (n=11), inflammatory pathology (n=2) and tumoral pathology (n=2). The results showed the technique to be reliable (no neurovascular complications and 85% of screws with perfect positioning) and an excellent rate of fusion (100% at 6 months). CONCLUSION: Anatomic and biomechanical considerations, combined with the present clinical and radiological outcomes, indicate that Goel and Harms fusion is to be considered the first-line attitude of choice for posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV prospective study.

Primary elective spine arthrodesis: Audit of institutional cross matched to transfused (C/T) ratio to develop blood product ordering guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no uniform guidelines regarding the appropriate amount of blood products ordered prior to spine surgery. Here, we audited our own institution's practices along with preoperative variables that contributed to perioperative transfusion requirements for elective spinal arthrodesis. METHODS: This study utilized a single institution retrospective chart review of patients undergoing elective spinal fusion over a 2 year period. The cross matched to transfused (C/T) ratio was utilized to compare different patient groups. Sub-group multivariate analysis enabled us to identify possible predictors of transfusion for this patient population. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Of the 292 units of packed red blood cells ordered preoperatively, only 66 were transfused (C/T ratio 4.4:1). Those undergoing arthrodesis for degenerative disease (6.9:1) or cervical spine arthrodesis (23:1) had the highest C/T ratios. Univariate analysis revealed several factors contributing to a relatively high probability of perioperative transfusions, while multivariate analysis showed that the indication for surgery was the only factor independently associated with the requirement for transfusion. CONCLUSION: We found an unacceptably high C/T ratio at our institution. Based on the results of our univariate analysis, we recommend that two units packed cells to be arranged for patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels <9 g/dl, trauma, and Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) cases, or where more than two levels were being decompressed and/or arthrodesed. For the remainder of the cases, a group and hold policy should be sufficient.

Giant cell tumor of the cervical spine: review and case report / Tumor de células gigantes da coluna cervical: revisão e relato de caso

The giant cell tumor of bone is a primary neoplasm, which can be locally aggressive, benign or low grade malignant tumors, that is uncommon in the vertebrae above the sacrum and even more rare in the cervical spine. Tumor radical excision, ?en bloc? is considered the ideal treatment, however frequently not doable, mainly in the cervical spine due to critical neurovascular structures involvement. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be used in cases of subtotal resection or tumor relapse, lowering recurrence rates of the tumor. Case report: female patient, 25 years-old, presenting with cervical pain e sensitivity disturbance in her left arm, with diagnosis of bone neoplasm in C3-C5. She underwent subtotal resection of the lesion, confirming the diagnostic of giant cell tumor of bone, cervical spine arthrodesis and adjuvant radiotherapy. On 30-month follow-up, she was out of pain complains with total recovery of the left arm sensibility.

O tumor de células gigantes da coluna é uma neoplasia primária que pode ser localmente agressiva, benigna ou com baixo grau de malignidade, sendo incomum em vértebras acima do sacro e ainda mais raro na coluna cervical. A excisão radical do tumor, ?em bloco?, é considerada o tratamento ideal, entretanto não é sempre factível, principalmente na coluna cervical pelo envolvimento de estruturas neurovasculares críticas. Radioterapia adjuvante pode ser usada em casos de ressecção subtotal ou recidiva tumoral, com redução da recorrência da neoplasia. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo feminino, de 25 anos, com quadro de cervicalgia e disestesia em membro superior esquerdo, com diagnóstico de processo expansivo afetando os corpos vertebrais de C3-C5. Foi submetida à exérese subtotal da lesão, com diagnóstico de tumor de células gigantes, artrodese de coluna cervical e radioterapia adjuvante. Sem recidivas no seguimento em 30 meses.

Opção minimamente invasiva lateral para artrodese intersomática tóraco-lombar / Minimally invasive lateral option for thoracic-lumbar intersomatic arthrodesis / Opción mínimamente invasiva lateral para artrodesis intersomática toracolumbar

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar resultados clínicos e radiográficos do acesso lateral transpoas na experiência brasileira em condições degenerativas do disco intervertebral. MÉTODOS: 46 pacientes foram submetidos à fusão intersomática lombar por via lateral. Dentre os casos, 18 eram do sexo masculino e 28 do sexo feminino, com idade média de 57,3 (84-32 anos) e média de IMC de 25,9 ± 3,1. Todos os pacientes completaram um ano de acompanhamento. Foram coletados exames radiológicos, como raio X e tomografia computadorizada, exame neurológico e resultados clínicos usando os questionários ODI e VAS (costas e membros inferiores). RESULTADOS: Os procedimentos foram realizados, sem ocorrência de complicações intra-operatórias importantes, em uma média de 103,9 ± 105,5 minutos e com menos de 50cc de perda sanguínea. Em oito dos 46 procedimentos (17,4 por cento) foi utilizada suplementação por parafusos pediculares percutâneos por apresentarem instabilidade segmentar. Foram tratados 80 níveis (de um a cinco níveis) tóraco-lombares (de T12-L1 a L4-L5). Os resultados clínicos avaliados pelos questionários revelaram melhora significante de dor logo após uma semana da cirurgia e da função física após seis semanas. A lordose lombar foi de 36,5 ± 14,7 no pré-operatório para 43,4 ± 12,4 no seguimento de 12 meses. Todos os pacientes apresentaram formação óssea após 12 meses da cirurgia. Sete casos foram revisados (15,2 por cento), ainda de forma minimamente invasiva devido à estenose persistente (três casos; 6,5 por cento), afundamento do espaçador (três casos; 6,5 por cento) ou mal-alinhamento de barra da suplementação (um caso; 2,8 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Com melhora de parâmetros clínicos e radiológicos, a técnica se mostrou segura e eficaz no tratamento de condições degenerativas da coluna lombar.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to show clinical and radiological results of lateral transpsoas approach for degenerative conditions of intervertebral disc in Brazilian practice. METHODS: 46 patients have undergone lateral lumbar intersomatic fusion. Eighteen patients were male and 28 female. The mean age was 57.3 years (32 to 84 years), and mean BMI was 25.9 ± 3.1. All patients were followed up during one year. Radiology tests, such as X-ray and CT, and neurological tests were performed. The clinical results were obtained using ODI and VAS (back and leg) questionnaires. RESULTS: The procedures were performed during an average time of 103.9 ± 105.5 minutes, and less than 50 mL of blood loss occurred. Also, no significant intraoperative complication occurred. Supplementation with percutaneous pedicle screws due to segmental instability was used in eight of the 46 procedures (17.4 percent). Eighty thoracic-lumbar (from T12-L1 to L4-L5) levels (from one to five) were treated. According to the questionnaires, the clinical results showed significant pain and physical function improvement after one week and six weeks of surgery, respectively. The lumbar lordosis changed from 36.5 ± 14.7 before surgery to 43.4 ± 12.4 during one year follow-up. All patients showed bone formation 12 months after surgery. Seven cases were revised (15.2 percent), using minimally invasive approach due to persistent stenosis (three cases, 6.5 percent), depressed spacer (three cases, 6.5 percent), and malalignment of supplemental rod (one case, 2.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS: This technique showed to be a safe and efficacious treatment for degenerative diseases of lumbar spine as demonstrated by the improvement of clinical and radiological parameters.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar resultados clínicos y radiográficos del acceso lateral transpolar, en la experiencia brasileña, en condiciones degenerativas del disco intervertebral. MÉTODOS: 46 pacientes fueron sometidos a fusión intersomática lumbar por vía lateral. Dentro de los casos, 18 eran del sexo masculino y 28 del sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 57,3 años (84-32) y promedio de IMC de 25,9 ± 3,1. Todos los pacientes completaron un año de acompañamiento. Fueron realizados exámenes radiológicos, como rayos X y tomografía computadorizada, examen neurológico y se obtuvieron resultados clínicos usando los cuestionarios ODI y VAS (espaldas y miembros inferiores). RESULTADOS: Los procedimientos fueron realizados, sin ocurrencia de importantes complicaciones intraoperatorias, en un promedio de 103,9 ± 105,5 minutos y con menos de 50 cc de pérdida sanguínea. En ocho de los 46 procedimientos (17,4 por ciento) se utilizó suplementación mediante tornillos pediculares percutáneos porque se presentaba instabilidad de segmento. Se trataron 80 niveles (de uno a cinco niveles) toracolumbares (de T12-L1 a L4-L5). Los resultados clínicos, a los que se tuvo acceso por los cuestionarios, revelaron mejoría significativa del dolor, luego después de una semana de la cirugía y mejor función física después de 12 meses. La lordosis lumbar fue 36,5 ± 14,7 en el preoperatorio yendo para 43,4 ± 12,4 durante el seguimiento de 12 meses. Todos los pacientes presentaron formación ósea después de 12 meses de la cirugía. Siete casos tuvieron nueva intervención (15,2 por ciento), aunque de manera mínimamente invasiva, debido a la estenosis persistente (tres casos; 6,5 por ciento), hundimiento del espaciador (tres casos; 6,5 por ciento) o mala alineación de la barra de suplementación (un caso; 2,8 por ciento). CONCLUSIONES: con mejora de parámetros clínicos y radiológicos, la técnica se mostró segura y eficaz en el tratamiento de condiciones degenerativas de la columna lumbar.