Restoration of the sagittal profile according to the Roussouly classification reduces mechanical complications and revision surgery in older patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

PURPOSE: The mechanical complications related to ASD remain a concern due to their morbidity and associated revision surgery. Restoration of each patient's Roussouly profile may reduce these. Our aim was to examine if the restoration of the Roussouly profile reduced these complications and revision rates in older patients operated for degenerative ASD. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a single-centre, 2-year minimum follow-up patient database. All patients undergoing corrective surgery (≥ 4 levels) for ASD were included with analysis of demographic data, operative records, restoration of Roussouly sagittal profile, mechanical complications and revision rates. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included (mean age was 72.3 years, average follow-up 56.3 months). Twenty-six patients had a "restored" profile (50%) and 26 an "unrestored" profile (50%). The incidence of mechanical complications was 7 (27%) and 23 (88%) for the restored and unrestored groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Revision rates were 4 (15.4%) and 18 (69.2%), respectively (p < 0.000), in the restored and unrestored profiles. Univariate analysis determined that profile restoration and BMI were associated with mechanical complications and revision surgery, whilst only the profile restoration status maintained its statistical power in multivariate analysis (p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively). Age was not a significant factor in univariate analysis. The relative risk for mechanical failure and revision surgery was 5.6 times (CI 1.929-16.39) and 3.08 times (CI 1.642-5.734) greater if the profile was not restored. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving each patient's ideal Roussouly profile is associated with a reduced incidence of mechanical complications and revision rates in the older population after surgery for degenerative ASD.

Pathological femoral neck fracture in a male patient due to non-simultaneous bilateral transient hip osteoporosis: A case report: Statements and Declarations.

We report a case of a 31-year-old man who developed a non-simultaneous bilateral transient hip osteoporosis (THO) complicated with an atraumatic undisplaced pathological femoral neck fracture (FNF) of his left hip. He was successfully treated with internal fixation on the left hip, and a follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging evidenced satisfactory resolution on the right side. Diagnosis and management of THO are usually challenging as symptoms before pathological FNFs might be misdiagnosed. This case highlights the importance of suspecting pathological FNFs when pain persists despite conservative treatment. Finally, surgical treatment is strongly recommended if a pathological FNF is confirmed. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Management of NF-1 dystrophic scoliosis associated with rib heads dislocation into the spinal canal in neurological intact patients: a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: The management of scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis in patients with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) among spinal surgeons is still challenging due to the severity of the deformity especially in dystrophic deformity types. This rapid and progressive condition is likely to be associated with dislocated rib heads into the spinal canal, hence representing a real dilemma on the decision making between its resection versus not resection during the corrective surgery, especially in patients with normal neurological status. The objective of this publication is to discuss the management options in this patient population through a literature review. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed for relevant studies using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Previous publications depicting neurologically intact patients with NF-1 and rib dislocation into the canal were reviewed. Articles reporting individual cases or case series/cohorts with patient-discriminated findings were included. RESULTS: The data collection retrieved a total of 55 neurologically intact patients with NF-1 dystrophic scoliosis and rib penetration into the canal who underwent spinal surgery. Among them, 37 patients underwent surgery without head rib resection and 18 patients with rib excision. No patient presented postoperative neurological deficit except for one case of late postoperative neurological deterioration reported in a patient within situ fusion in which the surgeons ignored the presence of previous spinal cord compression. CONCLUSION: Corrective surgery for patients with NF-1 and rib penetration into the canal in neurologically intact patients can be safely performed without the resection of the dislocated rib heads without a higher risk of neurological compromise.

Accuracy of intraoperative neuromonitoring during percutaneous cement discoplasty.

Introduction: Percutaneous cement discoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat low back pain due to advanced degenerative disc disease in elderly patients. Complications of this procedure has been described such as infection, vertebral fracture, cement leakage and nerve injury. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is used to detect the latter. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of neuromonitoring during discoplasty to detect new neurological compromise. Methods: 100 consecutive patients were included in this retrospective study, (30 males and 70 females, mean age of 76.3 ± 5.71 years) with mechanical low back pain who underwent percutaneous cement discoplasty. Results: Sensitivity to detect neurological injury was 82% (CI 95% 66-98), specificity was of 99% (CI 95%98-100) with a positive predictive value of 0.95 (CI 95% 85-100) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (CI 95% 95-99). In 5 patients neurological compromise was not detected by neuromonitoring. Discussion: Our study showed high sensitivity and specificity of neuromonitoring to detect neurological irritation during percutaneous discoplasty. Intraoperative neuromonitoring resulted an effective assistance during this minimally invasive procedure.

Introducción: La Discoplastia percutánea con cemento es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para tratar el dolor lumbar debido a la enfermedad degenerativa del disco avanzada en pacientes ancianos. Se han descrito complicaciones de este procedimiento como infección, fractura vertebral, fuga de cemento y lesión nerviosa. El neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio se utiliza para detectar este último. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la utilidad del neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio durante la Discoplastia para detectar un nuevo compromiso neurológico. Material y métodos: se incluyeron en este estudio retrospectivo 100 pacientes consecutivos (30 varones y 70 mujeres, edad media 76,3 ± 5,71 años) con lumbalgia mecánica sometidos a Discoplastia percutánea con cemento. Resultados: La sensibilidad para detectar lesión neurológica fue del 82% (IC 95% 66-98), la especificidad fue del 99% (IC 95% 98-100) con un valor predictivo positivo de 0,95 (IC 95% 85-100) y un valor predictivo negativo. valor predictivo de 0,97 (IC 95% 95-99). En 5 pacientes no se detectó compromiso neurológico mediante neuromonitoreo. Discusión: Nuestro estudio mostró una alta sensibilidad y especificidad del neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio para detectar irritación neurológica durante la discoplastia percutánea. El neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio resultó una ayuda eficaz durante este procedimiento mínimamente invasivo.

Percutaneous Cement Discoplasty for Degenerative Low Back Pain with Vacuum Phenomenon: A Multicentric Study with a Minimum of 2 Years of Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: To report clinical results after percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) in a multicentric case series with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: Between December 2014 and January 2019, 180 patients with low back pain and advanced degeneration were treated with percutaneous discoplasty in 2 centers. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients 65 years or older, with mechanical low back pain with or without spinal stenosis, who did not respond to conservative management. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1: patients without previous spine surgeries who underwent PCD, group 2: patients with previous spine surgeries who underwent PCD, and group 3: patients with/without previous surgery who underwent PCD plus decompression surgery. Clinical and radiological analyses were performed as well as complication and readmission rates. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (74% female; mean age, 75.8 ± 5.7 years; mean body mass index, 29.9 ± 5.2) were included in our study. Overall preoperative visual analog score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were 7.8 ± 0.9 and 68.1 ± 9.6, respectively. At 2 years of follow-up, mean VAS improvement was 3.56 (95% confidence interval: 3.92-3.20; P < 0.0001) and mean ODI improvement was 17.18 (95% confidence interval: 19.52-14.85; P < 0.0001), showing a significant and sustained improvement in both scores. In addition, 84% of patients reached both VAS and ODI minimum important clinical difference at the final follow-up. Finally, 5.7% of patients suffered major complications 30 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: PCD showed significant improvement of VAS and ODI scores at 2 years of follow-up with relatively low rate of complications.

Development of a New Therapy-Oriented Classification of Intervertebral Vacuum Phenomenon With Evaluation of Intra- and Interobserver Reliabilities.

STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostic study, level of evidence III. OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is a common cause of disability among elderly patients. Percutaneous discoplasty has been developed as a tool to treat degenerative disease when conservative management is not successful. Indications for this procedure include low back pain and the presence of vacuum phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe a new classification of vacuum phenomenon based on computed tomography scan in order to improve the indications for percutaneous discoplasty. METHODS: We developed a classification of vacuum phenomenon based on computed tomography scan images. We describe 3 types of vacuum based on the relationship between vacuum and the superior/inferior endplates and 2 subtypes based on the presence of significant subchondral sclerosis. A validation study was conducted selecting 10 orthopedic residents with spine surgery training to analyze 25 vacuum scenarios. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed through the Fleiss's and Cohen's kappa statistics, respectively. RESULTS: The overall Fleiss's κ value for interobserver reliability was 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.86) in the first reading and 0.93 (95% CI 0.92-0.95) in the second reading. Cohen's κ for intraobserver reliability was 0.88 (95% CI 0.77-0.99). CONCLUSION: The new classification has shown almost perfect inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for grading the vacuum phenomenon and could be an important tool to improve the indications for percutaneous cement discoplasty.

Extensive Periprosthetic Metallosis Associated to Osteolysis and Spinal Instrumentation Failure: Case Report and Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-report and literature review. OBJECTIVE: To depict main features of a potentially deleterious postoperative spinal fixation complication. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Tisular deposit of metal particles from prosthetic systems-metallosis-is an uncommon complication of spinal fixation surgery. Manifestations as chronic postoperative pain, instrumentation failure, infection, or neurological impairment can be developed, but metallosis often appears as an unexpected intraoperative finding. METHODS: A 70-year-old female underwent several spinal fixation procedures due to progressive degenerative adult scoliosis, who developed instrumentation failure. Unexpected metallosis was evidenced extensively surrounding the dislodged construct due to vertebral osteolysis. Instrumentation replacement and debridement of metallotic tissue was performed. We also conduct a literature review for the terms "spinal metallosis" and "spinal corrosion" on the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Previous publications depicting black/dark staining, discoloration and/or fibrotic tissue, as well as histopathological metal particle deposits, or merely metallosis, were reviewed. Articles reporting individual cases or case-series/cohorts with patient-discriminated findings were included. RESULTS: The histopathological analysis of our patient revealed dense fibroconnective tissue with black metallic pigment associated. She evolved with great pain relief in the immediately postoperative period. The patient achieved pain-free standing with significant pharmacotherapy reduction and independent ambulation. The literature search retrieved 26 articles for "spinal metallosis" and 116 for "spinal corrosion"; 16 articles met selection criteria. Approximately 60% of the reported cases accounted for patients younger than 30 years old, mainly related to expandable fixation system (65%) for idiopathic scoliosis. Usually, the symptoms were correlated with abnormal radiological findings: instrumentation breakage, dislodgement, loosening, expandable systems fracture. All the reviewed patients evolved free of pain and neurologically recovered. CONCLUSION: Instrumentation removal and metallosis debridement seems to be useful for symptomatic patients, but remains controversial on fixed asymptomatic patients. If solid fusion has not been achieved, extension, and reinforcement of the failed fixation could be required.Level of Evidence: 4.

Tratamiento mínimamente invasivo para fracturas toracolumbares / Minimally invasive treatment for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures

Introducción: Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas para tratar las fracturas toracolumbares se han desarrollado con el objetivo de reducir, al mínimo, la morbilidad perioperatoria. El objetivo primario de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados clínicos y radio-lógicos de una serie de pacientes con diagnóstico de fractura toracolumbar por causa traumática tratados con procedimientos mínimamente invasivos. materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un análisis retrospectivo de los datos demográficos, radiológicos pre y posoperatorios, y funcionales posoperatorios mediante el índice de Oswestry y la escala analógica visual para dolor, en una serie de pacientes que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Se registraron las complicaciones y la estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se analizaron 15 pacientes (10 hombres) con una edad promedio de 59 años y un seguimiento promedio de 32.9 meses. Los pacientes tenían un dolor promedio posoperatorio de 2/10 y un valor promedio del índice de Oswestry de 14/100. El análisis radiológico mostró un valor promedio preoperatorio de cifosis de 16°, que se corrigió a 10° (p = 0,01). La altura promedio de la vértebra comprometida fue de 18 mm en el preoperatorio y de 21 mm en el último seguimiento (p = 0,02).Hubo tres complicaciones (20%) en tres pacientes. La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 9 días. Tres pacientes fueron internados nuevamente dentro de los 90 días de la cirugía. Conclusión: El tratamiento de las fracturas toracolumbares por causa traumática mediante técnicas mínimamente invasivas fue un procedimiento seguro y logró buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos en el seguimiento a mediano plazo. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures have been developed to reduce peri-operative morbidity. The primary purpose of this work is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in a group of patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fracture treated with minimally invasive procedures. materials and methods: Taking a group of patients within the inclusion criteria, we retrospectively analyzed demographic data, along with pre and postoperative radiographic measurements and postoperative functional scores, using the Oswestry Disability Index and the Visual Analog Scale for pain. We recorded the complications and the hospital stay. Results: 15 patients were analyzed (10 of them were male). The average age was 59 years, and the average follow-up was 32.9 months. The patients presented an average postoperative pain score of 2/10 and an average Oswestry Disability Index score of 14/100. The radiographic analysis showed an average preoperative segmental kyphosis value of 16° that was corrected to 10° (p = 0.01). The preoperative average height for compromised vertebrae was 18 mm, with an average height of 21 mm at the last follow-up (p = 0.02). There were 3 complications (20%) in 3 patients. Hospital stay was 9 days long on average. Three patients were rehospitalized within 90 days after surgery. Conclusion: The treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures by minimally invasive techniques was a safe procedure, with good clinical and radiological results in the medium term of follow-up. Level of Evidence: IV

Chylothorax, a rare complication after anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Case report

Introduction: Chylous leakage into the retroperitoneum is a rare complication after spinal surgery using an anterior retroperitoneal approach. Chylothorax is the presence of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity and it is even less frequent during these surgeries. The aim of this work is to report the first case of isolated left chylothorax after a retroperitoneal Left Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in supine position in an adult female patient. Case: A female 30-years-old patient underwent L4-L5 anterior interbody fusion. Four days after the intervention she was diagnosed with isolated left chylothorax that was drained and treated conservatively with good outcomes. Conclusion: Chylothorax is an extremely rare complication after anterior lumbar spine procedures, and it is usually secondary to a chyloretroperitoneum. We present a unique case of isolated chylothorax after anterior retroperitoneal lumbar approach successfully treated in a conservative manner. Key Words chylothorax; spine; lumbosacral region; arthrodesis.

Percutaneous Cement Discoplasty for the Treatment of Advanced Degenerative Disc Conditions: A Case Series Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. Level of evidence III. OBJECTIVES: To describe the results after a minimum 1-year follow-up in patients treated with percutaneous discoplasty (PD), a minimally invasive technique to treat low back pain in elderly patients with advanced degenerative disc disease. The procedure consists in improving stability by injecting bone cement in a severely degenerated pneumodisc. There are few reports in the literature about this technique. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with advanced disc disease with/without degenerative scoliosis treated with PD with at least 1 year follow-up were studied, variables included clinical (visual analogue scale [VAS] and Owestry Disability Index [ODI]) and radiological parameters (lumbar lordosis and Cobb angle), as well as hospital length of stay and complications. RESULTS: At 1-year postoperation, significant pain reduction (VAS: preoperative 7.8 ± 0.90; postoperative 4.4 ± 2.18) and improvement in the ODI (preoperative 62 ± 7.12; postoperative 36.2 ± 15.47) were observed with partial correction of radiological parameters (5° mean increase in lumbar lordosis and decrease in Cobb angle). Mean surgical time was 38 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.2 days. CONCLUSION: PD, currently not a very well-known technique, appears to be-at least in the short-term follow-up-an effective treatment option in selected cases with low back pain due to advanced degenerative disc disease.

Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral Neck Fracture Due to a Tonic-Clonic Seizure and High-Dose Steroid Therapy.

Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are extremely rare and usually associated with an underlying condition affecting the bone quality and mineralization. Convulsions have also been described as a possible cause, mostly as a consequence of epilepsy, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia. We present a 52-year-old female patient, with bilateral displaced FNFs due to a tonic-clonic seizure and high-dose steroid therapy related to a frontal lobe anaplastic oligodendroglioma brain tumor resection. Two days after admission, bilateral one-stage uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) under general anesthesia and through a posterolateral approach was performed using a metal-on-polyethylene bearing surface. Several risk factors can be identified in this unique case, such as the high-dose steroid therapy, the low-demand activity of the patient due to her functional sequelae, and finally, the convulsive episode. Surgeons should be aware of this uncommon injury to ensure early diagnosis and treatment in all patients with a previous history of seizures, chronic steroid use, severe hip pain, and inability to walk. For bone metabolic diseases, preventive measures should be indicated to avoid these complications. Bilateral one-stage uncemented THA represents an effective procedure with a low complication rate allowing early rehabilitation.

En bloc vertebral resection for primary and metastatic spine tumors / Ressecção vertebral em bloco de tumores primários e metastáticos da coluna vertebral / Resección vertebral en bloque de tumores primarios y secundarios espinales

ABSTRACT Objective Primary and secondary spine tumors occur frequently and treating them surgically has gained prominence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and complications in a series of patients with primary and secondary vertebral tumors treated by en bloc vertebral resection. Methods A retrospective review of the patients who underwent en bloc vertebral resection between 2004 and 2017 was conducted. Results During the study period, 16 patients underwent en bloc vertebral resection. They were divided into primary tumor and metastatic tumor groups, 11 being primary tumors and 5 metastatic tumors. The average follow-up period was 95 months (3-156 months). The patients were treated by the same surgical team and the analysis was carried out by an independent observer. Conclusion In this case series, the results where comparable to those reported in the literature in terms of complications, survival, recurrence and neurological status. It is a demanding surgical technique, with a high percentage of morbidity and mortality, nevertheless, it allows local control and recurrence of the lesion. Level of evidence I; Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo Os tumores primários e secundários da coluna vertebral ocorrem com frequência e o respectivo tratamento cirúrgico tem tido destaque. O objetivo do presente estudo consistia em avaliar os resultados e complicações em um grupo de pacientes com tumores primários e secundários da coluna vertebral tratados através da ressecção vertebral em bloco. Métodos Uma revisão retrospectiva dos pacientes submetidos à ressecção vertebral em bloco foi realizada entre 2004 e 2017. Resultados Durante o período do estudo, 16 pacientes foram submetidos à ressecção vertebral em bloco. Eles foram divididos em grupos de tumores primários e tumores metastáticos; 11 eram tumores primários e cinco tumores metastáticos. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 95 meses (três-156 meses). Os pacientes foram tratados pela mesma equipe cirúrgica e a análise foi realizada por um observador independente. Conclusão Nessa série de casos, os resultados foram comparáveis aos relatados na literatura em termos de complicações, sobrevida, recidiva e estado neurológico. É uma técnica cirúrgica exigente, com alto percentual de morbimortalidade, porém permite controle local e recorrência da lesão. Nível de evidência I; Série de Casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo Los tumores primarios y secundarios en columna vertebral son una entidad frecuente. En el tratamiento de los mismos la cirugía ha ganado protagonismo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los resultados y complicaciones en una serie de pacientes con tumores vertebrales primarios y secundarios tratados mediante resección vertebral en bloque. Métodos Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes intervenidos mediante resección vertebral en bloque desde el año 2004 hasta el año 2017. Resultados Durante el período evaluado, 16 pacientes fueron intervenidos mediante resección vertebral en bloque. Se los dividió en grupo de tumores primarios y tumores metastásicos, 11 fueron tumores primarios y 5 metastásicos. El tiempo de seguimiento promedio fue de 95 meses (3-156 meses). Los pacientes fueron intervenidos por el mismo equipo quirúrgico y el análisis fue realizado por un observador independiente. Conclusión En la serie, se encontraron resultados comparables a los reportados en la literatura en cuanto a complicaciones, sobrevida, recidiva y estatus neurológico. Es una técnica quirúrgica exigente, con un alto porcentaje de morbilidad y mortalidad, sin embargo, permite el control local y la recurrencia de la lesión. Nivel de evidencia IV; Serie de Casos.

[Vertebral cryptococosis. Case report and literature review]. / Criptococosis vertebral. Comunicación de un caso y revisión bibliográfica.

Cryptococcosis is an infectious disease caused by a ubiquitous encapsulated yeast called Cryptococcus neoformans, it is usually associated with immunosuppressed patients. Osteomyelitis occurs in 5-10%, the spine involvement is one of the most reported. The purpose of this work is to present a case of isolated vertebral cryptococcosis and detail the results of a literature review. The treatment protocol is not yet established but it is recommended to start with aggressive intravenous therapy and continue with a suppressive treatment orally during a variable time. Surgical indication is considered in lesions that affect the spinal stability, deformity or neurological compromise and for local infectious control.

Criptococosis vertebral: comunicación de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Vertebral cryptococosis: case report and literature review

Resumen La criptococosis es una micosis sistémica producida por un hongo levaduriforme encapsulado denominado Cryptococcus neoformans. Es una enfermedad universal, que ocurre con mayor frecuencia en pacientes inmunocomprometidos, manifestándose principalmente como una enfermedad diseminada con compromiso meníngeo o pulmonar. Sin embargo, la osteomielitis ocurre solo en 5-10% de los casos, siendo el compromiso vertebral el más frecuente. Presentamos un caso de criptococosis vertebral aislada y una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre el tema. Se recomienda realizar una terapia antifúngica de inducción intravenosa y continuar con una fase de consolidación, vía oral, de duración variable. La indicación quirúrgica se considera en lesiones que comprometen la estabilidad vertebral y aquellas que presentan un compromiso neurológico, producen deformidad y para reducir el inóculo infeccioso.

Cryptococcosis is an infectious disease caused by a ubiquitous encapsulated yeast called Cryptococcus neoformans, it is usually associated with immunosuppressed patients. Osteomyelitis occurs in 5-10%, the spine involvement is one of the most reported. The purpose of this work is to present a case of isolated vertebral cryptococcosis and detail the results of a literature review. The treatment protocol is not yet established but it is recommended to start with aggressive intravenous therapy and continue with a suppressive treatment orally during a variable time. Surgical indication is considered in lesions that affect the spinal stability, deformity or neurological compromise and for local infectious control.

Osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma" de columna cervical: A propósito de un caso / Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cervical spine. A case report

El osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma", una variante menos agresiva del osteosarcoma, es una enfermedad poco frecuente y representa un desafío diagnóstico tanto clínico como histopatológico. Se han publicado escasos reportes de casos de este tumor. Presentamos a un paciente de 16 años con un osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma" localizado en la columna cervical. La biopsia ósea bajo tomografía reveló una lesión con un patrón de crecimiento permeativo, con sospecha de osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma". Se realizó una espondilectomía total en bloque mediante un doble abordaje. Se describen el caso clínico, la secuencia diagnóstica, la técnica quirúrgica y el seguimiento a 10 años. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma, a less aggressive variant of osteosarcoma, is a rare tumor which presents a clinical and histopathological diagnostic challenge. We have found few reports of cases of this tumor in the literature. In this case, we describe an osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cervical spine in a 16-year-old patient. CT-guided bone biopsy showed a lesion with a permeated growth pattern, which led to the suspicion of an osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. A total en bloc spondylectomy was performed through a dual approach. We present the clinical case, the diagnostic sequence, the surgical technique and 10-year follow-up results. Level of Evidence: IV

Re-admissions treble the risk of late mortality after primary total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Following a total hip arthroplasty (THA), early hospital re-admission rates of 3-11% are considered as 'acceptable' in terms of medical care cost policies. Surprisingly, the impact of re-admissions on mortality has not been priorly portrayed. Therefore, we sought to determine the mortality rate after 90-day re-admissions following a THA in a series of patients from a captive medical care program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed 90-day readmissions of 815 unilateral, elective THA patients operated upon between 2010 and 2014 whose medical care was the one offered by our institution. We stratified our sample into readmitted and non-readmitted cohorts. Through a Cox proportional hazards model, we compared demographic characteristics, clinical comorbidities, surgical outcomes and laboratory values between both groups in order to determine association with early and late mortality. RESULTS: We found 37 (4.53%) re-admissions at a median time of 40.44 days (IQR 17.46-60.69). Factors associated with re-admission were hospital stay (p = 0.00); surgical time (p = 0.01); chronic renal insufficiency (p = 0.03); ASA class 4 (p = 0.00); morbid obesity (p = 0.006); diabetes (p = 0.04) and a high Charlson index (p = 0.00). Overall mortality rate of the series was 3.31% (27/815). Median time to mortality was 455.5 days (IQR 297.58-1170.65). One-third (11/37) of the re-admitted patients died, being sepsis non-related to the THA the most common cause of death. After adjusting for confounders, 90-day re-admissions remained associated with mortality with an adjusted HR of 3.14 (CI95% 1.05-9.36, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned re-admissions were an independent risk factor for future mortality, increasing three times the risk of mortality.

Experiencia inicial en un centro de alta complejidad con el injerto vascularizado de peroné en defectos óseos segmentarios del miembro superior / Early experience in a high complexity hospital with the vascularized fibular graft in segmentalbone defects of the upper limb

Introducción: Los defectos óseos >6 cm en los huesos largos plantean un problema difícil de solucionar en la reconstrucción del miembro superior. El peroné vascularizado se ha convertido en el principal método de reconstrucción por sus ventajas biológicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la tasa y el tiempo de consolidación ósea, y las complicaciones asociadas en una serie continua de pacientes. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión durante un período de 5 años. Se incluyeron los pacientes que fueron tratados por defectos >6 cm en el miembro superior. Se analizaron variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias inmediatas y alejadas. Resultados: Durante el período de evaluación, 6 pacientes (4 hombres/2 mujeres) cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. La edad promedio fue de 47 años. El tiempo transcurrido entre el trauma inicial y la cirugía reconstructiva varió de 2 a 21 años. El defecto óseo promedio fue de 10 cm. El tiempo de seguimiento promedio fue de 17 meses. Se logró la consolidación ósea en todos los casos, como promedio, en 16 semanas. Dos pacientes sufrieron complicaciones posoperatorias. Ninguno presentó complicaciones o secuelas funcionales en la zona dadora. Conclusiones: El injerto óseo vascularizado de peroné es una opción válida para el tratamiento quirúrgico reconstructivo de defectos óseos segmentarios >6 cm en el miembro superior, con una tasa alta de consolidación, aun en casos con múltiples cirugías previas o con una lesión de larga evolución. Los detalles técnicos previenen las complicaciones en la zona dadora.

Introduction: Reconstruction of bone defects >6 cm in the upper limb poses a problem. The vascularized fibular graft has become the most popularized method to treat these bone defects, because of their biological advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of bone union, time to accomplish this union and complications associated with this technique in a continuous series of patients. Methods: A review was performed during a period of five years. All patients who were treated for defects >6 cm on upper limbs were included. Preoperative, intraoperative, and immediate and long-term postoperative variables were analyzed. Results: During the assessment period, 6 patients (4 males/2 females) met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 47 years. Time between the initial trauma and reconstructive surgery ranged from 2 to 21 years. The average bone defect was 10 cm. The average follow-up was 17 months. Bone healing was achieved in all cases at a mean of 16 weeks. Two patients had postoperative complications. None of the patients had complications or functional sequelae in the donor site. Conclusions: The vascularized fibular graft is a valid option in reconstructive surgery of segmental bone defects >6 cm in the upper limb. It achieves a high consolidation rate, even in cases with multiple previous surgeries or a long-standing lesion. The technical details prevent complications in the donor site.