Trends in degenerative lumbar spinal surgery during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Republic of Korea: A national study utilizing the national health insurance database.

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea (ROK) experienced three epidemic waves in February, August, and November 2020. These waves, combined with the overarching pandemic, significantly influenced trends in spinal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the trends in degenerative lumbar spinal surgery in ROK during the early COVID-19 pandemic, especially in relation to specific epidemic waves. Using the National Health Information Database in ROK, we identified all patients who underwent surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020. A joinpoint regression was used to assess temporal trends in spinal surgeries over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of surgeries decreased following the first and second epidemic waves (p<0.01 and p = 0.34, respectively), but these were offset by compensatory increases later on (p<0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively). However, the third epidemic wave did not lead to a decrease in surgical volume, and the total number of surgeries remained comparable to the period before the pandemic. When compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, average LOH was reduced by 1 day during the COVID-19 period (p<0.01), while mean hospital costs increased significantly from 3,511 to 4,061 USD (p<0.01). Additionally, the transfer rate and the 30-day readmission rate significantly decreased (both p<0.01), while the reoperation rate remained stable (p = 0.36). Despite the impact of epidemic waves on monthly surgery numbers, a subsequent compensatory increase was observed, indicating that surgical care has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic. This adaptability, along with the stable total number of operations, highlights the potential for healthcare systems to continue elective spine surgery during public health crises with strategic resource allocation and patient triage. Policies should ensure that surgeries for degenerative spinal diseases, particularly those not requiring urgent care but crucial for patient quality of life, are not unnecessarily halted.

The Epidemiology of Spinal Neurosurgery in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Patient-Level Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal pathologies are prevalent in Nigeria, though epidemiological data remains sparse. This systematic review used pooled patient-level data from across the country to generate a standardized epidemiological reference. METHODS: Four research databases and gray literature sources were searched. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies - of Interventions and Cochrane's risk of bias tool. We descriptively analyzed all article metrics and statistically analyzed relevant data variables via paired t-test and χ2 independence tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven articles, comprising a patient cohort of 8425 patients, were analyzed. Most were retrospective cohort studies (46.5%) and case reports/series (31.5%), with an overall moderate-high risk of bias. Most studies were published in the last 20 years. Most patients were male (∼2.5 males per female), with an average age of 43.2 years (±16.4). Clinical diagnoses spanned the breadth of spinal neurosurgery. Approximately 45.0% of patients had complete spinal impairment. Pain (41.7%) was the most reported presenting feature. X-ray (45.1%) was the most common investigation used. Intervertebral disc herniation (18.9%) was the most prevalent imaging finding on MRI. Most patients were managed nonoperatively (57.8%), with a favorable outcome in 27.4% of patients. Posttreatment complications included pressure sores, infection, and motor deficits. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and pooled analysis provide an epidemiological overview of spinal neurosurgery in Nigeria over the last 60 years and serves as a useful reference to direct future global research in this arena.

Socioeconomic differences in the utilization of diagnostic imaging and non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies for spinal diseases.

BACKGROUND: A different utilization of health care services due to socioeconomic status on the same health plan contradicts the principle of equal treatment. We investigated the presence and magnitude of socioeconomic differences in utilization of diagnostic imaging and non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies for patients with spinal diseases. METHODS: The cohort study based on routine healthcare data from Germany with 11.7 million patient-years between 2012 and 2016 for patients with physician-confirmed spinal diseases (ICD-10: M40-M54), occupation and age 20 to 64 years. A Poisson model estimated the effects of the socioeconomic status (school education, professional education and occupational position) for the risk ratio of receiving diagnostic imaging (radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies (physical therapy including exercise therapy, manual therapy and massage, spinal manipulative therapy, acupuncture). RESULTS: Patients received diagnostic imaging in 26%, physical therapy in 32%, spinal manipulative therapy in 25%, and acupuncture in 4% of all patient-years. Similar to previous survey-based studies higher rates of utilization were associated with higher socioeconomic status. These differences were most pronounced for manual therapy, exercise therapy, and magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences in health care utilization were highly related to socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic differences were higher for more expensive health services. Further research is necessary to identify barriers to equitable access to health services and to take appropriate action to decrease existing social disparities.

Association between spinal and non-spinal health conditions reported in epidemiological studies: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of coexisting health conditions poses a challenge to healthcare providers and healthcare systems. Spinal pain (eg, neck and back pain) and spinal pathologies (eg, osteoporotic fractures and degenerative spinal disease) exist concurrently with other non-spinal health conditions (NSHC). However, the scope of what associations may exist among these co-occurring conditions is unclear. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map the epidemiological literature that reports associations between spine-related pain and pathologies (SPPs) and NSHCs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This scoping review will follow the JBI protocol and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We will systematically search the literature using key words and MeSH terms for SPPs and NSHCs. Terminology/vocabulary for NSHCs will include those for communicable and non-communicable diseases as reported by WHO Global Burden of Disease reports. Five databases will be searched from inception: MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection. Papers published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, including measures of association between SPPs and NSHCs and using observational epidemiologic study designs will be included. Excluded will be studies of cadaveric, animal or health behaviours; studies with no measures of association and non-observational epidemiologic studies. Results will include the number of studies, the studies that have evaluated the measures of association and the frequency of the studied associations between SPPs and NSHCs. Results will be reported in tables and diagrams. Themes of comorbidities will be synthesised into a descriptive report. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This scoping review was deemed exempt from ethics review. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the literature that reports associations between SPPs and NSHCs to inform future research initiatives and practices. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and research conferences. REGISTRATION DETAILS: https://osf.io/w49u3.

Diagnostic trends of preoperative venous thromboembolism and its clinical implications in patients who underwent surgery for degenerative spinal diseases.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who undergo surgery for degenerative spinal disease has received attention, patients experiencing prolonged pain and disability while awaiting or considering surgery have not received adequate attention regarding the risk of VTE. PURPOSE: To investigate the epidemiology of preoperative VTE in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal disease. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using a nationwide database. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients who underwent surgery for degenerative spinal disease. OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative occurrence of VTE. METHODS: Data from 2014 to 2018 were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. The occurrence of preoperative VTE within a 1-year period divided into 12 time intervals of 30 days each was investigated. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence of preoperative VTE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with preoperative VTE. To validate the relationship between degenerative spinal disease and preoperative VTE, the diagnostic trends of preoperative VTE were analyzed in accordance with the identified risk factors. RESULTS: The overall incidence of preoperative VTE was 50 per 10,000 individuals. Multivariable analysis revealed that VTE occurred more frequently in older patients with specific medical comorbidities, particularly in those with a lumbar spinal lesion accompanied by arthritis of the hip, knee, or shoulder. We also found that the incidence rates of preoperative VTE, as well as the gradient of their increase, began to rise approximately 2 to 3 months prior to the index surgery, peaking just before the index surgery. This diagnostic trend was consistently observed in all patients irrespective of the presence of other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of preoperative VTE in patients with degenerative spinal disease exhibited a sharp increase immediately before surgery, with similar rates to those of postoperative VTE. Clinicians managing patients with degenerative spinal disease should be vigilant for preoperative as well as postoperative VTE.

National spine surgery registries' characteristics and aims: globally accepted standards have yet to be met. Results of a scoping review and a complementary survey.

BACKGROUND: Surgery involving implantable devices is widely used to solve several health issues. National registries are essential tools for implantable device surveillance and vigilance. In 2017, the European Union encouraged Member States to establish "registries and databanks for specific types of devices" to evaluate device safety and performance and ensure their traceability. Spine-implantable devices significantly impact patient safety and public health; spine registries might help improve surgical outcomes. This study aimed to map existing national spine surgery registries and highlight their features and organisational standards to provide an essential reference for establishing other national registries. METHODS: A scoping search was performed using the Embase, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for the terms "registry", "register", "implantable", and all terms and synonyms related to spinal diseases and national registries in publications from January 2000 to December 2020. This search was later updated and finalised through a web search and an ad hoc survey to collect further detailed information. RESULTS: Sixty-two peer-reviewed articles were included, which were related to seven national spine registries, six of which were currently active. Three additional active national registries were found through the web search. The nine selected national registries were set up between 1998 and 2021. They collect data on the procedure and use patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our study identified nine currently active national spine surgery registries. However, globally accepted standards for developing a national registry of spine surgery are yet to be established. Therefore, an international effort to increase result comparability across registries is highly advisable. We hope the recent initiative from the Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) to establish an international collaboration will meet these needs.

A comparison of radiographic degeneration features of older Chinese women and older Italian Caucasian women with a focus on thoracic spine.

BACKGROUND: Compared with Caucasians, East Asians have a lower incident of back pain, lower prevalence and severity of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and lumbar spine degeneration. AIM: This study compares radiographic spine degeneration features of older Chinese women (as an example of East Asians) and older Italian women (as an example of Caucasians) with a focus on the thoracic spine. METHODS: From two population-based epidemiological studies conducted in Hong Kong, China and Rome, Italy, 297 pairs (mean age: 73.6 years) age-matched older community women's lateral spine radiographs were sampled. Existence (or absence) of seven degeneration features were assessed including: (1) hyper-kyphosis, (2) disc space narrowing (T3/T4 ~ T11/T12), (3) osteoarthritic (OA) wedging (T4 ~ T12), (4) generalised osteophyte formation (T4 ~ T12); (5) acquired short vertebrae (T4 ~ T12), (6) Schmorl node (T4 - L5), (7) disc calcification (T4-L5). RESULTS: Italian women were more likely to have hyper-kyphosis (53.4% vs 25.6%), disc space narrowing (34.4% vs. 17.2%), OA wedging (6.4% vs. 0.67%), Schmorl node (19.5% vs. 4.4%, all P < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in osteophyte formation (7.7% vs. 9.4%, P > 0.1) and acquired short vertebrae (8.0% vs. 10.4%, P > 0.1). Disc calcification was uncommon among both Chinese and Italians. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: For the first time, this study documented a lower prevalence of a number of thoracic spine degeneration features among Chinese. This study further affirms the concept of a generally healthier spine in older Chinese relative to older Caucasians. The observed differences may reflect a foundational background influence of genetic predisposition that represents an important line of future research.

Temporal analysis of complication rates of cervical spine surgery for degenerative spine disease between younger and older cohorts using the CSORN registry: Is age just a number?

STUDY DESIGN: An ambispective review of consecutive cervical spine surgery patients enrolled in the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network (CSORN) between January 2015 and September 2019. PURPOSE: To compare complication rates of degenerative cervical spine surgery over time between older (> 65) and younger age groups (< 65). More elderly people are having spinal surgery. Few studies have examined the temporal nature of complications of cervical spine surgery by patient age groups. METHODS: Adverse events were collected prospectively using adverse event forms. Binary logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess associations between risk modifiers and adverse events at the intra-, peri-operative and 3 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Of the 761 patients studied (age < 65, n = 581 (76.3%) and 65 + n = 180 (23.7%), the intra-op adverse events were not significantly different; < 65 = 19 (3.3%) vs 65 + = 11 (6.1%), p < 0.087. Peri-operatively, the < 65 group had significantly lower percentage of adverse events (65yrs (11.2%) vs. 65 + = (26.1%), p < 0.001). There were no differences in rates of adverse events at 3 months post-surgery (< 65 = 39 (6.7%) vs. 65 + = 12 (6.7%), p < 0.983). Less blood loss (OR = 0.99, p < 0.010) and shorter length of hospital stay (OR = 0.97, p < 0.025) were associated with not having intra-op adverse events. Peri-operatively, > 1 operated level (OR = 1.77, p < 0.041), shorter length of hospital stay (OR = 0.86, p < 0.001) and being younger than 65 years (OR = 2.11, p < 0.006) were associated with not having adverse events. CONCLUSION: Following degenerative cervical spine surgery, the older and younger age groups had significantly different complication rates at peri-operative time points, and the intra-operative and 3-month post-operative complication rates were similar in the groups.

Risk factors for reoperation after surgical treatment for degenerative spinal disease in Poland: a nationwide retrospective study of 38,953 hospitalisations.

INTRODUCTION: Degenerative spinal disease (DSD) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and a leading cause of sickness absence. It also contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of reoperation after surgical treatment of DSDs in Poland, and to identify risk factors for reoperation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospitalisations for DSD in 2018 that were reported to Poland's National Health Fund (NHF) was performed. Reoperations reported within 365 days of hospital discharge were identified. Demographic factors and multimorbidities were included in the analysis. A logistic regression model was then performed to assess risk factors for reoperations. RESULTS: In 2018, 38,953 surgical hospitalszations for DSD were reported. A total of 3,942 hospitalised patients (10.12%) required reoperation within 365 days. Patients requiring reoperation were predominantly female (female-to-male ratio 1.34:1) and elderly (mean age of reoperated patients 56.66 years, mean age of other patients 53.24). The percentage reoperated upon correlated with multiple diseases (from 8.81% in the group of patients without comorbidities to 15.31% in the group of patients with three or more comorbidities). The risk of reoperation was most increased by comorbid depression, neurological diseases, obesity, and older age. The risk of reoperation was reduced by instrumented spinal surgery, surgery in a neurosurgical unit, and hospitalisations other than same-day surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations within a year after DSD surgical treatment are common. Identifying risk factors for reoperation, including those related to the presence of comorbidities and the phenomenon of multimorbidity, can be an important tool in reducing reoperation rates.

The projected numbers of degenerative spine disease in Austria from 2017 to 2080: a perspective-based scenario analysis.

BACKGROUND: Spinal surgery has to address the challenge of a dramatic increase of the growing number of older persons. The purpose of the present study was to project the numbers of surgically treated degenerative spine disease (DSD) in Austria from 2017 until 2080 to provide potential future scenarios that the Austrian Health system might have to face. METHODS: Current numbers on demographic information from Austria as well as population projections for 2017-2080 were obtained from Statistics Austria (STAT). A lower/main/upper scenario reflecting low/main/high growth and ageing scenarios deducted from fertility, life expectancy and immigration calculations was used. Information on prevalence of surgically treated DSD was obtained from the Austrian Spine Register. RESULTS: The population in Austria (evaluated in 2017) was 8.78 millions and is estimated to evolve to 7.86/10.0/13.1 millions by 2080. The total number of surgically treated DSD recorded in the Spine Register was 9300 and was estimated to be 9300/11200/13700 in 2080. The number of subjects with surgically treated DSD were expected to increase in the age-strata (main scenario), 100% corresponds to the number in each age and gender stratum: 0-40 years by (male/female) 2%/2%, 40-50 years -7%/-7%, 50-59 years -11%/-9%, 60-69 years 21%/16%, 70-79 years 51%/31%, 80-89 years 211%/129% and 90+years 698%/411%. CONCLUSIONS: Total numbers of subjects with DSD in Austria will increase from 2017 to 2080. The increase will be substantial in those aged 80+ and those aged 90+. The assumptions of this analysis were taken conservatively. Hence, the future socio-economic burden to society might be greater as projected by the study.

Hydatid disease of the brain and spine.

Hydatid disease of the central nervous system is relatively rare and comprises about 2-3% of all the hydatid cyst cases reported in the world. Spinal hydatid disease is an even rarer entity. It is endemic in sheep and cattle-raising regions, seen mainly in Mediterranean countries including Turkey and Syria. Pediatric neurosurgeons in non-endemic countries face a challenge when they encounter children with hydatid cysts of the central nervous system, mostly due to lack of awareness and the ensuing diagnostic dilemmas. It is also a significant socioeconomic problem in developing countries, due to improper hygiene and lack of dedicated veterinary practice. The clinical features are largely nonspecific and very according to location and severity of disease. However, with the advent of advances in MR imaging, the diagnostic accuracy of hydatic disease involving the brain and spine has increased. Intact removal of the cyst/s, without causing any spillage, and appropriate antihelminthic therapy is the goal and key to cure and prevention of recurrence. In this manuscript, the current literature on hydatid cyst of the brain and spine is reviewed to better understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic accuracy, and advances in therapeutic options. A heightened clinical suspicion, awareness of MR imaging features, improved surgical strategies, and options for prevention are discussed.

Outcomes of anterior vs. posterior approach to single-level lumbar spinal fusion with interbody device: An analysis of the nationwide inpatient sample.

BACKGROUND: Interbody devices have revolutionized lumbar spinal fusion surgery by improving mechanical stability and maximizing fusion potential. Several approaches for interbody fusion exist with two of the most common being anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). This study aims to compare patient data, hospital outcomes, and post-operative complications between an anterior vs. posterior approach to lumbar interbody fusion. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD10) codes to identify patients (18 +) from 2016 to 2018 who underwent lumbar interbody fusion under an anterior or posterior approach. Patients missing identifiers were excluded from this study. Patients were further investigated by demographic data and the presence of comorbidities. Hospital outcome data was investigated by length of stay (LOS), total hospital charges, mortality, and post-operative complications. RESULTS: 373,585 patients were included in this study. 257,975 (69%) underwent fusion via a posterior approach, and 115,610 (31%) via an anterior approach. Patients undergoing posterior approach were found to have a greater number of comorbidities than anterior (3.5 vs. 2, respectively, p = <0.001). The posterior approach was associated with decreased LOS (3.59 vs 4.19 days, p = <0.0001) and decreased total hospital charges ($141,700 vs $211,015, p = <0.0001). A posterior approach was found to have lower rates of post-operative complications. For the anterior approach cohort, tobacco dependence (OR=1.31 [1.20-1.42, p = <0.001], diabetes (OR=2.41 [2.33-2.49, p = <0.001], and osteoporosis (OR=1.42 [1.30-1.54, p = <0.001] were found to be significant independent predictors of post-operative pseudoarthrosis. Obesity (OR=1.28 [1.14-1.42, p = <0.001], tobacco dependence (OR=1.48 [1.40-1.56, p = <0.001], diabetes (OR=2.21 [2.10-2.32, p = <0.001], congestive heart failure (OR=1.20 [1.01-1.39, p = 0.04], and osteoporosis (OR=1.65 [1.55-1.75, p = <0.001], were found to be independent predictors of post-operative pseudoarthrosis in the posterior cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent the anterior approach suffered from increased hospital charges, length of stay, and increased risk of post-operative complications including mortality, wound dehiscence, hematoma/seroma, and pseudoarthrosis. Comorbid disease plays a significant role in the outcome of successful fusion with variable effect depending on the surgical approach. Increasing due diligence in patient selection should be considered when choosing an approach in pre-operative planning.

Large increase of vertebral osteomyelitis in France: a 2010-2019 cross-sectional study.

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) represents 4-10% of bone and joint infections. In Western countries, its incidence seems to increase, simultaneously with an increasing number of comorbidities among an ageing population. This study aimed to assess the evolution of VO epidemiology in France over the 2010-2019 decade. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using the French hospital discharge data collected through the French diagnosis-related groups 'Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information'. VOs were detected with a previously validated case definition using International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10) codes, implemented with the French current procedural terminology codes. The study population included all patients hospitalised in France during the 2010-2019 decade, aged 15 years old and more. Patient and hospital stay characteristics and their evolutions were described. During the study period, 42 105 patients were hospitalised for VO in France involving 60 878 hospital stays. The mean VO incidence was 7.8/100 000 over the study period, increasing from 6.1/100 000 in 2010 to 11.3/100 000 in 2019. The mean age was 64.8 years old and the sex ratio was 1.56. There were 31 341 (74.4%) patients with at least one comorbidity and 3059 (7.3%) deceased during their hospital stay. Even if rare, device-associated VOs (4450 hospital stays, 7.3%) highly increased over the period. The reliability of the method, based upon an exhaustive database and a validated case definition, provided an effective tool to compare data over time in real-life conditions to regularly update the epidemiology of VO.

The prevalence of depression in degenerative spine disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of depression in degenerative spine disease (DSD) patients. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched, the relevant studies that reported the depression prevalence of in DSD patients were identified. Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. RESULTS: 24 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the current study. The pooled prevalence estimate of depression in DSD patients before operative treatment was 30.8% [95% CI 24.0-38.5%]. Nine articles reported the prevalence rate in DSD patients after operative treatment, and the pooled prevalence estimate was 27.0% [95% CI 19.9-35.4%]. There were significant differences for prevalence estimates before operative treatment in types of disorders (Q = 4.56, P = 0.10), spine surgery history (Q = 5.55, P = 0.02), representativeness of sample (Q = 11.00, P = 0.00), and validity of assessment method (Q = 3.32, P = 0.07). The prevalence estimates in patients with lumbar spine stenosis, lumbar disc herniation and cervical spondylotic myelopathy were 24.0%, 40.9% and 37.3%, respectively. Studies that included patients with a history of spine surgery yielded a more extreme prevalence estimate than studies excluding those (36.9% vs 24.3%). For results of patients after operative treatment, significant differences for prevalence estimates were showed in different degrees of pain (Q = 4.72, P = 0.03), screening instruments (Q = 4.83, P = 0.09), and representativeness of sample (Q = 15.70, P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: The systematic review indicated increased prevalence of depression in DSD patients. In consideration of the relationship between depression and poor surgical outcome, we should pay more attention to identifying strategies for preventing and treating depression in DSD patients.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Spine Surgery in Central Europe: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: The severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) crisis led to many restrictions in daily life and protective health care actions in all hospitals to ensure basic medical supply. This questionnaire-based study among spinal surgeons in central Europe was generated to investigate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and consecutively the differences in restrictions in spinal surgery units. METHODS: An online survey consisting of 32 questions on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions on spinal surgery units was created. Surgical fellows and consultants from neurosurgical, orthopedic, and trauma departments were included in our questionnaire-based study with the help of Austrian, German, and Swiss scientific societies. RESULTS: In a total of 406 completed questionnaires, most participants reported increased preventive measurements at daily clinical work (split-team work schedule [44%], cancellation of elective and/or semielective surgeries [91%]), reduced occurrence of emergencies (91%), decreased outpatient work (45%) with increased telemedical care (73%) and a reduced availability of medical equipment (75%) as well as medical staff (30%). Although most physicians considered the political restrictive decisions to be not suitable, most considered the medical measures to be appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in comparable restrictive measures for spinal surgical departments in central Europe. Elective surgical interventions were reduced, providing additional resources reserved for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2-positive patients. Although similar restrictions were introduced in most participants' departments, the supply of personal protective equipment and the outpatient care remained insufficient and should be re-evaluated intensively for future global health care crises.

Global Research Trends in Robotic Applications in Spinal Medicine: A Systematic Bibliometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We systematically evaluated the global research trends in robotic application on the spine through bibliometric analysis and mapping knowledge domains. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed of the PubMed and Web of Science, including the Science Citation Index Expanded, databases. The number, countries, journals, and authors of the publications, total citations, average publication year, and institution sources were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, the Online Analysis Platform of Bibliometrics, and VOSviewer. The hotspots were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer. RESULTS: We identified a total of 2135 publications. The United States ranked first in the number of publications (n = 824; 38.63%) and frequency of citations (n = 29,075). Northwestern University had the highest number of publications (n = 67) and Harvard University the highest number of citations (n = 4198). The Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation published the largest number of reports (n = 73), and the most frequently cited journal was Nature (n = 3844 citations). The research hotspots were divided into 3 categories analyzed by VOSviewer: rehabilitation, basic science, and surgery. According to the average publication year, the most recent hotspot was radiation exposure, and the earliest hotspot was radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: The number of studies of robotic application on the spine has continued to increase. The United States was the greatest contributor to robotic applications on the spine. Robot-assisted rehabilitation for neurological and orthopedic lesions is still a major research hotspot. The range of robotic applications on the spine has expanded from assisted rehabilitation to assisted rehabilitation and surgery.

Association of Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder With Cervical Spine Disorders and Related Neurological Complications.

Importance: Severe forms of Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder (TS/CTD) may involve repeated head jerking. Isolated case reports have described a spectrum of severe neck disorders in individuals with TS/CTD. However, the nature and prevalence of cervical spine disorders in TS/CTD are unknown. Objective: To establish if TS/CTD are associated with an increased risk of cervical spine disorders and related neurological complications compared with individuals from the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: All individuals born from 1973 to 2013 and living in Sweden between 1997 and 2013 were identified. Individuals with a record of TS/CTD diagnosed in specialist settings were matched on age, sex, and county of birth with 10 unexposed individuals randomly selected from the general population. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk of vascular and nonvascular cervical spine disorders among exposed individuals, compared with unexposed individuals. Models were adjusted for other known causes of cervical spine injury. Data were analyzed from March 19 to May 16, 2021. Exposures: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnoses of TS/CTD in the Swedish National Patient Register. Main Outcomes and Measures: Records of cervical vascular disorders (ie, aneurysm, cerebral infarction, transitory cerebral ischemia) and cervical nonvascular disorders (ie, spondylosis, cervical disc disorders, fractures of the cervical spine, cervicalgia) and cervical surgeries. Covariates included rheumatic disorders, traffic injuries, fall- or sport-related injuries, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbidity. Results: A total of 6791 individuals with TS/CTD were identified (5238 [77.1%] were male; median [interquartile] age at first diagnosis, 15.6 [11.4-23.7] years) and matched to 67 910 unexposed individuals. Exposed individuals had a 39% increased risk of any cervical spine disorder (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22-1.59). Adjusted hazard ratios for cervical vascular and nonvascular disorders were 1.57 (95% CI, 1.16-2.13) and 1.38 (95% CI, 1.19-1.60), respectively. Risks were similar among men and women. Conclusions and Relevance: Individuals with severe TS/CTD are at increased risk of cervical spine disorders. These outcomes are relatively rare but may lead to persistent disability in some individuals and thus require close monitoring to facilitate early interventions.

The Effect of Reduced Access to Chiropractic Care on Medical Service Use for Spine Conditions Among Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which access to chiropractic care affects medical service use among older adults with spine conditions. METHODS: We used Medicare claims data to identify a cohort of 39,278 older adult chiropractic care users who relocated during 2010-2014 and thus experienced a change in geographic access to chiropractic care. National Plan and Provider Enumeration System data were used to determine chiropractor per population ratios across the United States. A reduction in access to chiropractic care was defined as decreasing 1 quintile or more in chiropractor per population ratio after relocation. Using a difference-in-difference analysis (before versus after relocation), we compared the use of medical services among those who experienced a reduction in access to chiropractic care versus those who did not. RESULTS: Among those who experienced a reduction in access to chiropractic care (versus those who did not), we observed an increase in the rate of visits to primary care physicians for spine conditions (an annual increase of 32.3 visits, 95% CI: 1.4-63.1 per 1,000) and rate of spine surgeries (an annual increase of 5.5 surgeries, 95% CI: 1.3-9.8 per 1,000). Considering the mean cost of a visit to a primary care physician and spine surgery, a reduction in access to chiropractic care was associated with an additional cost of $114,967 per 1,000 beneficiaries on medical services ($391 million nationally). CONCLUSIONS: Among older adults, reduced access to chiropractic care is associated with an increase in the use of some medical services for spine conditions.

Relationship between hospital specialization and health outcomes in patients with nonsurgical spinal joint disease in South Korea: A nationwide evidence-based study using national health insurance data.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies on hospital specialization in spinal joint disease have been limited to patients requiring surgical treatment. The lack of similar research on the nonsurgical spinal joint disease in specialized hospitals provides limited information to hospital executives.To analyze the relationship between hospital specialization and health outcomes (length of stay and medical expenses) with a focus on nonsurgical spinal joint diseases.The data of 56,516 patients, which were obtained from the 2018 National Inpatient Sample, provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, were utilized. The study focused on inpatients with nonsurgical spinal joint disease and used a generalized linear mixed model with specialization status as the independent variable. Hospital specialization was measured using the Inner Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (IHI). The IHI (value ≤1) was calculated as the proportion of hospital discharges accounted for by each service category out of the hospital's total discharges. Patient and hospital characteristics were the control variables, and the mean length of hospital stay and medical expenses were the dependent variables.The majority of the patients with the nonsurgical spinal joint disease were female. More than half of all patients were middle-aged (40-64 years old). The majority did not undergo surgery and had mild disease, with Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≤1. The mean inpatient expense was 1265.22 USD per patient, and the mean length of stay was 9.2 days. The specialization status of a hospital had a negative correlation with the length of stay, as well as with medical expenses. An increase in specialization status, that is, IHI, was associated with a decrease in medical expenses and the length of stay, after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics.Hospital specialization had a positive effect on hospital efficiency. The results of this study could inform decision-making by hospital executives and specialty hospital-related medical policymakers.

Bariatric surgery diminishes spinal diagnoses in a morbidly obese population: A 2-year survivorship analysis of cervical and lumbar pathologies.

The effects of bariatric surgery on diminishing spinal diagnoses have yet to be elucidated in the literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate in which various spinal diagnoses diminish after bariatric surgery. This was a retrospective analysis of the NYSID years 2004-2013. Patient linkage codes allow identification of multiple and return inpatient stays within the time-frame analyzed (720 days). Time from bariatric surgery until the patient's respective spinal diagnosis was no longer present was considered a loss of previous spinal diagnosis (LOD). Included: 4,351 bariatric surgery pts with a pre-op spinal diagnosis. Cumulative LOD rates at 90-day, 180-day, 360-day, and 720-day f/u were as follows: lumbar stenosis (48%,67.6%,79%,91%), lumbar herniation (61%,77%,86%,93%), lumbar spondylosis (47%,65%,80%,93%), lumbar spondylolisthesis (37%,58%,70%,87%), lumbar degeneration (37%,56%,72%,86%). By cervical region: cervical stenosis (48%,70%,84%,94%), cervical herniation (39%,58%,74%,87%), cervical spondylosis (46%, 70%,83%, 94%), cervical degeneration (44%,64%,78%,89%). Lumbar herniation pts saw significantly higher 90d-LOD than cervical herniation pts (p < 0.001). Cervical vs lumbar degeneration LOD rates did not differ @90d (p = 0.058), but did @180d (p = 0.034). Cervical and lumbar stenosis LOD was similar @90d & 180d, but cervical showed greater LOD by 1Y (p = 0.036). In conclusion, over 50% of bariatric patients diagnosed with a cervical or lumbar pathology before weight-loss surgery no longer sought inpatient care for their respective spinal diagnosis by 180 days post-op. Lumbar herniation had significantly higher LOD than cervical herniation by 90d, whereas cervical degeneration and stenosis resolved at higher rates than corresponding lumbar pathologies by 180d and 1Y f/u, respectively.