Full-body Postural Alignment Analysis Through Barycentremetry.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric retrospective. OBJECTIVE: The study of center of mass (COM) locations (i.e. barycentremetry) can help us understand postural alignment. This study goal was to determine relationships between COM locations and global postural alignment X-ray parameters in healthy subjects. The second objective was to determine the impact on spinopelvic alignment of increased distance between anterior body envelope and spine at lumbar apex level. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Unexplored relationship between COM location and spinopelvic parameters. METHODS: This study included healthy volunteers with full-body biplanar radiograph including body envelope reconstruction, allowing the estimation of COM location. The following parameters were analyzed: lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), cervical lordosis (CL), pelvic tilt (PT), Sacro-femoral angle (SFA), Knee flexion angle (KFA), sagittal odontoid-hip axis angle (ODHA). The following COM in the sagittal plane were located: whole body, at thoracolumbar inflexion point, and body segment above TK apex. The body envelope reconstruction also provided the distance between anterior skin and the LL apex vertebral body center ("SV-L distance"). RESULTS: This study included 124 volunteers, with a mean age of 44±19.3. Multivariate analysis confirmed posterior translation of COM above TK apex with increasing LL (P=0.002) through its proximal component, and posterior shift of COM at inflexion point with increasing TK (P=0.008). Increased SV-L distance was associated with greater ODHA (r=0.4) and more anterior body COM (r=0.8), caused by increased TK (r=0.2) and decreased proximal and distal LL (both r=0.3), resulting in an augmentation in SFA (r=0.3) (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Barycentremetry showed that greater LL was associated with posterior shift of COM above thoracic apex while greater TK was correlated with more posterior COM at inflexion point. Whole-body COM was strongly correlated with ODHA. This study also exhibited significant alignment disruption associated with increased abdominal volume, with compensatory hip extension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Influence of pelvic tilt correction on PJK occurrence after adult spinal deformity surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Many risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) have been reported in the literature, especially sagittal alignment modifications, but studies on pelvic tilt (PT) variations and its influence on PJK are missing. Aim of this study was to analyze the influence of pelvic tilt correction, after long fusion surgery for ASD patients, on PJK occurrence. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective study was conducted on prospectively collected data, including 76 patients, operated with fusion extending from the thoraco-lumbar junction to the ilium. Radiologic parameters were measured on fullspine standing radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively (<6 months) and at latest follow-up (before revision surgery or >2 years). All parameters were analyzed comparing patients with PJK (group "PJK") and without PJK (group "no PJK"). A further analysis compared patients with low (PT/PI<25th percentile, LowPT group) and high (PT/PI>75th percentile, HighPT group) preoperative pelvic tilt. RESULTS: « PJK ¼ patients had a greater lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis correction (p=0,03 et <0,001 respectively) compared to the "no PJK" patients. Pelvic tilt was significantly lower postoperatively in the "PJK" group (p=0,03). Patients from the HighPT PJK group were significantly more corrected than patients from the HighPT noPJK group (p=0,003). CONCLUSION: Through the analysis of 76 patients, we showed that pelvic tilt did not seem to play a role in the setting of PJK after ASD surgery. Decreasing PT after surgery could be an element to watch out for in patients with PJK risk factors.

Pregnancy and childbirth after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: A study of 80 pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal disease affecting 2% of adolescents, and women in 90% of the cases. When a surgical treatment is opted for, many questions are frequently asked by families and patients about the course of pregnancy and childbirth after the spinal fusion. This subject remains little studied in the literature, especially with modern instrumentation techniques. HYPOTHESIS: The goal was to describe pregnancy and childbirth after AIS surgery in terms of access to epidural analgesia, need for cesarean section (c-section), and low back pain during and after pregnancy. We thus hypothesized that women undergoing spinal surgery for AIS have subsequently uncomplicated pregnancies and childbirths, and have access to epidural analgesia as women without AIS do. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, 198 women who underwent surgery between 1984 and 2014 were reviewed from two university hospitals. Among them, 50 women became pregnant, for a total of 80 pregnancies. Surgical data were collected [approach, uppermost and lowermost instrumented vertebra (UIV, LIV)]. Pregnancy characteristics were evaluated: time between surgery and pregnancy, number of births, mode of analgesia, type of delivery, weight gain. Occurrence of low back pain during pregnancy and at follow-up was recorded using ODI. RESULTS: Of the 50 women, 34 had posterior surgery and 16 had anterior surgery. Deliveries took place from 1988 to 2018. Of the 80 pregnancies, 81% were delivered by vaginal route (n=65/80), and an effective epidural anesthesia was performed for 49% of them (n=39/80). Epidural analgesia failed in 9% of pregnancies (n=7/80), and was denied in 35% of cases (n=28/80), half of the time by anesthesiologists (n=15/80). Patients refused epidural in 13 pregnancies (16%, n=13/80). A general anesthesia was used in six pregnancies (8%, n=6/80), for c-sections only. Back pain was reported in 48% of the pregnancies (n=38/80). The level of fusion was correlated with c-section, and conversely with epidural anesthesia. DISCUSSION: A normal pregnancy with vaginal delivery seems to be the rule for women undergoing spinal fusion for AIS. The c-section rate in AIS women was similar to the general population (19%). Yet, access to epidural anesthesia still seems problematic with only 49% of births in this series, compared with 81% in the French population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort.

Femoral neck version in the spinopelvic and lower limb 3D alignment: a full-body EOS® study in 400 healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to better understand the variation of femoral neck version according to spinopelvic and lower limb 3D alignment using biplanar X-rays in standing position. METHODS: This multicentric study retrospectively included healthy subjects from previous studies who had free-standing position biplanar radiographs. Subjects were excluded if they presented spinal or any musculo-skeletal deformity, and reported pain in the spine, hip or knee. Age, sex, and the following 3D-reconstructed parameters were collected: spinal curvatures, pelvic parameters, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), spino-sacral angle (SSA), femoral torsion angle (FTA), sacro-femoral angle (SFA), knee flexion angle (KA), ankle angle (AA), pelvic shift (PS) and ankle distance. Femoral neck version angle (FVA) was calculated between horizontal plane projection of the bi-coxo-femoral axis and the line passing through the femoral neck barycenter and femoral head center. Analysis according to age subsets was performed. RESULTS: A total of 400 subjects were included (219 females); mean age was 29 ± 18 years (range: 4-83). Subjects with high pelvic tilt values presented significantly higher FVA than average and low-PT individuals, respectively, 7.8 ± 7.1°, 2 ± 9° and 2.1 ± 9.5° (p < 0.001). These subjects also presented lower lumbar lordosis values and higher acetabulum anteversion in the horizontal plane than the two other groups. SVA correlation with FVA was weaker (r = 0.1, p = 0.03) than SSA and TPA (r = - 0.3 and r = 0.3, respectively, p < 0.001). A strong correlation was found with femoral torsion (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). SFA (r = - 0.3, p < 0.001), pelvic shift (r = 0.2, p < 0.001) and ankle distance (r = 0.3, p < 0.001) were also significantly correlated. Multivariate analysis confirmed significant association of age, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, pelvic shift, ankle distance and femoral torsion with FVA. CONCLUSION: Patients with lower lumbar lordosis present pelvic retroversion which induces a higher femoral neck version. This finding may help positioning implants in total hip replacement procedures. Higher pelvic shift, age, male gender and increased femoral torsion were also correlated with higher FVA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding).

Social media use among French spine surgeons: an underrated tool?

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine the use of social media (SM) among the French spine surgeons. METHODS: In 2022, an online questionnaire has been sent to the community of French spine surgeons. All surgeons were asked to answer a 21-question survey about their use of SM in their daily practice. RESULTS: Eighty-five surgeons were included, with 80% claiming to use SM. Mean age was 45 ± 10.7. Usage rate significantly differed among experience categories: 85% of younger surgeons and 69% after ten years of experience (p = 0.01). LinkedIn was the most commonly used (78% among SM users), then Facebook (46%). Instagram was less used by most experienced surgeons (p = 0.01). Time spent on SM was more important at home (p < 0.01). About 31% of participants' patients were able to contact their surgeon through SM, mainly through LinkedIn, professional websites and Facebook (respectively 15%, 13% and 12%). Pictural data were shared on SM by 29% of SM users, mainly on LinkedIn (19%), then professional websites (12%). Google reviews were significantly less valued by most experienced surgeons (p = 0.01) but more valued by private practice surgeons (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: 80% of French spine surgeons use social media for professional purposes. However, SM may not be used to its full potential as only 25% of SM-using broadcast pictures and contact their patients through SM. The most popular network is LinkedIn, followed by Facebook. Most experienced surgeons use less SM, particularly Instagram, and value less Google reviews.

Lumbar scoliosis and stenosis: What outcomes for which treatment? Analysis of three surgical techniques in 154 patients with minimum two-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicentric study. OBJECTIVE: This study goal was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of lumbar stenosis and scoliosis (LSS) patients, treated with lumbar decompression (LD), short fusion and decompression (SF) or long fusion with deformity correction (LF). HYPOTHESIS: Procedures without correction lead to poorer long-term outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients with two-year minimum follow-up, older than 50, with lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle>15°), and symptomatic lumbar stenosis were included. Age, gender, Lumbar and Radicular Visual Analog Scale, ODI, SF12 and SRS30 were collected. Main and adjacent curves Cobb angles, C7 coronal tilt (C7CT), spinopelvic parameters, and spino-sacral angle (SSA) were measured preoperatively, at one and two years. Patients were sorted into surgery type groups. RESULTS: In total, 154 patients were included, with respectively 18, 58 and 78 patients in LD, SF and LF groups. Mean age was 69, 85% were women. Clinical scores improved in each group at one year, but only LF group exhibited persistent improvement at 2years. A significant fractional Cobb angle increase was noted in the SF group at 2years (from 12±11° to 18±14°). C7CT significantly increased in the LD group at 2years (from 2.5±1.3° to 5.1±3.5°). LF group presented the highest complication rate (45%, 19% for SF and 0% for LD). The overall revision rate was 14% in SF group and 30% in LF group. CONCLUSION: LSS is a complex pathology requiring custom-made surgical treatment. LD, SF and LF allow satisfactory clinical outcome, with a better and more sustained clinical improvement for LF despite higher complication and revision rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: Effect of TLIF and slip reduction on sagittal alignment.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) to posterolateral fusion (PLF) on the local lordosis, sagittal alignment and potential complications. The second aim was to evaluate the effect of slip reduction on the same parameters. HYPOTHESIS: The initial hypothesis was that TLIF provides better correction of the local lordosis and that reducing the slip improves the global sagittal balance. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center study, patients who had been operated on for LSD at one or two levels by laminectomy and PLF, with or without a TLIF cage, were included. Data collected consisted of age, sex, number of levels fused and whether or not a TLIF cage was used. Fusion was defined as the absence of indirect nonunion signs on radiographs at 2 years postoperative. The occurrence and time frame of any complications and the need for reoperation were documented. Lateral radiographs of the entire spine were analyzed preoperatively, in the early postoperative period (3 to 6 months) and at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The following parameters were measured: pelvic parameters, C7 sagittal tilt (C7ST), spinosacral angle (SSA), maximum lumbar lordosis (LL), lordosis at slipped level (LS), slip percentage. The analysis compared patients treated by PLF and TLIF and determined the impact of slip reduction. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were included in the study (71% women). The mean follow-up was 38 months. The mean age was 69 years. Seventy-seven patients (75%) underwent PLF. Comparing the preoperative and early postoperative data identified 5.4% better spondylolisthesis reduction in the TLIF group than the PLF group (-8.9±9.5% vs -3.5±7.6%; p=0.04) that was not maintained at the final follow-up. The fusion rate was comparable between groups: 94% in APL and 89% in TLIF (p=0.7). The overall complication rate was 46% in the TLIF group versus 33% in the PLF group (p=0.35). A comparison based on whether or not the slip was reduced found significant improvement in the reduction group of the SSA by more than 6° (6.8°±6° vs 0.5°±7.4°; p=0.04). The fusion rate was 91% in the reduced group and 95% in the non-reduced group (p=0.81); the complication rate was 44% versus 28% in the non-reduced group (p=0.10). CONCLUSION: This study shows that slip reduction helps to improve the sagittal alignment by increasing the SSA when treating LDS. Posterolateral fusion and TLIF produce comparable radiographic outcomes at 2 years postoperative in the segmental lordosis, slip reduction, global sagittal alignment and fusion rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Validation of the Total Disability Index (TDI) in French Version.

INTRODUCTION: The Total Disability Index (TDI) questionnaire has been developed to provide a more complete assessment of low back and neck pain, as they frequently co-occur. This study aimed at validating the TDI questionnaire in French, to determine if it could be used in France. HYPOTHESIS: The TDI French version is valid, reproducible and comparable to the English version. METHODS: This multicentric study prospectively included French-speaking volunteers, both patients admitted for spine surgery in two specialized spine centers and healthy individuals. Healthy subjects were recruited among students of an engineering school and medical staff. A booklet was given to the participants containing a Lumbar and Cervical Visual Analog Scale (respectively LVAS and CVAS), and the French versions of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and TDI questionnaires. Statistical analysis included Cronbach's α calculation for internal consistency assessment, correlation analysis with ODI and NDI items for convergent validity, principal component analyses and factor analysis. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing healthy subjects and patients using Student's t tests, and floor and ceiling effects search. RESULTS: 71 participants were included, with 34 (48%) healthy volunteers and 37 (52%) patients. Mean age was 45.2±19.6 years and 57% of the cohort were males. Internal consistency was good: Cronbach's α was calculated at 0.96 (95%CI: [0.95-0.98]). For each TDI item, a high correlation was found with ODI corresponding items, between 0.81 and 0.97 (p<0.001), and good correlation with NDI items, ranging from 0.65 to 0.96 (p<0.001). TDI correlated also with LVAS and CVAS (respectively 0.70 and 0.65, p<0.001). Principal component analyses indicated good correlation between the TDI items and between each item and TDI total score. Factor analysis indicated two main factors explaining 77% of TDI variance, constituted by all TDI items. Regarding discriminative validity, healthy subjects and patients presented significantly different TDI scores (p-values ≤0.01 for each item). Barplot representations of each TDI item revealed no major floor nor ceiling effects. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the reliability, feasibility and validity of the Total Disability Index questionnaire in its French version. Its validation allows its use in France. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Pedagogy in spine surgery: developing a free and open-access virtual simulator for lumbar pedicle screws placement.

PURPOSE: Simulators for pedicle screws placement range from basic sawbones to virtual reality. Yet, they remain expensive and often require specific devices. No free online virtual simulator has yet been developed. The goal was to design a freely accessible Web-based simulator. METHODS: The computer simulator consisted of a lumbar spine, a red box hiding the pedicles and five pairs of screws. After inserting the screws, the red box was removed to assess their position. A validation study was conducted with 24 medical students randomized into a simulation and a control group. All had a basic course on pedicle screws. The 12 simulation group students performed two sessions on computer. All 24 students then conducted a final common step on sawbones. The number of misplaced screws, types of breaches, and simulation times were analyzed. RESULTS: In the final sawbones simulation, 96 real screws were studied. Control group misplaced 50% of their screws compared with only 20.8% in the simulation group (p < 0.05). More careful, simulation group students were slower to insert their real screws. Over the two computer simulations, the rate of misplaced screws decreased (12.5% vs. 38.3%), showing a good handling of the simulator. Students were able to analyze and correct their pedicle breaches. CONCLUSION: This tool is the first free online lumbar pedicle screws simulator. Simulation helped students to better position the final real screws on sawbones. This project showed it was possible to create a free educational tool with no special equipment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Impact of a multidisciplinary team meeting on patient-reported outcomes at 2 years after lumbar surgery: A prospective comparative exploratory study.

Failed back surgery syndrome is a challenge. We hypothesized that a multidisciplinary team meeting (MTM) may be useful to select patients who are the most likely to benefit from lumbar surgery. We conducted an observational, prospective, comparative, exploratory study. We aimed to compare core clinical patient-reported outcomes at 2 years after lumbar surgery between patients who attended a MTM and those who did not. Patients who underwent lumbar surgery for a degenerative disease, in a single academic orthopedic department, between January and September 2018, were consecutively screened. Eligible patients were surveyed between April and June 2020. Patient-reported outcomes included lumbar and radicular pain, spine-specific activity limitations and health-related quality of life assessed via self-administered questionnaires. Outcomes were compared between respondents who attended the MTM and those who did not. Overall, 211 patients underwent lumbar surgery, 108 were eligible and 44 included: 11 attended the MTM and 33 did not. Mean participants' age was 57.4 (15.4) years, symptom duration was 14.8 (15.3) months, lumbar pain was 51.3 (18.2) and radicular pain was 53.4 (18.6). At 2 years, we found no evidence that lumbar and radicular pain, activity limitations and health-related quality of life differed between the 2 groups. The decrease was -26.8 (41.1) versus -20.8 (30.4) in lumbar pain and -25.5 (43.0) versus -19.5 (27.5) in radicular pain, in participants who attended the MTM versus those who did not, respectively. We found no evidence that core clinical patient-reported outcomes at 2 years after lumbar surgery differed between participants who attended the MTM and those who did not. However, the exploratory design of our study does not allow concluding that MTMs do not have an impact.

Lumbar Spine Posttherapeutic Imaging.

Management of patients after lumbar spine surgery or interventional radiology can be complex, and postoperative imaging patterns are often poorly understood by nonspecialized radiologists. This article focuses on postoperative imaging features of the lumbar spine in five clinical settings (with corresponding interventions): vertebral osteoporotic fractures (percutaneous vertebroplasty and vertebral augmentation), lumbar disk herniation (surgical diskectomy and percutaneous interventional radiology), lumbar spinal stenosis (surgical decompression), lumbar spondylolisthesis (surgical decompression and fusion), and degenerative scoliosis (techniques of osteotomies).For each intervention, we discuss imaging indications, depending if the patient is asymptomatic or if there are suspected complications, describe normal and pathologic imaging features, and present key points.

Global alignment taking into account the cervical spine with odontoid hip axis angle (OD-HA).

INTRODUCTION: Global alignment analysis is of upmost importance in adult spinal deformity patients (ASD). Numerous parameters exist in the literature to measure global alignment based upon C7 or T1. One common limitation of these parameters is that they neglect the cervical segment which is essential in spinal compensatory mechanisms and in horizontal gaze preservation. A recent stereoradiography analysis of asymptomatic subjects introduced a new 3D parameter (ODHA), defined as the angle between the vertical reference line and the line joining the odontoid tip (OD) to hip axis center (HA). Thus, the goal of this study was to analyze 3D global alignment of ASD patients using the new parameter odontoid hip axis angle and its relationship to other spinal parameters. METHODS: In this prospective study, 90 adult patients with lumbar scoliosis (Cobb > 20°) were included. All subjects underwent low dose biplanar X-rays with 3D spinal reconstructions. Based on published normative values of ODHA, we defined abnormally high value as mean ODHA of asymptomatic subject + 2SD (i.e., ODHA > 6.1°). Values of 3D radiographic parameters and ODI were compared between patients with ODHA > 6.1° and < 6.1°. RESULTS: Mean ODHA was 5+/- 3.6° (0.4° to 18.6°). 22 patients had abnormally high ODHA. They were older than the 68 other patients (68+/- 9y vs 53+/- 14y, p = 0.001), without any significant difference in terms of sex, BMI and rate of rotatory subluxation (54% vs 62%, p = 0.06). However, coronal and sagittal deformity was more important in patients with abnormal ODHA (larger Cobb angle, coronal malalignment, pelvic tilt and lower lumbar lordosis). Patients with abnormal ODHA had significantly worst ODI (50+/- 23 vs 30+/- 18, p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Extreme values of ODHA are observed in significantly older patients with significant functional impairment. In addition, in these patients with sagittal malalignment with loss of lumbar lordosis, who recruit compensatory mechanisms such as pelvic retroversion, the cervical area is also involved with a posture in cervical hyperlordosis to maintain the head over the pelvis. Thus, ODHA is an interesting parameter allowing a more comprehensive alignment measurement taking into account the mechanisms of compensation of the cervical spine to the pelvis.

Evaluation of enhanced recovery after spine surgery: Specificities in an academic public hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been well described in many surgical specialties, including orthopedics. Application in spine surgery, on the other hand, is more recent and not yet precisely assessed. The present study aimed to assess the implementation of an ERAS program in a European spine surgery department and its impact on length of hospital stay and complications rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative observational study was conducted on patient progression with and without ERAS. As of the launch date of the program, all eligible patients were included over a 6-month period. A retrospective control group comprised patients managed over the same 6-month period of the previous year, matched for pathology, comorbidity and individual surgeon. Endpoints comprised mean length of stay and major complications (i.e., requiring readmission or revision surgery within 90days). RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were included: 44 per group. Demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between groups. Mean length of stay, taking all pathologies together, was 3.3days in ERAS versus 6days in the control group (p<0.001). Complications rates did not significantly differ between groups (p=1). DISCUSSION: The introduction of the ERAS program gave care teams the opportunity to think over good practices and set up a number of concomitant measures generally agreed to be effective in isolation. The present study showed ERAS to be perfectly feasible in a public-sector structure, reducing length of stay without increasing the rate of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV CEBM.

Volume of spinopelvic muscles: comparison between adult spinal deformity patients and asymptomatic subjects.

PURPOSE: Spinal muscles are a major component of posture in spinal pathologies and changes to the spine with aging. Specifically, spinopelvic muscles may compensate for underlying anomalies such as pelvic retroversion, knee flexion, and cervical or thoracic spinal balance abnormalities. To increase understanding between muscular characteristics and compensatory mechanisms, this study aimed to compare the volume of spinopelvic muscles in adults with a spinal deformity (ASD) to a control group of well-aligned adult subjects. METHODS: Twenty-eight lumbar ASD patients [Cobb angle > 20°, > 40 years old (yo)] were prospectively included and compared to 35 normal subjects divided into 2 different groups: one group of young (Y) subjects (n = 23, < 20 yo) and one group of old (O) subjects (n = 12, > 40 yo). All subjects had a fat/water separation MRI (from C7 to the knees). Volumetric 3D reconstructions of 30 spinopelvic muscles were performed and muscles volumes were compared. RESULTS: Mean age was 60 ± 16 yo, without significant differences between the ASD and O groups (57 ± 11 yo). Age and BMI were smaller in the young group. Mean Cobb angle of the ASD group was 45 ± 11°. Comparing the ASD and O groups, total muscular volume was similar; however, erector spinae (0.24 ± 0.06 vs 0.68 ± 0.08 dm3, p = 0.001), iliopsoas (0.49 ± 0.09 vs 0.60 ± 0.09 dm3, p = 0.001) and obliquus (0.42 ± 0.08 vs 0.50 ± 0.08 dm3, p = 0.02) were significantly smaller in the ASD group. Comparing the Y and the ASD groups, total muscular volume was higher in the Y group than the ASD group (+ 3.3 dm3, p = 0.003) and erector spinae (0.24 ± 0.06 vs 0.74 ± 0.08, p = 0.0001), gluteus medius (0.51 ± 0.07 vs 0.62 ± 0.13, p = 0.01) and vastus lateralis (1.33 ± 0.21 vs 2.08 ± 0.29, p = 0.001) were significantly bigger in the Y group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to compare volume of spinopelvic muscles between ASD patients and a control group without spinal deformity. Our results demonstrate that muscular degeneration has a double origin: aging and deformity. Erector spinae, iliopsoas, and obliquus are the muscles most affected by degeneration.

Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Outcome After Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spine.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to question the influence of fear avoidance beliefs on functional outcome following surgery for degenerative lumbar spine. BACKGROUND: Fear avoidance beliefs are well-studied modifiers of low back pain. Nonetheless, the influence of fear avoidance beliefs on the outcome of spinal surgery remains controversial. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar discopathy, spondylolisthesis, and stenosis. Patients completed a preoperative questionnaire including the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) as well as Visual Analog Scales for radicular and lumbar pain (VAS-R/L), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short-Form 36 health survey (SF36). Functional outcome was measured at least 6 months after surgery using ODI. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with a mean follow-up of 254 days (8.5 mo, minimum=179 d, maximum=534 d) were included in the study. Women showed stronger work-related fear avoidance beliefs but there was no other difference in baseline characteristics and functional outcome between patients with low or high (>75th percentile) baseline FABQ-P or FABQ-W scores. Individual variables associated with whether patients reached minimal clinically important difference for ODI were: working status [odds ratio (OR)=0.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.03-0.62; P =0.01], American Society of Anesthesiologists classification score (OR=0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.92; P =0.03), preoperative duration of symptoms (OR=0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; P =0.03), and preoperative ODI (OR=1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07; P =0.05). Neither physical nor work-related preoperative FABQ scores were predictors of functional results. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the FABQ was not associated with functional outcome following surgery for degenerative lumbar spine. Other psychological patient-reported measures are needed to refine selection of patients undergoing spine surgery in order to ensure better outcomes.

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

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

Individual decontamination measures reduce by two the incidence of surgical site infections in spinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: In spinal surgery, incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) is estimated between 1 and 10%. It results in increased morbidity, mortality and cost of management. Individual Staphylococcus aureus (SA) decolonization has already proved efficiency to prevent those events in various surgical domains. The aim of this study was to evaluate a strategy of prevention of SSI and in particular the decolonization of the nasal carriage of SA by a protocol with Mupirocin application. METHODS: We conducted a bicentric observational study on 5314 spinal surgery patients over a seven-year period. In both center, we compared periods before and after implementation of two measures: modification of antibioprophylaxis and staphylococcus decolonization. Homogeneity of the different samples of patients was assessed through measure of individual and surgical variables. We measured monthly incidence of SSI and evaluated its evolution in order to assess efficiency of these interventions. RESULTS: The incidence of SSI decreased by half, from 7.3% to 3% at the Beaujon Hospital and from 8.3% to 3.9% at the Georges-Pompidou European Hospital (GPEH). We do not observe any significant decrease of SA rate in these SSI. CONCLUSION: We believe that Staphylococcus aureus decolonization should be recommended in spinal surgery, and should be combined with an overall improvement of the quality of care.

Iliocava junction to L4-L5 disc anatomical relationship in L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis.

BACKGROUND: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion finds a place in L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis (ISPL) treatment. Extension of this arthrodesis at L4-L5 level is sometimes required. Anterior approach of the L4L5 disc is considered difficult due to the anatomical relationship between the iliocava junction (ICJ) and the spine. HYPOTHESIS: Does the lumbosacral deformation induced by ISPL allows anterior approach of L4-L5 disc between the iliac? STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective radiographic analysis of consecutive patients. METHODS: This retrospective imaging study of a continuous series of 97 patients treated for an L5-S1 ISPL involved radiological parameters specific to ISPL and pelvic-sagittal balance. The distance between the ICJ and the L4 lower endplate was measured in millimeters. The factors influencing this distance were sought in order to identify a predictive model of high ICJ. RESULTS: The ICJ took a cranial position with respect to the L4-L5 disc with an average distance of 1.8mm±16.4. This distance was statistically higher in the case of high-grade ISPL (p<0.01). The high ICJ position was correlated with a high Taillard index (r=0.39; CI95% [0.13; 0.61]; p<.001) and a low lumbar-sacral angle (LSA) (r=-0.33; CI95% [-0.56; -0.06]; p<0.01). Among the parameters specific to spino-pelvic statics, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis had similar correlations (r>0.30). CONCLUSION: ISPL induces a geometric deformation of the lumbosacral hinge which modifies its anatomical relations with the ICJ. The anterior approach technique of L4-L5 disc in the presence of an L5-S1 ISPL is possible between the iliac veins for the large displacement and low LSA forms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective analysis.

Relationships between radiographic parameters and spinopelvic muscles in adult spinal deformity patients.

INTRODUCTION: While the clinical impact of coronal and sagittal alignment in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients (pts) is established, there is a paucity of data in terms of axial plane deformity and potential association between muscle degeneration and 3D deformity. The purpose of this study was to analyze spinopelvic muscles characteristics in association with the 3D deformity of ASD patients. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study; primary lumbar scoliosis patients (Cobb > 20°) were enrolled and sustained a low-dose X-rays with 3D spinal reconstructions and a fat/water separation MRI (from C7 to the knee). Volumetric 3D reconstructions and fat infiltration (FI) of 6 muscles groups were performed. Relationships between muscular data, radiographic parameters and health-related quality of life were investigated. Patients were stratified and compared based on the SRS classification, the odontoid-hip axis (ODHA) angle (> or < 6.1°) and occurrence of rotatory subluxation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled with a mean age of 60 ± 16yo and mean body mass index of 26 ± 4 kg/m2 without differences between groups. There were a moderate sagittal malalignment and a Cobb angle of 45 ± 11° (table). Muscular volume was smaller in patients with more severe deformity (p > 0.05). Pts with ODHA > 6.1° or pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis > 10° had significantly higher FI for the 6 muscular groups, patients with pelvic tilt > 20° had significantly higher FI for erector spinae, hip flexors and extensors (p < 0.05). SF36-PCS significantly correlated with the muscular volume; SRS and Oswestry disability index correlated with the erectors spinae volume (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study analyzed for the first time the relationship between 3D radiographic parameters and muscular characteristics in ASD. Sagittal malalignment is associated with increased FI and decreased muscle volumes with poor outcomes. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

More complications in cervical than in non-cervical spine tuberculosis.

Purpose: Cervical spine tuberculosis (CST) is a rare disease that may lead to severe neurological complications. The goal of the study was to compare the characteristics of patients with CST with those of patients with non-cervical spine tuberculosis (NCST).Methods: Between 1997 and 2016, we reviewed all cases of proven tuberculosis from a cohort of spine infections in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical, biological, and imaging data were collected at baseline and after treatment.Results: Fifty-one cases of spine tuberculosis were included: 14 with CST on imaging (27%) and 37 with no cervical localization. Median age was 39 y. Demographic characteristics, duration of symptoms and neurological findings of spine compression were similarly present at presentation in CST and NCST patients. On imaging, lesions were more often multifocal in CST than in NCST patients (9/14 [64%] versus 10/37 [27%], p = .014). Spinal surgery was required in 32/51 (63%) patients. At the end of follow-up (median: 20 months), cure rates were similar in CST and NCST patients but motor and/or sensitive functional sequel were more frequent in CST than NCST patients (6/14 [43%] versus 2/37 [5%], p = .003).Conclusions: Cervical involvement is present in more than a quarter of patients with spinal tuberculosis. Patients with CST had more frequent neurological sequelae than patients with NCST. This was mainly due to a more multifocal disease at presentation. Screening for cervical localization should be systematic in patients with spinal tuberculosis even in the absence of cervical symptoms.