Regional Spondylodiscitis Disparities: Impact on Pathogen Spectrum and Patients.

Background: Spondylodiscitis is an infectious disease affecting an intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies and is often the complication of a distant focus of infection. This study aims to ascertain the regional and hospital-specific disparities in bacterial patterns and resistance profiles in spontaneous and iatrogenic spondylodiscitis and their implications for patient treatment. Methods: We enrolled patients from two German hospitals, specifically comparing a university hospital (UVH) with a peripheral non-university hospital (NUH). We documented patient demographics, laboratory results, and surgical interventions. Microbiological assessments, antibiotic regimens, treatment durations, and resistance profiles were recorded. Results: This study included 135 patients. Upon admission, 92.4% reported pain, with 16.2% also presenting neurological deficits. The primary microbial species identified in both the UVH and NUH cohorts were S. aureus (37.3% vs. 31.3%) and cog. neg. staphylococci (28.8% vs. 34.4%), respectively. Notably, a higher prevalence of resistant bacteria was noted in the UVH group (p < 0.001). Additionally, concomitant malignancies were significantly more prevalent in the UVH cohort. Conclusion: Significant regional variations exist in bacterial prevalence and resistance profiles. Consequently, treatment protocols need to consider these nuances and undergo regular critical evaluation. Moreover, patients with concurrent malignancies face an elevated risk of spondylodiscitis.

Cavernous Malformations and Hemangioblastomas of the Spinal Cord Show Distinct Differences in Clinical Course - A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis of 112 Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Cavernous malformations (CMs) and hemangioblastomas (HBs) of the spinal cord exhibit distinct differences in histopathology but similarities in the neurological course. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinical differences between the vascular pathologies and a benign tumor of the spinal cord in a perioperative situation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone surgery for lesions in the spinal cord between 1984 and 2015. Patients were screened for CMs and HBs as the primary inclusion criteria. General patient information, surgical data, and disease-specific data were collected from the records. Cooper-Epstein scores for clinical symptoms were evaluated preoperatively, at discharge, and at the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were included, of which 46 had been diagnosed with CMs and 66 with HBs. Patients with CMs often demonstrated more preoperative neurological deterioration compared to those with HBs (P < .05); accordingly, in took longer to diagnose HBs. Complete resection was possible for 96.8% of all patients with CMs and 90% of those with HBs. At the 6-month follow-up, patients with HBs more often presented with persisting neurologic impairment of the upper extremities compared to the CM patients (P < .001). CONCLUSION: CMs and HBs of the spinal cord have similarities but also exhibit significant differences in neurological presentation and perioperative course. Surgical therapy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic lesions, and complete surgical resection is possible in the majority of cases for both entities. Neurologic outcomes are usually favorable, although patients with HBs retain neurologic deficits more often.

Preoperative angiographic considerations and neurological outcome after surgical treatment of intradural spinal hemangioblastoma: a multicenter retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: Intradural spinal hemangioblastomas are rare highly hypervascularized benign neoplasms. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, with a significant risk of postoperative neurological deterioration. Due to the tumor infrequency, scientific evidence is scarce and limited to case reports and small case series. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter study including five high-volume neurosurgical centers analyzing patients surgically treated for spinal hemangioblastomas between 2006 and 2021. We assessed clinical status, surgical data, preoperative angiograms, and embolization when available. Follow-up records were analyzed, and logistic regression performed to assess possible risk factors for neurological deterioration. RESULTS: We included 60 patients in Germany and Austria. Preoperative angiography was performed in 30% of the cases; 10% of the patients underwent preoperative embolization. Posterior tumor location and presence of a syrinx favored gross total tumor resection (93.8% vs. 83.3% and 97.1% vs. 84%). Preoperative embolization was not associated with postoperative worsening. The clinical outcome revealed a transient postoperative neurological deterioration in 38.3%, depending on symptom duration and preoperative modified McCormick grading, but patients recovered in most cases until follow-up. CONCLUSION: Spinal hemangioblastoma patients significantly benefit from early surgical treatment with only transient postoperative deterioration and complete recovery until follow-up. The performance of preoperative angiograms remains subject to center disparities.

Spinal cord compression in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis.

PURPOSE: Spinal abnormalities frequently occur in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II, IV, and VI. The symptoms are manifold, which sometimes prolongs the diagnostic process and delays therapy. Spinal stenosis (SS) with spinal cord compression due to bone malformations and an accumulation of storage material in soft tissue are serious complications of MPS disease. Data on optimal perioperative therapeutic care of SS is limited. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis of patients with MPS and SS for the time period 01/1998 to 03/2021 was performed. Demographics, clinical data, neurological status, diagnostic evaluations (radiography, MRI, electrophysiology), and treatment modalities were documented. The extent of the SS and spinal canal diameter were analyzed. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors for neurological outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 209 MPS patients, 15 were included in this study. The most dominant type of MPS was I (-H) (n = 7; 46.7%). Preoperative neurological deterioration was the most frequent indication for further diagnostics (n = 12; 80%). The surgical procedure of choice was dorsal instrumentation with microsurgical decompression (n = 14; 93.3%). A univariate Cox regression analysis showed MPS type I (-H) to be associated with favorable neurological outcomes. CONCLUSION: Early detection of spinal stenosis is highly relevant in patients with MPS. Detailed neurological assessment during follow-up is crucial for timeous detection of patients at risk. The surgical intervention of choice is dorsal instrumentation with microsurgical decompression and resection of thickened intraspinal tissue. Patients with MPS type I (-H) demonstrated the best neurological course.

Destructive per continuitatem spondylodiscitis after endovascular abdominal or thoracic aneurysm repair (EVAR/TEVAR): rare and untreatable?

INTRODUCTION: Very few publications have previously described spondylodiscitis as a potential complication of endovascular aortic procedures (EVAR/TEVAR). We present to our knowledge the first case series of spondylodiscitis following EVAR/TEVAR based on our data base. Particular focus was laid on the complexity of disease treatment and grave outcome perspectives from a spine surgeon's point of view in this seriously affected patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis and chart review was performed for 11 out of 284 consecutive spondylodiscitis patients who underwent EVAR/TEVAR procedure and developed destructive per continuitatem spondylodiscitis. RESULTS: All 11 patients had single or more level destructive spondylodiscitis adjacent to the thoracic/lumbar stent graft. In mean, four surgeries were performed per patient to treat this rare complication. Six out of eleven patients (55%) died within 6 months of first identification of per continuitatem spondylodiscitis. In four patients due to persisting infection of the graft and recurrence of the abscess formation, a persisting fistula from anterior approach to the skin was applied. CONCLUSIONS: Destructive per continuitatem spondylodiscitis is a rare and severe complication post-EVAR/TEVAR. Clinical and imaging features of anterior paravertebral disease and anterior vertebral body involvement suggest direct continuous spread of the graft infection to the adjacent vertebral column. The mortality rate of these severe infections is extremely high and treatment with a permanent fistula may be one salvage procedure.

Refining the treatment of spinal cord lesions: experience from 500 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Tumorous lesions of the spinal cord, as well as some vascular lesions like cavernous hemangiomas, demand careful consideration as to the indication and approach for surgery. As these lesions are rare in any departmental series, refinement of treatment strategies evolves over long periods. In this context, the authors evaluated a series of 500 intramedullary lesions for approach, technique, outcome, complications, and follow-up. METHODS: Five hundred intramedullary lesions in 460 patients were treated with a continuously evolving departmental strategy between 1985 and 2020. No lesions of the cauda equina or filum terminale were included. The focus of the evaluation was on the adaptation of exposure, resective methodology, sequelae, imaging, and rate of recurrence. Thirty-seven patients were children at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: Among the 348 neoplastic lesions, the largest subtype was ependymoma (n = 192, 55.2%), followed by astrocytoma (n = 89, 25.6%). As a trend, metastases (n = 21) have become more frequent and more apparent only in the past 15 years. Reoperations for recurrent or progressive cases or referrals after incomplete resection were performed in 56 cases, mostly for progressive diffuse or pilocytic astrocytomas. Among the vascular lesions, 68 (54.8%) were hemangioblastomas, followed by 56 (45.2%) cavernous hemangiomas. All intramedullary tumors were approached through a midline myelotomy, refining an en bloc resection technique for endophytic tumors to increase the rate of radical resection. Cavernous hemangiomas reaching the surface and hemangioblastomas were approached directly. Complete removal was possible in 77.2% of endophytic tumors but in only 41.7% of diffuse tumors. All WHO grade II diffuse astrocytomas, WHO grade III tumors, and glioblastoma progressed despite treatment according to standard regimens. Vascular lesions were regularly removed completely, with only 1 recurrence of a large hemorrhagic thoracic cavernous hemangioma. The major sequelae were sensory deficits and neuropathic pain. Stabilizing instrumentation was placed in 5 cases of spinal deformity, mostly when more than 4 levels were affected, and in the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: In a large series of intramedullary surgeries, refinement of treatment strategies related to exposure, implementation of intraoperative adjuncts such as ultrasound, intraoperative neuromonitoring, resective strategies, and reconstruction were evaluated. The authors found that for almost any defined, endophytic medullary lesion, a safe and complete removal can be offered.

Surgical management of spinal metastases involving the cervicothoracic junction: results of a multicenter, European observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical management of spinal metastases at the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is highly complex and relies on case-based decision-making. The aim of this multicentric study was to describe surgical procedures for metastases at the CTJ and provide guidance for clinical and surgical management. METHODS: Patients eligible for this study were those with metastases at the CTJ (C7-T2) who had been consecutively treated in 2005-2019 at 7 academic institutions across Europe. The Spine Instability Neoplastic Score, neurological function, clinical status, medical history, and surgical data for each patient were retrospectively assessed. Patients were divided into four surgical groups: 1) posterior decompression only, 2) posterior decompression and fusion, 3) anterior corpectomy and fusion, and 4) anterior corpectomy and 360° fusion. Endpoints were complications, surgical revision rate, and survival. RESULTS: Among the 238 patients eligible for inclusion this study, 37 were included in group 1 (15%), 127 in group 2 (53%), 18 in group 3 (8%), and 56 in group 4 (24%). Mechanical pain was the predominant symptom (79%, 189 patients). Surgical complications occurred in 16% (group 1), 20% (group 2), 11% (group 3), and 18% (group 4). Of these, hardware failure (HwF) occurred in 18% and led to surgical revision in 7 of 8 cases. The overall complication rate was 34%. In-hospital mortality was 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior fusion and decompression was the most frequently used technique. Care should be taken to choose instrumentation techniques that offer the highest possible biomechanical load-bearing capacity to avoid HwF. Since the overall complication rate is high, the prevention of in-hospital complications seems crucial to reduce in-hospital mortality.

Posterior vertebral column resection as a safe procedure leading to solid bone fusion in metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and greatly decreases a patient's quality of life. Vertebral metastases often lead to epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) requiring surgical therapy. It has previously been shown that in patients with metastatic ESCC (MESCC), a surgical intervention leads to an improved outcome. Although the treatment paradigms in spinal metastases have changed and separation surgery followed by stereotactic radiosurgery is considered the best strategy, there are still cases in which 360° decompression with stabilization is indicated. In these patients, a proper bone fusion should be the treatment goal to guarantee good clinical results in extended survival times through progressions in oncological therapies. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of posterior vertebral column resection (pVCR) in everyday clinical practice, achievement of bone fusion, and midterm outcome in patients with MESCC. METHODS: All patients treated with pVCR due to MESCC between 2013 and 2020 were enrolled in this observational single-center study. Demographics, outcome parameters, numeric rating scale (NRS) score, Frankel grade, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score were evaluated. Radiological images routinely acquired during follow-up were reviewed and screened for the presence of bone fusion. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were treated by eight surgeons. The mean follow-up period was 549 ± 739 days. At baseline, the average age was 64.4 ± 10.9 years. Reported NRS scores (preoperative 6.2 ± 1.7 vs postoperative 3.4 ± 1.6) and segmental kyphosis as measured on sagittal CT images (preoperative 13.5° ± 8.6° vs postoperative 3.8° ± 5.4°) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In only 2 patients (3%), the Frankel grade worsened postoperatively, whereas in 12 patients (18.2%) an improvement was documented. The KPS score remained constant during the observation period (preoperative 73.2% ± 18.2% vs 78.3% ± 18% at last follow-up). Bone fusion was observed in 26 patients (86.7%) receiving CT more than 100 days after the index surgery. CONCLUSIONS: pVCR is a reliable surgical technique in daily clinical practice, which proves to be beneficial in terms of short- as well as midterm outcome, as judged by the KPS and NRS. The overall improvement in the Frankel grade shows patient safety. A bone fusion was observed regularly in oncological patients undergoing pVCR. The authors therefore conclude that pVCR is a safe, fast, and efficient strategy to achieve stability and pain relief by achievement of bone fusion in cancer patients.

Intraoperative blood loss in oncological spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing oncological spine surgery poses a major challenge for vulnerable patients. The goal of this study was to assess how the surgical procedure, tumor type, and tumor anatomy, as well as anesthesiological parameters, affect intraoperative blood loss in oncological spine surgery and to use this information to generate a short preoperative checklist for spine surgeons and anesthesiologists to identify patients at risk for increased intraoperative blood loss. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 430 oncological patients who underwent spine surgery between 2013 and 2018 at the university medical spine center. Enrolled patients had metastatic tumor of the spine requiring surgical decompression of neural structures and/or stabilization including tumor biopsy using an open, percutaneous, and/or combined dorsoventral approach. Patients requiring vertebro- and kyphoplasty or biopsy only were excluded. Statistical analyses performed included a multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative blood loss in the study patient cohort was 1176 ± 1209 ml. In total, 33.8% of patients received intraoperative red blood cell transfusions. The statistical analyses showed that tumor histology indicating myeloma, operative procedure length, epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) score, tumor localization, BMI, and surgical strategy were significantly associated with increased intraoperative blood loss or risk of needing allogeneic blood transfusions. Anesthesiological parameters such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status classification score were not associated with blood loss. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated good predictive value (r = 0.437) for a five-item preoperative checklist to identify patients at risk for high intraoperative blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: The analyses performed in this study demonstrated key factors affecting intraoperative blood loss and showed that a simple preoperative checklist including these factors can be used to identify patients undergoing surgery for metastatic spine tumors who are at risk for increased intraoperative blood loss. ABBREVIATIONS: ABT = allogeneic blood transfusion; ASA = American Society of Anesthesiologists; ESCC = epidural spinal cord compression; KW = Kruskal-Wallis; MET = metabolic equivalent of task; RBC = red blood cell.

Spine surgery in pregnant women: a multicenter case series and proposition of treatment algorithm.

PURPOSE: Spinal diseases requiring urgent surgical treatment are rare during pregnancy. Evidence is sparse and data are only available in the form of case reports. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive guide for spinal surgery on pregnant patients and highlight diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. METHODS: The study included a cohort of consecutive pregnant patients who underwent spinal surgery at five high-volume neurosurgical centers between 2010 and 2017. Perioperative and perinatal clinical data were derived from medical records. RESULTS: Twenty-four pregnant patients were included. Three underwent a preoperative cesarean section. Twenty-one patients underwent surgery during pregnancy. Median maternal age was 33 years, and median gestational age was 13 completed weeks. Indications were: lumbar disk prolapse (n = 14; including cauda equina, severe motor deficits or acute pain), unstable spine injuries (n = 4); intramedullary tumor with paraparesis (n = 1), infection (n = 1) and Schwann cell nerve root tumor presenting with high-grade paresis (n = 1). Two patients suffered transient gestational diabetes and 1 patient presented with vaginal bleeding without any signs of fetal complications. No miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe obstetric complications occurred until delivery. All patients improved neurologically after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Spinal surgical procedures during pregnancy seem to be safe. The indication for surgery has to be very strict and surgical procedures during pregnancy should be reserved for emergency cases. For pregnant patients, the surgical strategy should be individually tailored to the mother and the fetus.

Bacterial adhesion characteristics on implant materials for intervertebral cages: titanium or PEEK for spinal infections?

PURPOSE: Surgical intervention with intercorporal stabilisation in spinal infections is increasingly needed. Our aim was to compare titanium and polyetheretherketon (PEEK) cages according to their adhesion characteristics of different bacteria species in vitro. METHODS: Plates made from PEEK, polished titanium (Ti), two-surface-titanium (TiMe) (n = 2-3) and original PEEK and porous trabecular structured titanium (TiLi) interbody cages (n = 4) were inoculated in different bacterial solutions, S.aureus (MSSA, MRSA), S.epidermidis and E.coli. Growth characteristics were analysed. Biofilms and bacteria were visualised using confocal- and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Quantitative adherence of MSSA, MRSA, S.epidermidis and E.coli to Ti, TiMe and PEEK plates were different, with polished titanium being mainly advantageous over PEEK and TiMe with significantly less counts of colony forming units (CFU) for MRSA after 56 h compared to TiMe and at 72 h compared to PEEK (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005). For MSSA, more adherent bacteria were detected on PEEK than on TiMe at 32 h (p = 0.02). For PEEK and TiLi cages, significant differences were found after 8 and 72 h for S.epidermidis (p = 0.02 and p = 0.008) and after 72 h for MSSA (p = 0.002) with higher bacterial counts on PEEK, whereas E.coli showed more CFU on TiLi than PEEK (p = 0.05). Electron microscopy demonstrated enhanced adhesion in transition areas. CONCLUSION: For S.epidermidis, MSSA and MRSA PEEK cages showed a higher adherence in terms of CFU count, whereas for E.coli PEEK seemed to be advantageous. Electron microscopic visualisation shows that bacteria did not adhere at the titanium mesh structure, but at the border zones of polished material to rougher parts.

Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK versus titanium implants: an in vitro comparison of susceptibility artifacts in CT and MR imaging.

Artifacts in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to titanium implants in spine surgery are known to cause difficulties in follow-up imaging, radiation planning, and precise dose delivery in patients with spinal tumors. Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketon (CFRP) implants aim to reduce these artifacts. Our aim was to analyze susceptibility artifacts of these implants using a standardized in vitro model. Titanium and CFRP screw-rod phantoms were embedded in 3% agarose gel. Phantoms were scanned with Siemens Somatom AS Open and 3.0-T Siemens Skyra scanners. Regions of interest (ROIs) were plotted and analyzed for CT and MRI at clinically relevant localizations. CT voxel-based imaging analysis showed a significant difference of artifact intensity and central overlay between titanium and CFRP phantoms. For the virtual regions of the spinal canal, titanium implants (ti) presented - 30.7 HU vs. 33.4 HU mean for CFRP (p < 0.001), at the posterior margin of the vertebral body 68.9 HU (ti) vs. 59.8 HU (CFRP) (p < 0.001) and at the anterior part of the vertebral body 201.2 HU (ti) vs. 70.4 HU (CFRP) (p < 0.001), respectively. MRI data was only visually interpreted due to the low sample size and lack of an objective measuring system as Hounsfield units in CT. CT imaging of the phantom with typical implant configuration for thoracic stabilization could demonstrate a significant artifact reduction in CFRP implants compared with titanium implants for evaluation of index structures. Radiolucency with less artifacts provides a better interpretation of follow-up imaging, radiation planning, and more precise dose delivery.

Surgical treatment and neurological outcome of infiltrating intramedullary astrocytoma WHO II-IV: a multicenter retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Primary malignant spinal astrocytomas present rare oncological entities with limited median survival and rapid neurological deterioration. Evidence on surgical therapy, adjuvant treatment, and neurological outcome is sparse. We aim to describe the treatment algorithm and clinical features on patients with infiltrating intramedullary astrocytomas graded WHO II-IV. METHODS: The following is a multicentered retrospective study of patients treated for spinal malignant glioma WHO II-IV in five high-volume neurosurgical departments from 2008 to 2019. Pilocytic astrocytomas were excluded. We assessed data on surgical technique, perioperative neurological status, adjuvant oncological therapy, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: 40 patients were included (diffuse astrocytoma WHO II n = 11, anaplastic astrocytoma WHO III n = 12, WHO IV n = 17). Only 40% were functionally independent before surgery, most patients presented with moderate disability (47.5%). Most patients underwent a biopsy (n = 18, 45%) or subtotal tumor resection (n = 15, 37.5%), and 49% of the patients deteriorated after surgery. Patients with WHO III and IV tumors were treated with combined radiochemotherapy. Median overall survival (OS) was 46.5 months in WHO II, 25.7 months in WHO III, and 7.4 months in WHO IV astrocytomas. Preoperative clinical status and WHO significantly influenced the OS, and the extent of resection did not. CONCLUSION: Infiltrating intramedullary astrocytomas WHO II-IV present rare entities with dismal prognosis. Due to the high incidence of surgery-related neurological impairment, the aim of the surgical approach should be limited to obtaining the histological tissue via a biopsy or, tumor debulking in cases with rapidly progressive severe preoperative deficits.

Impact of the localization on disease course and clinical management in spondylodiscitis.

OBJECTIVES: Spondylodiscitis is a severe infection of the spine that can take a diverse number of disease courses depending on its localization, resulting in specific therapeutic strategies. This study aims to identify localization specific characteristics and clinical parameters for spondylodiscitis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 211 patients from 2013-2018 with proven spondylodiscitis. In total, 33 were cervical, 48 thoracic and 112 lumbar. In 18 patients disseminated infestations of several localizations were found. The patient records were evaluated for clinical and outcome parameters and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Patient age, Body Mass Index, inpatient and intensive care stay, and inpatient complications did not differ significantly between different infection localizations. C-reactive protein (CrP) levels showed a significantly reduced value in the thoracic area compared to other localizations. For comorbidities, there was a significantly higher prevalence of endocarditis in disseminated and lumbar infestations compared to thoracic and cervical cases. Epidural abscesses showed a highly increased incidence in cervical cases. With a 30-day mortality rate of 12.1% for cervical, 12.5% thoracic, 13.4% lumbar, and 22.2% in disseminated disease, no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study determined that, although the 30-day mortality rate does not differ according to the localization of the infection, specific clinical parameters, such as CrP values or comorbidities, showed localization-dependent differences.

To fuse or not to fuse: a survey among members of the German Spine Society (DWG) regarding lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment methods for degenerative spondylolisthesis (decompression versus decompression and fusion) have been critically debated. The medical care situation is almost unknown for either treatment. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide information regarding the use of parameters for decision-making and the employment of surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was performed among members of the German-Spine-Society (DWG). Information regarding participant characteristics (specialty, age, DWG certification status, number of spine surgeries performed at the participant's institution each year, institutional status), estimates of the use of both treatment options, clinical and morphological decision-making criteria for additive fusion, and the surgical technique used was queried. RESULTS: 305 members (45% neurosurgeons/ 55% orthopedic or trauma surgeons) participated in the present study. The participants estimated that in 41.7% of the cases, decompression only was required, while 55.6% would benefit from additional fusion. Among the participants, 74% reported that low back pain was an important indicator of the need for fusion if the numerical rating scale for back pain was at least 6/10. The most commonly used decompression technique was minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy, whereas open approach-based interbody fusion with transpedicular fixation and laminotomy was the most frequently used fusion technique. Specialty, age, certification status, and institutional status had a partial effect on the responses regarding indications, treatment and surgical technique. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey depicts the diversity of approaches to surgery for degenerative spondylolistheses in Germany. Considerable differences in treatment selection were observed in relation to the participants' educational level and specialty.

Intraocular pressure during neurosurgical procedures in context of head position and loss of cerebrospinal fluid.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative visual loss (POVL) is a rare but serious complication in surgical disciplines, especially in spine surgery. The exact pathophysiology of POVL remains unclear, but elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is known to be part of it. As POVL is rarely described in patients undergoing intracranial or intradural surgery, the aim of this study was to investigate the course of IOP during neurosurgical procedures with opening of the dura mater and loss of CSF. METHODS: In this prospective, controlled trial, 64 patients fell into one of 4 groups of 16 patients each. Group A included patients undergoing spine surgery in the prone position, group B patients had intracranial procedures in the prone position, and group C patients were treated for intracranial pathologies in a modified lateral position with the head rotated. In groups A-C, the dura was opened during surgery. Group D patients underwent spine surgeries in the prone position with an intact dura. IOP was measured continuously pre-, peri-, and postoperatively. RESULTS: In all groups, IOP decreased after induction of anesthesia and increased time dependently after final positioning for the operation. The maximum IOP in group A prior to opening of the dura was 28.6 ± 6.2 mm Hg and decreased to 23.44 ± 4.9 mm Hg directly after dura opening (p < 0.0007). This effect lasted for 30 minutes (23.5 ± 5.6 mm Hg, p = 0.0028); after 60 minutes IOP slowly increased again (24.5 ± 6.3 mm Hg, p = 0.15). In group B, the last measured IOP before CSF loss was 28.1 ± 5.0 mm Hg and decreased to 23.5 ± 6.1 mm Hg (p = 0.0039) after dura opening. A significant IOP decrease in group B lasted at 30 minutes (23.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p = 0.0039) and 60 minutes (23.7 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p = 0.0189). In group C, only the lower eye showed a decrease in IOP up to 60 minutes after loss of CSF (opening of dura, p = 0.0007; 30 minutes, p = 0.0477; 60 minutes, p = 0.0243). In group D (control group), IOP remained stable throughout the operation after the patient was prone. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to demonstrate that opening of the dura with loss of CSF during neurosurgical procedures results in a decrease in IOP. This might explain why POVL predominantly occurs in spinal but rarely in intracranial procedures, offers new insight to the pathophysiology of POVL, and provides the basis for further research and treatment of POVL.German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) no.: DRKS00007590 (drks.de).

Extensive Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis After Extradural Spinal Infection-Spinal Dura Mater Is No Barrier to Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) is an inflammatory process of the meninges. Cystic changes and cicatrization may lead to neurologic deficits and immobilization. Therapy is difficult and often unsatisfactory. We describe 8 cases of extensive SAA after extradural spinal infection. METHODS: A total of 238 patients with epidural abscess or osteomyelitis were treated at our institution between 2011 and 2018. We identified 8 patients who developed extensive SAA on follow-up. Different forms of the disease, radiologic changes, and potential treatment options are described. RESULTS: Eight patients developed extensive SAA after either spontaneous epidural infection in 4 cases (50%) or after surgery or steroid injection (50%). Initial treatment for epidural infection was surgery without dural injury in 87.5%. One patient was treated conservatively. SAA was diagnosed 1 month to 8 years after the initial infection, not only in the index region but throughout the whole spine, with varying clinical symptoms. Treatment options such as corticosteroids (n = 4), thecaloscopy (n = 1), syringe-subarachnoid shunting (n = 1), and focal or multilevel arachnolysis (n = 5) were applied. In 2 patients (25%), a rare complication of internal malabsorptive hydrocephalus had to be treated. Patients showed diverse outcomes at last follow-up (mean, 37 months). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for extensive SAA is poor. Surgical interventions may improve radiologic findings and clinical presentation at least temporarily. Even extradural infection can lead to severe SAA. Early surgery with local reduction of the epidural infection might reduce the risk of inflammation passing the dural sac and causing SAA.

Spinal ependymoma in adults: a multicenter investigation of surgical outcome and progression-free survival.

OBJECTIVE Spinal ependymomas are rare glial neoplasms. Because their incidence is low, only a few larger studies have investigated this condition. There are no clear data concerning prognosis and therapy. The aim of the study was to describe the natural history, perioperative clinical course, and local tumor control of adult patients with spinal ependymomas who were surgically treated under modern treatment standards. METHODS The authors performed a multicenter retrospective study. They identified 158 adult patients with spinal ependymomas who had received surgical treatment between January 2006 and June 2013. The authors analyzed the clinical and histological aspects of these cases to identify the predictive factors for postoperative morbidity, tumor resectability, and recurrence. RESULTS Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 80% of cases. At discharge, 37% of the patients showed a neurological decline. During follow-up the majority recovered, whereas 76% showed at least preoperative status. Permanent functional deterioration remained in 2% of the patients. Transient deficits were more frequent in patients with cervically located ependymomas (p = 0.004) and in older patients (p = 0.002). Permanent deficits were independently predicted only by older age (p = 0.026). Tumor progression was observed in 15 cases. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 80%, and GTR (p = 0.037), WHO grade II (p = 0.009), and low Ki-67 index (p = 0.005) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Adjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 15 cases. No statistically relevant effects of radiation therapy were observed among patients with incompletely resected ependymomas (p = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS Due to its beneficial value for PFS, GTR is important in the treatment of spinal ependymoma. Gross-total resection is feasible in the majority of cases, with acceptable rates of permanent deficits. Also, Ki-67 appears to be an important prognostic factor and should be included in a grading scheme for spinal ependymomas.

Role of Indocyanine Green in Fluorescence Imaging with Near-Infrared Light to Identify Sentinel Lymph Nodes, Lymphatic Vessels and Pathways Prior to Surgery - A Critical Evaluation of Options.

Modern surgical strategies aim to reduce trauma by using functional imaging to improve surgical outcomes. This reviews considers and evaluates the importance of the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) to visualize lymph nodes, lymphatic pathways and vessels and tissue borders in an interdisciplinary setting. The work is based on a selective search of the literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar and the authors' own clinical experience. Because of its simple, radiation-free and uncomplicated application, ICG has become an important clinical indicator in recent years. In oncologic surgery ICG is used extensively to identify sentinel lymph nodes with promising results. In some studies, the detection rates with ICG have been better than the rates obtained with established procedures. When ICG is used for visualization and the quantification of tissue perfusion, it can lead to fewer cases of anastomotic insufficiency or transplant necrosis. The use of ICG for the imaging of organ borders, flap plasty borders and postoperative vascularization has also been scientifically evaluated. Combining the easily applied ICG dye with technical options for intraoperative and interventional visualization has the potential to create new functional imaging procedures which, in future, could expand or even replace existing established surgical techniques, particularly the techniques used for sentinel lymph node and anastomosis imaging.