Changes in cortical thickness: yet another indication of supraspinal adaptations in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

This scientific commentary refers to 'Patterns of cortical thickness alterations in degenerative cervical myelopathy: associations with dexterity and gait dysfunctions', by Muhammad et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae279).

Sex Differences in Patient-rated Outcomes After Lumbar Spinal Fusion for Degenerative Disease: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Heterogeneous data collection via a mix of prospective, retrospective, and ambispective methods. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of biological sex on patient-reported outcomes after spinal fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Current literature suggests sex differences regarding clinical outcome after spine surgery may exist. Substantial methodological heterogeneity and limited comparability of studies warrants further investigation of sex-related differences in treatment outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent spinal fusion with or without pedicle screw insertion for lumbar degenerative disease included within a multinational study, comprising patients from 11 centers in 7 countries. Absolute values and change scores (change from pe-operative baseline to post-operative follow-up) for 12-month functional impairment (Oswestry disability index [ODI]) and back and leg pain severity (numeric rating scale [NRS]) were compared between male and female patients. Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was defined as > 30% improvement. RESULTS: Six-hundred-sixty (59%) of 1115 included patients were female. Female patients presented with significantly baseline ODI (51.5 ± 17.2 vs. 47.8 ± 17.9, P<0.001) and back pain (6.96 ± 2.32 vs. 6.60 ± 2.30, P=0.010) and leg pain (6.49 ± 2.76 vs. 6.01 ± 2.76, P=0.005). At 12-months, female patients still reported significantly higher ODI (22.76 ± 16.97 vs. 20.50 ± 16.10, P=0.025), but not higher back (3.13 ± 2.38 vs. 3.00 ± 2.40, P=0.355) or leg pain (2.62 ± 2.55 vs. .34 ± 2.43, P=0.060). Change scores at 12 months did not differ significantly among male and female patients in ODI (∆ 1.31, 95% CI -3.88-1.25, P=0.315), back (∆ 0.22, 95% CI -0.57-0.12, P=0.197) and leg pain (∆ 0.16, 95% CI -0.56-0.24, P=0.439). MCID at 12-months was achieved in 330 (77.5%) male patients and 481 (76.3%) female patients (P=0.729) for ODI. CONCLUSION: Both sexes experienced a similar benefit from surgery in terms of relative improvement in scores for functional impairment and pain. Although female patients reported a higher degree of functional impairment and pain preoperatively, at 12 months only their average scores for functional impairment remained higher than those for their male counterparts, while absolute pain scores were similar for female and male patients.

Odontoid Fractures: A Review of the Current State of the Art.

Odontoid fractures (OFs) represent up to 15% of all cervical fractures encountered and present most commonly amongst elderly patients, typically in the setting of low energy trauma such as falls. The Anderson and D'Alonzo classification and Roy-Camille subtype description are the most clinically noteworthy descriptions of OFs used. Even though most patients will not present with neurological injury, mechanical instability can occur with type II and type III (Anderson and D'Alonzo) fractures, particularly if the transverse ligament of the atlas is ruptured; however, this is very rare. Conservative treatment is usually employed for type I and type III injuries, and to a varying degree for non-displaced type II injuries. Surgical treatment is typically reserved for type II fractures, patients with neurological injury, and in the setting of other associated fractures or ligamentous injury. Anterior screw fixation is a viable option in the setting of a favorable fracture line orientation in type II fractures, whereas posterior C1-C2 screw fixation is an option for any type II or type III fracture presentation. There is evidence that surgery for type II fractures has higher rates of union and lower mortality than nonoperative treatments. While surgical options have increased over the decades and the management of OF has been optimized by considering fracture subtypes and patient factors, there remains a significant morbidity and mortality associated with OFs. The aging population and changing demographics suggest that there will be an ongoing rise in the incidence of OFs. Therefore, the appropriate management of these cases will be essential for ensuring optimization of health care resources and the quality of life of affected patients.

Three-dimensional virtual reality-assisted surgical planning for neuronavigated sacrectomy of a chordoma: a technical note.

PURPOSE: Sacral chordomas are slow growing but locally aggressive tumours with a high rate of local recurrence if not completely removed. Surgical resection with negative margins represents the most important survival predictor but it can be challenging to accomplish. Thanks to improvements in intraoperative imaging and surgical techniques, en bloc resection through a partial sacral resection with wide surgical margins has become feasible but it comes with a significant morbidity rate. In this technical note we detail the virtual reality-assisted surgical planning used during resection. METHODS: A 70-year-old patient underwent en bloc resection of the tumor by an antero-posterior two-stage surgery approach. Pre-operatively, based on MR- and CT-imaging, virtual objects were designed, representing the tumour, the surrounding bone and the neurovascular structures. This 3D-model was used to plan the well delimited partial sacral resection and the posterior surgical approach. Intraoperatively the instruments were registered, allowing for a real-time visualization of the tumor, of the neurovascular structures, and for an optimal margin control resection. RESULTS: Postoperatively the patient was intact in the lower extremities, without any deficit up to S1 roots. An intentional middle-low sacral amputation of S2-S5 roots was necessary to have a wide resection with free margins. At follow-up, the patient did not present any lower extremities motor deficit with an improvement of sensory function on S1 dermatome. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional virtual reality-assisted surgical planning for neuronavigated sacrectomy in chordoma is useful, feasible and safe. This technology can increase surgeon's chances to perform a larger margin-free resection decreasing the risk of neurovascular damage.

Multicenter external validation of prediction models for clinical outcomes after spinal fusion for lumbar degenerative disease.

BACKGROUND: Clinical prediction models (CPM), such as the SCOAP-CERTAIN tool, can be utilized to enhance decision-making for lumbar spinal fusion surgery by providing quantitative estimates of outcomes, aiding surgeons in assessing potential benefits and risks for each individual patient. External validation is crucial in CPM to assess generalizability beyond the initial dataset. This ensures performance in diverse populations, reliability and real-world applicability of the results. Therefore, we externally validated the tool for predictability of improvement in oswestry disability index (ODI), back and leg pain (BP, LP). METHODS: Prospective and retrospective data from multicenter registry was obtained. As outcome measure minimum clinically important change was chosen for ODI with ≥ 15-point and ≥ 2-point reduction for numeric rating scales (NRS) for BP and LP 12 months after lumbar fusion for degenerative disease. We externally validate this tool by calculating discrimination and calibration metrics such as intercept, slope, Brier Score, expected/observed ratio, Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL), AUC, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: We included 1115 patients, average age 60.8 ± 12.5 years. For 12-month ODI, area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.70, the calibration intercept and slope were 1.01 and 0.84, respectively. For NRS BP, AUC was 0.72, with calibration intercept of 0.97 and slope of 0.87. For NRS LP, AUC was 0.70, with calibration intercept of 0.04 and slope of 0.72. Sensitivity ranged from 0.63 to 0.96, while specificity ranged from 0.15 to 0.68. Lack of fit was found for all three models based on HL testing. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing data from a multinational registry, we externally validate the SCOAP-CERTAIN prediction tool. The model demonstrated fair discrimination and calibration of predicted probabilities, necessitating caution in applying it in clinical practice. We suggest that future CPMs focus on predicting longer-term prognosis for this patient population, emphasizing the significance of robust calibration and thorough reporting.

Management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy and asymptomatic spinal cord compression: an international survey.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVE: Currently there is limited evidence and guidance on the management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and asymptomatic spinal cord compression (ASCC). Anecdotal evidence suggest variance in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to assess current practice and to quantify the variability in clinical practice. METHODS: Spinal surgeons and some additional health professionals completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of AO Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) North American Society. Questions captured experience with DCM, frequency of DCM patient encounters, and standard of practice in the assessment of DCM. Further questions assessed the definition and management of mild DCM, and the management of ASCC. RESULTS: A total of 699 respondents, mostly surgeons, completed the survey. Every world region was represented in the responses. Half (50.1%, n = 359) had greater than 10 years of professional experience with DCM. For mild DCM, standardised follow-up for non-operative patients was reported by 488 respondents (69.5%). Follow-up included a heterogeneous mix of investigations, most often at 6-month intervals (32.9%, n = 158). There was some inconsistency regarding which clinical features would cause a surgeon to counsel a patient towards surgery. Practice for ASCC aligned closely with mild DCM. Finally, there were some contradictory definitions of mild DCM provided in the form of free text. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals typically offer outpatient follow up for patients with mild DCM and/or asymptomatic ASCC. However, what this constitutes varies widely. Further research is needed to define best practice and support patient care.

Tetraparesis following thoracic spine surgery in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome and ABCB4 mutation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare condition described in 1912 by Maurice Klippel and André Feil. It is defined as a congenital cervical fusion of at least two vertebrae, associated with a classical triad of clinical signs: short neck, low posterior hairline, and limited range of movement. However, Klippel-Feil syndrome manifests with a vast spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from no symptoms to complete triad, with or without other associated malformations. Most commonly, CCF results from sporadic mutations, even though autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, or even X-linked inheritance can be detected. The ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4 is only expressed in the liver and is involved in biliary phospholipid secretion. The clinical spectrum includes various hepatobiliary pathologies, including low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis, and has never been associated with musculoskeletal anomalies. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old male Caucasian patient presenting with low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis syndrome with ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4 mutation and liver cirrhosis was referred to our clinic for a liver transplant. A period of 6 months before, the patient underwent a T7-T9 posterior fixation for a T8 osteoporotic fracture. Postoperatively, he was tetraparetic, whereas he was neurologically intact before the operation. At admission to our hospital, he was still tetraparetic and presented with clinical signs of cervical myelopathy. Moreover, he suffered a limitation of cervical range of motion in all directions, short neck, and low posterior hairline. Imaging showed multiple cervical and thoracic vertebral bodies fusion, as well as cervical spine stenosis. Based on the available data, we diagnosed a type 3 Klippel-Feil syndrome according to Samartzis' classification. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneity of KFS and the various potential hereditary links that are known indicate that it is important to highlight all potential cases related to known genetic defects. At present, no association between ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4 mutation and congenital cervical fusions has been reported. The other important clinical focus of this case is the appearance of spontaneous tetraparesis after thoracic spine surgery. This mechanism remains unclear, but considering different spinal anatomy it might have been due to difficult intubation and patient's positioning during his previous operation.

Cardioprotection with glucose insulin potassium (GIK) during non cardiac surgery in a patient with stress induced myocardial ischemia: A case report.

The administration of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in cardiac surgery. A 58-year-old male with severe disabling back pain due to posterolateral lumbar pseudarthrosis was scheduled for spine surgery. He previously experienced two episodes of acute coronary syndrome that required percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Coronary angiogram showed intrastent occlusions and multiple coronary lesions that were not suitable for percutaneous or surgical revascularization. During pharmacological stress imaging, myocardial ischemia developed in 19% of the ventricular mass and was reduced to 7% when GIK was administered. After anesthesia induction, the GIK solution was also infused and surgery was uneventful, with no signs of postoperative myocardial injury. Four days later, the patient was successfully discharged to a rehabilitation center. This is the first clinical report of GIK pretreatment during non-cardiac surgery in a patient with ischemic heart disease (IHD).

FUSE-ML: development and external validation of a clinical prediction model for mid-term outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disease.

BACKGROUND: Indications and outcomes in lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disease are notoriously heterogenous. Selected subsets of patients show remarkable benefit. However, their objective identification is often difficult. Decision-making may be improved with reliable prediction of long-term outcomes for each individual patient, improving patient selection and avoiding ineffective procedures. METHODS: Clinical prediction models for long-term functional impairment [Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI)], back pain, and leg pain after lumbar fusion for degenerative disease were developed. Achievement of the minimum clinically important difference at 12 months postoperatively was defined as a reduction from baseline of at least 15 points for ODI, 2.2 points for COMI, or 2 points for pain severity. RESULTS: Models were developed and integrated into a web-app ( https://neurosurgery.shinyapps.io/fuseml/ ) based on a multinational cohort [N = 817; 42.7% male; mean (SD) age: 61.19 (12.36) years]. At external validation [N = 298; 35.6% male; mean (SD) age: 59.73 (12.64) years], areas under the curves for functional impairment [0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.74], back pain (0.72, 95%CI: 0.64-0.79), and leg pain (0.64, 95%CI: 0.54-0.73) demonstrated moderate ability to identify patients who are likely to benefit from surgery. Models demonstrated fair calibration of the predicted probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disease remain difficult to predict. Although assistive clinical prediction models can help in quantifying potential benefits of surgery and the externally validated FUSE-ML tool may aid in individualized risk-benefit estimation, truly impacting clinical practice in the era of "personalized medicine" necessitates more robust tools in this patient population.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Development and Natural History [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 2].

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. OBJECTIVES: To discuss the current understanding of the natural history of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: Literature review summarizing current evidence pertaining to the natural history and risk factors of DCM. RESULTS: DCM is a common condition in which progressive arthritic disease of the cervical spine leads to spinal cord compression resulting in a constellation of neurological symptoms, in particular upper extremity dysfunction and gait impairment. Anatomical factors including cord-canal mismatch, congenitally fused vertebrae and genetic factors may increase individuals' risk for DCM development. Non-myelopathic spinal cord compression (NMSCC) is a common phenomenon with a prevalence of 24.2% in the healthy population, and 35.3% among individuals >60 years of age. Clinical radiculopathy and/or electrophysiological signs of cervical cord dysfunction appear to be risk factors for myelopathy development. Radiological progression of incidental Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) is estimated at 18.3% over 81-months and development of myelopathy ranges between 0-61.5% (follow-up ranging from 40 to 124 months between studies) among studies. In patients with symptomatic DCM undergoing non-operative treatment, 20-62% will experience neurological deterioration within 3-6 years. CONCLUSION: Current estimates surrounding the natural history of DCM, particularly those individuals with mild or minimal impairment, lack precision. Clear predictors of clinical deterioration for those treated with non-operative care are yet to be identified. Future studies are needed on this topic to help improve treatment counseling and clinical prognostication.

Risk factors for the development of degenerative cervical myelopathy: a review of the literature.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) encompasses various pathological conditions causing spinal cord (SC) impairment, including spondylosis (multiple level degeneration), degenerative disc disease (DDD), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). It is considered the most common cause of SC dysfunction among the adult population. The degenerative phenomena of DDD, spondylosis, OPLL and OLF, is likely due to both inter-related and distinct factors. Age, cervical alignment, and range of motion, as well as congenital factors such as cervical cord-canal mismatch due to congenital stenosis, Klippel-Feil, Ehler-Danlos, and Down syndromes have been previously reported as potential factors of risk for DCM. The correlation between some comorbidities, such as rheumatoid arthritis and movement disorders (Parkinson disease and cervical dystonia) and DCM, has also been reported; however, the literature remains scare. Other patient-specific factors including smoking, participation in contact sports, regular heavy load carrying on the head, and occupation (e.g. astronauts) have also been suggested as potential risk of myelopathy development. Most of the identified DCM risk factors remain poorly studied however. Further researches will be necessary to strengthen the current knowledge on the subject, especially concerning physical labors in order to identify patients at risk and to develop an effective treatment strategy for preventing this increasing prevalent disorder.

Flexing a standard hinge-powered operating table for lumbosacral three-column osteotomy (3-CO) site closure in 84 consecutive patients.

Three-column osteotomy (3-CO) is a powerful technique in adult deformity surgery, and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is the workhorse to correct severe kyphotic spinal deformities. Aging of the population, increasing cases of iatrogenic flat back deformities and understanding the importance of sagittal balance have led to a dramatic increase of this surgical technique. Surgery, however, is demanding and associated with high complication rates so that every step of the procedure requires meticulous technique. Particularly, osteotomy closure is associated with risks like secondary fracture, translation, or iatrogenic stenosis. This step is traditionally performed by compression or a cantilever maneuver with sometimes excessive forces on the screws or instrumentation. Implant loosening or abrupt subluxation resulting in construct failure and/or neurological deficits can result. The aim of this prospective registry study was to assess the efficacy and safety of our surgical PSO technique as well as the osteotomy closure by flexing a hinge-powered OR table. In a series of 84 consecutive lumbosacral 3-CO, a standardized surgical technique with special focus on closure of the osteotomy was prospectively evaluated. The surgical steps with the patients positioned prone on a soft frame are detailed. Osteotomy closure was achieved by remote controlled bending of a standard OR table without compressive or cantilever forces in all 84 cases. This technique carries a number of advantages, particularly the reversibility and the slow speed of closure with minimum force. There was not a single mechanical intraoperative complication such as vertebral body fracture, subluxation, or adjacent implant loosening during osteotomy closure, compared to external cohorts using the cantilever technique (p = 0.130). The feasibility of controlled 3-CO closure by flexing a standard OR table is demonstrated. This technique enables a safe, gentle closure of the osteotomy site with minimal risk of implant failure or accidental neurological injury.

Spinal arachnoid web-a distinct entity of focal arachnopathy with favorable long-term outcome after surgical resection: analysis of a multicenter patient population.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal arachnoid web (SAW) is a rare condition characterized by focal thickening of the arachnoid membrane causing displacement and compression of the spinal cord with progressive symptoms and neurological deficits. Recent reports and clinical experience suggest that SAW is a distinct entity with specific radiological findings and treatment strategies distinguishable from other arachnopathies and potential differential diagnoses. PURPOSE: To better define the diagnostic and clinical features, treatment options and outcomes of surgically treated SAW. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twelve cases of SAW surgically treated at three different centers. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported and neurological outcome measurements (pain, sensory-motor deficits, vegetative dysfunctions) were assessed at follow-up timepoints. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data on all patients surgically treated for SAW from three participating neurosurgical centers between 2014 and 2020. Clinicopathological data, including neurological presentation, radiological and histological findings and outcome data were analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve radiologically and surgically confirmed cases of SAW were analyzed. Mean patient age was 54.7 [±12.7], 67% were male. All SAWs were located in the posterior thoracic dural sac. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the "scalpel sign" - a characteristic focal dorsal indentation of the spinal cord resembling a scalpel blade - was identified in all patients. A focal intramedullary syrinx was present in 83%. Preoperative clinical symptoms included signs of myelopathy, pain, weakness and sensory loss, most commonly affecting the trunk/upper back or lower extremities. Laminectomy or laminoplasty with intradural excision of the SAW was the surgical treatment of choice in all cases. Intraoperative ultrasound was valuable to visualize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow obstruction, confirm the SAW location before dura incision and to control adequacy of resection. After surgery, sensory loss and weakness in particular showed significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The present study comprises the largest series of surgically treated SAW, underscoring the unique clinical, radiographic, histopathological, and surgical findings. We want to emphasize SAW being a distinct entity of spinal arachnopathy with a favorable long-term outcome if diagnosed correctly and treated surgically. Intraoperative ultrasound aids visualizing the SAW before dural incision, as well as verifying restored CSF flow after resection.

Clinical Outcomes between Stand-Alone Zero-Profile Spacers and Cervical Plate with Cage Fixation for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Retrospective Analysis of 166 Patients.

Stand-alone (SA) zero-profile implants are an alternative to cervical plating (CP) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In this study, we investigate differences in surgical outcomes between SA and CP in ACDF. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 166 patients with myelopathy and/or radiculopathy who had ACDF with SA or CP from Jan 2013-Dec 2016. We measured surgical outcomes including Bazaz dysphagia score at 3 months, Nurick grade at last follow-up, and length of hospital stay. 166 patients (92F/74M) were reviewed. 92 presented with radiculopathy (55%), 37 with myelopathy (22%), and 37 with myeloradiculopathy (22%). The average operative time with CP was longer than SA (194 ± 69 vs. 126 ± 46 min) (p < 0.001), as was the average length of hospital stay (2.1 ± 2 vs. 1.5 ± 1 days) (p = 0.006). At 3 months, 82 patients (49.4%) had a follow-up for dysphagia, with 3 patients reporting mild dysphagia and none reporting moderate or severe dysphagia. Nurick grade at last follow-up for the myelopathy and myeloradiculopathy cohorts improved in 63 patients (85%). Prolonged length of stay was associated with reduced odds of having an optimal outcome by 0.50 (CI = 0.35-0.85, p = 0.003). Overall, we demonstrate that there is no significant difference in neurological outcome or rates of dysphagia between SA and CP, and that both lead to overall improvement of symptoms based on Nurick grading. However, we also show that the SA group has shorter length of hospital stay and operative time compared to CP.

Role of Robotics in Improving Surgical Outcome in Spinal Pathologies.

BACKGROUND: The desire to improve accuracy and safety and to favor minimally invasive techniques has given rise to spinal robotic surgery, which has seen a steady increase in utilization in the past 2 decades. However, spinal surgery encompasses a large spectrum of operative techniques, and robotic surgery currently remains confined to assistance with the trajectory of pedicle screw insertion, which has been shown to be accurate and safe based on class II and III evidence. The role of robotics in improving surgical outcomes in spinal pathologies is less clear, however. METHODS: This comprehensive review of the literature addresses the role of robotics in surgical outcomes in spinal pathologies with a focus on the various meta-analysis and prospective randomized trials published within the past 10 years in the field. RESULTS: It appears that robotic spinal surgery might be useful for increasing accuracy and safety in spinal instrumentation and allows for a reduction in surgical time and radiation exposure for the patient, medical staff, and operator. CONCLUSION: Robotic assisted surgery may thus open the door to minimally invasive surgery with greater security and confidence. In addition, the use of robotics facilitates tireless repeated movements with higher precision compared with humans. Nevertheless, it is clear that further studies are now necessary to demonstrate the role of this modern tool in cost-effectiveness and in improving clinical outcomes, such as reoperation rates for screw malpositioning.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Review of Surgical Outcome Predictors and Need for Multimodal Approach.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in the elderly population in the developed world, and it significantly affects the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Surgery remains the only treatment option able to halt disease progression and provide neurological recovery for most patients. Although it has remained challenging to predict exactly who will experience improvement after surgery, increasingly it has been shown that clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological factors can predict, with relatively good capacity, those more likely to benefit. Clinically, the baseline neurological impairment appears to be strongly related to the outcome, and the magnetic resonance imaging findings of T1-weighted hypointensity and the length of T2-weighted hyperintensity appear to be the most prognostic. In this context, electrophysiology findings (both motor and sensory evoked potentials) have shown some predictive capacity. However, large studies are lacking. Although multivariate models have been conducted using clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data, no multimodal prediction models are available that encompass the predictive capacity of clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological data. In the present review, we examined the rationale for clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological usage in clinical practice and discussed a model of multimodal assessment for the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy.

The European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation (EUROSPIN) study: protocol for a multicentre prospective observational study of pedicle screw revision surgery after robot-guided, navigated and freehand thoracolumbar spinal fusion.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic guidance (RG) and computer-assisted navigation (NV) have seen increased adoption in instrumented spine surgery over the last decade. Although there exists some evidence that these techniques increase radiological pedicle screw accuracy compared with conventional freehand (FH) surgery, this may not directly translate to any tangible clinical benefits, especially considering the relatively high inherent costs. As a non-randomised, expertise-based study, the European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation Study aims to create prospective multicentre evidence on the potential comparative clinical benefits of RG, NV and FH in a real-world setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients are allocated in a non-randomised, non-blinded fashion to the RG, NV or FH arms. Adult patients that are to undergo thoracolumbar pedicle screw instrumentation for degenerative pathologies, infections, vertebral tumours or fractures are considered for inclusion. Deformity correction and surgery at more than five levels represent exclusion criteria. Follow-up takes place at 6 weeks, as well as 12 and 24 months. The primary endpoint is defined as the time to revision surgery for a malpositioned or loosened pedicle screw within the first postoperative year. Secondary endpoints include patient-reported back and leg pain, as well as Oswestry Disability Index and EuroQOL 5-dimension questionnaires. Use of analgesic medication and work status are recorded. The primary analysis, conducted on the 12-month data, is carried out according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary endpoint is analysed using crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Patient-reported outcomes are analysed using baseline-adjusted linear mixed models. The study is monitored according to a prespecified monitoring plan. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol is approved by the appropriate national and local authorities. Written informed consent is obtained from all participants. The final results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials.gov registry NCT03398915; Pre-results, recruiting stage.

Management of Craniovertebral Junction Tuberculosis Presenting with Atlantoaxial Dislocation.

Tuberculosis (TB) rarely involves the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is one of the most commonly encountered lesions in craniocervical TB. The incidence of TB and its craniovertebral manifestation is increasing even in developed countries because of intercontinental migration and increased prevalence rates of immunosuppression conditions. While the treatment of craniovertebral TB is well standardized and relies on conservative measures, the treatment of TB with AAD is disputable. In this paper we present a review of the literature and elucidate our approach to craniovertebral TB with AAD through a case illustration.