Management and Scheduling of Spine Surgery in a Level 1 Trauma Center in the Setting of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Feasibility and Considerations for Reimplementation of Elective Spine Surgery.

Introduction: Determination of what constitutes necessary surgery in the setting of acute hospital resource strain during the COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems. Over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many changes in reviews of medically necessary spine surgery. There continues to be no clear guidelines on recommendations and further discussion is necessary to continue to provide appropriate and high-level care during future pandemics. Significance: This review critically appraises and evaluates current barriers to medically necessary spine surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluates future decision making to maintain spine surgery during future pandemics or limitations in medical care. Results: Multiple studies included in this review have shown that while various orthopaedic surgeries may be considered elective, medically necessary spine surgery will need to continue during settings of limited medical care. This review discussed multiple methods and recommendations to limit transmission of virus from patients to providers and providers to patients. Conclusion: Continued medically necessary spine surgery in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics should continue while limiting risk of transmission to continue providing high-level medical care and allowing hospitals to maintain financial responsibility.

Noninvasive electrical stimulation as an adjunct to fusion procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive electrical stimulation represents a distinct group of devices used to augment fusion rates. However, data regarding outcomes of noninvasive electrical stimulation have come from a small number of studies. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine outcomes of noninvasive electrical stimulation used as an adjunct to fusion procedures to improve rates of successful fusion. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Clinical Trials database were searched according to search strategy and PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses of fusion rates with the three main modalities of noninvasive electrical stimulation, capacitively coupled stimulation (CCS), pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), and combined magnetic fields (CMFs), were conducted using R version 4.1.0 (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Both retrospective studies and clinical trials were included. Animal studies were excluded. Risk-of-bias analysis was performed with the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools. RESULTS: Searches of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Clinical Trials database identified 8 articles with 1216 participants meeting criteria from 213 initial results. There was a high overall risk of bias identified for the majority of randomized studies. No meta-analysis could be performed for CCS as only 1 study was identified. Meta-analysis of 6 studies of fusion rates in PEMF did not find any difference between treatment and control groups (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.36-9.80, p = 0.449). Meta-analysis of 2 studies of CMF found no difference in fusion rates between control and treatment groups (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.07-11.93, p = 0.939). Subgroup analysis of PEMF was limited given the small number of studies and patients, although significantly increased fusion rates were seen in some subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and fusion rates in noninvasive electrical stimulation compared to no stimulation did not identify any increases in fusion rates for any modality. A high degree of heterogeneity between studies was noted. Although subgroup analysis identified significant differences in fusion rates in certain groups, these findings were based on a small number of studies and further research is needed. This analysis does not support routine use of these devices to augment fusion rates, although the data are limited by a high risk of bias and a small number of available studies.

Retrograde ejaculation following anterior lumbar surgery: a systematic review and pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and pooled analysis aims to assess the incidence and risk factors for the development of retrograde ejaculation (RE) following first-time open anterior lumbar surgery. METHODS: A systematic MEDLINE review via PubMed was performed, identifying 130 clinical papers relating to the topic. Eighteen publications were selected according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and were used to determine the incidence of RE. Only the publications that provided data on surgical risk factors present specifically in the men in the study were included in the analysis of risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 2503 men included, there were 57 reported events of RE (2.3%). Of the cases for which long-term data were provided, 45.8% had resolved by final follow-up. There was a statistically significant increased risk associated with a transperitoneal as opposed to a retroperitoneal approach (8.6% vs 3.2%), as well as with the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) as opposed to ALIF with bone graft or arthroplasty in controls (5.0% vs 1.8%). However, when excluding from analysis the patients operated on prior to the FDA's 2008 warning that commented on the drug's neuroinflammatory properties, there was no significant difference in rates of RE in patients receiving rhBMP-2 versus the control group (2.4% vs 2.5%). There was no significant difference in risk based on single- versus multilevel procedure or on ALIF versus arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: In a pooled analysis of currently published data on men undergoing first-time open anterior lumbar surgery, this study found an overall incidence of RE of 2.3%. Nearly half of these patients recovered, reporting resolution of symptoms anywhere between 3 months and 48 months. Analysis of risk factors was limited by a paucity of published literature segregating data by sex. However, there was an increased risk associated with rhBMP-2 only when including data collected prior to the FDA warning on its detrimental properties. The authors therefore posit that the risk of RE is probably overestimated in the literature, given that the vast majority of the data available were collected prior to this warning and given the subsequent implementation of precautions when handling rhBMP-2.

Separation surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: comparison of a minimally invasive versus open approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of separation surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing MIS or standard open separation surgery for MESCC between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Both groups received circumferential decompression via laminectomy and a transpedicular approach for partial corpectomy to debulk ventral epidural disease, as well as instrumented stabilization. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 17 patients in the MIS group and 24 in the open surgery group. The average age of the MIS group was significantly older than the open surgery group (65.5 vs 56.6 years, p < 0.05). The preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score of the open group was significantly lower than that of the MIS group, with averages of 63.0% versus 75.9%, respectively (p = 0.02). This was also evidenced by the higher proportion of emergency procedures performed in the open group (9 of 24 patients vs 0 of 17 patients, p = 0.004). The average Spine Instability Neoplastic Score, number of levels fused, and operative parameters, including length of stay, were similar. The average estimated blood loss difference for the open surgery versus the MIS group (783 mL vs 430 mL, p < 0.05) was significant, although the average amount of packed red blood cells transfused was not significantly different (325 mL vs 216 mL, p = 0.39). Time until start of radiation therapy was slightly less in the MIS than the open surgery group (32.8 ± 15.6 days vs 43.1 ± 20.3 days, p = 0.069). Among patients who underwent open surgery with long-term follow-up, 20% were found to have local recurrence compared with 12.5% of patients treated with the MIS technique. No patients in either group developed hardware failure requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MIS for MESCC is a safe and effective approach for decompression and stabilization compared with standard open separation surgery, and it significantly reduced blood loss during surgery. Although there was a trend toward a faster time to starting radiation treatment in the MIS group, both groups received similar postoperative radiotherapy doses, with similar rates of local recurrence and hardware failure. An increased ability to perform MIS in emergency settings as well as larger, prospective studies are needed to determine the potential benefits of MIS over standard open separation surgery.

The Influence of Cervical Spondylolisthesis on Clinical Presentation and Surgical Outcome in Patients With DCM: Analysis of a Multicenter Global Cohort of 458 Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Ambispective study with propensity matching. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cervical spondylolisthesis (CS) on clinical presentation and surgical outcome in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: A total of 458 magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from the AOSpine CSM-NA and CSM-I studies were reviewed and CS was identified. Patients with DCM were divided into 2 cohorts, those with CS and those without, and propensity matching was performed. Patient demographics, neurological and functional status at baseline and 2-year follow-up were compared. RESULTS: Compared with nonspondylolisthesis (n = 404), CS patients (n = 54) were 8.8 years older (P < .0001), presented with worse baseline neurological and functional status (mJOA [modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Assessment Scale], P = .008; Nurick, P = .008; SF-36-PCS [Short Form-36 Physical Component Score], P = .01), more commonly presented with ligamentum flavum enlargement (81.5% vs 53.5%, P < .0001), and were less commonly from Asia (P = .0002). Surgical approach varied between cohorts (P = .0002), with posterior approaches favored in CS (61.1% vs 37.4%). CS patients had more operated levels (4.3 ± 1.4 vs 3.6 ± 1.2, P = .0002) and tended to undergo longer operations (196.6 ± 89.2 vs 177.2 ± 75.6 minutes, P = .087). Neurological functional recovery was lower with CS (mJOA [1.5 ± 3.6 vs 2.8 ± 2.7, P = .003]; Nurick [-0.8 ± 1.4 vs -1.5 ± 1.5, P = .002]), and CS was an independent predictor of worse mJOA recovery ratio at 2 years (B = -0.190, P < .0001). After propensity matching, improvement of neurological function was still lower in CS patients (mJOA [1.5 ± 3.6 vs 3.2 ± 2.8, P < .01]; Nurick [-0.8 ± 1.4 vs -1.4 ± 1.6, P = .02]). CONCLUSIONS: CS patients are older, present with worse neurological/functional impairment, and receive surgery on more levels and more commonly from the posterior. CS may indicate a more advanced state of DCM pathology and is more likely to result in a suboptimal surgical outcome.

Transient Dorsal Column Dysfunction After Extreme Cervical Deformity Correction: Report of 3 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Chin-on-chest kyphotic cervical deformity can be debilitating. Surgical deformity correction serves to decompress neural elements and restore lordosis. This can be achieved through multiple osteotomies with instrumentation and fusion, sometimes requiring a staged approach. Such procedures carry a high risk of neurologic injury. Here we present examples of transient neurologic dysfunction not previously reported in the common literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present 3 patients who underwent extreme cervical deformity correction for chin-on-chest deformity. Deformity correction in all cases was obtained through multiple osteotomies with multilevel cervicothoracic posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis. On postoperative examination, all 3 patients developed transient ataxia, dysmetria, and decreased proprioception in all 4 extremities-examination findings consistent with dorsal column dysfunction. All symptoms resolved within 2-3 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete spinal cord syndromes such as posterior cord syndrome can be caused by compression or stretching of the ascending dorsal spinal tracts. Considering the large degree of correction obtained, we hypothesize the resulting shortening of the dorsal columns as the pathomechanism. Providers should be aware, and patients should be counseled preoperatively that these symptoms may occur. If these symptoms are present postoperatively, appropriate diligence is warranted with the understanding that these deficits may be transient.

Prevalence of anemia and its relationship with neurological status in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy: A retrospective study of 2 spine centers.

Both degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and anemia are common among older patients, however insufficient data exists evaluating their co-occurrence and the influence of anemia on baseline neurological status. To address this, we examined a retrospective multicenter series of patients treated for DCM or radiculopathy. Myelopathy was graded using the Nurick scale. Established criteria for diagnosing abnormalities were used to identify blood abnormalities, including macrocytic and microcytic anemia. Multivariable regression was used to determine the impact of hematological anomalies on Nurick grades. In our analysis, we included 725 patients (age of 57.1 ± 11.7), of whom 398 presented with myelopathy and 327 presented with radiculopathy alone. Twenty six percent of all patients were anemic at baseline and the mean preoperative Nurick grade across all patients was 2.09 ± 1.29; mean Nurick grade amongst those with DCM was 2.98 ± 1.12. Compared to those with myelopathy, patients with radiculopathy were significantly younger (53.8 ± 11.0 vs 59.8 ± 11.6, p < 0.001) and less likely to be anemic (16.8% vs 33.7%, p < 0.0001). Nurick grading was significantly higher in myelopathy patients with anemia (3.13 ± 1.19 vs 2.91 ± 1.07, p = 0.05) and macrocytic anemia (4.00 ± 1.41 vs 2.97 ± 1.11, p = 0.04). Multivariate regression demonstrated that anemia (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.0001), and posterior surgical approach (p < 0.0001) were related to worse preoperative Nurick grade. In sum, these data suggest that anemia and degenerative cervical spine pathologies commonly co-occur. Anemia, and macrocytic anemia specifically, is associated with poorer neurological status in myelopathic patients. These data suggest anemia may influence baseline neurological status and impact surgical recovery in patients treated for DCM or radiculopathy.

Right Versus Left Approach to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Anatomic Versus Historic Debate.

The debate over the influence approach sidedness has on the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has its origins with the introduction of the procedure for radicular pain in the 1950s. The recurrent laryngeal nerves follow disparate courses in the lower neck secondary to differences in embryogenesis. Because of these differences, some authors believe a right-sided approach increases the risk of RLNP. However, modern surgical series have not shown a clear risk of RLNP with a right- versus left-sided approach. By looking at the historical context surrounding the introduction of ACDF, we propose the dogmatic view of an increased risk of RLNP with a right-sided approach likely arose from a combination of theoretical anatomic risk and the early surgical experience of a pioneer of the procedure.

The Role of Vitamin B12 in the Management and Optimization of Treatment in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. OBJECTIVES: To discuss the relationship between degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and vitamin B12 deficiency. Specifically, it is the aim to outline the rational for future research into assessment and therapeutic optimization of vitamin B12 in the treatment of DCM. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: DCM is the commonest cause of spinal cord impairment, with an average age of presentation in the sixth decade. Patients at this age have also been reported to have a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, with estimates of up to 20% in the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD), and several case reports have pointed to patients with both DCM and SACD. Both SACD and reversible compressive injury due to DCM necessitate remyelination in the spinal cord, a process that requires adequate vitamin B12 levels. Basic science research on nerve crush injuries have shown that vitamin B12 levels are altered after nerve injury and that vitamin B12 along with dexamethasone or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce Wallerian degeneration. Furthermore, it has been suggested that a combination of B-vitamins can reduce glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of clinical and subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly, the role of vitamin B12 in myelination, and vitamin B12 deficiency as a differential diagnosis of DCM, it is important to investigate what role vitamin B12 levels play in patients with DCM in terms of baseline neurological function and whether optimization of vitamin B12 levels can improve surgical outcome. Furthermore, the routine assessment of vitamin B12 levels in patients considered for DCM surgery should be considered.

Predictors of Return to Normal Neurological Function After Surgery for Moderate and Severe Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Analysis of A Global AOSpine Cohort of Patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have established the safety and efficacy of surgical intervention for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Although the main goal of surgery is symptom stabilization, a subset of patients achieves remarkable improvements. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of return to normal neurological function after surgery for moderate or severe DCM. METHODS: This is an analysis of 2 prospective multicenter studies (the AOSpine CSM-North America and CSM-International studies) conducted between 2005 and 2011. For patients with complete preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2-yr follow-up, characteristics were compared between those who achieved a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score of 18 at 2 yr (no signs of myelopathy) vs controls. Only patients with baseline mJOA ≤ 14 (moderate and severe myelopathy) were included to minimize ceiling effects. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (20.3%) out of 251 with moderate or severe baseline myelopathy achieved an mJOA score of 18 at 2 yr. On stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, T1-weighted (T1W1)-hypointensity (odds ratio [OR] 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.79; P = .03) and longer walking time on the 30-m walking test (OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99; P = .03) were independent predictors of outcome, with an area under the curve of 0.71 for the model. CONCLUSION: In this study, T1W-hypointensity on MRI and longer walking time were found to predict a less likelihood of achieving return to normal neurological function after surgery for moderate or severe DCM. These findings may provide useful information for patient counseling and perioperative expectations.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Surgical Site Infections Following Spinal Procedures.

STUDY DESIGN: Focused literature review. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to help identify potential risk factors as well as strategies to help prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) in spine surgery. METHODS: An article search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews using the terms "surgery" OR "surgical" AND "spine" OR "spinal" AND "infection". Systematic review articles, meta-analyses, and clinical trials with more than 100 patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Both patient and perioperative factors contribute to the development of SSIs. Patient factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, and malnutrition are all modifiable risk factors that can lead to SSIs. Procedural steps, including preoperative MRSA screening and treatment for colonization, preoperative antibiotics, skin preparation, minimizing operative time, antibiotic or betadine irrigation, avoiding personnel turnover, and postoperative wound care have also been shown to decrease infection rates. CONCLUSION: There are several measures a spine practitioner may be able to take in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings. Protocols to counsel patients regarding modification of preexisting risk factors and ensure adequate antimicrobial therapy in the perioperative period may be developed to reduce SSIs in spine surgery.

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord following nitrous oxide anesthesia: A systematic review of cases.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to subacute combined degeneration (SCD). Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an anesthetic which oxidizes the cobalt ion of vitamin B12, interfering with its function as a coenzyme. In this study, we conduct a systematic review of reported cases of SCD following nitrous oxide anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted, and information about patient characteristics, symptomatology, clinical work-up, and treatment was extracted from eligible articles. Univariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of poor neurological recovery following SCD. RESULTS: 32 studies, reporting 37 cases of nitrous oxide-induced SCD, were included through the screening process. These cases included 21 male patients and 16 female patients, with an average age of 50.4 years (SD 17.6). An etiology for subclinical B12 deficiency was determined in 30 reports; of these, 25 were due to vitamin malabsorption secondary to a gastrointestinal disorder. Duration of nitrous oxide exposure was described in 19 reports, and ranged from 30 min to 11 h. Univariate analysis failed to find an association between post-operative recovery and age (p = 0.60), sex (p = 0.46), positive MRI findings (p = 0.47), post-operative serum B12 (p = 1.00), post-operative hemoglobin (p = 0.18), type of surgery (p = 0.58), or post-operative high mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: In patients with postsurgical myelopathy, surgeons should evaluate B12 status and consider the possibility that nitrous oxide could cause a subclinical B12 deficiency to become overt, particularly in patients with malabsorptive GI comorbidities. Treatment with B12 in this population can result in significant improvement of neurological function.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Clinical Review.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common form of spinal cord impairment in adults and results in disability and reduced quality of life. DCM can present with a wide set of clinical and imaging findings, including: 1) pain and reduced range of motion of the neck, and motor and sensory deficits on clinical exam, and 2) cord compression due to static and dynamic injury mechanisms resulting from degenerative changes of the bone, ligaments, and intervertebral discs on MRI. The incidence and prevalence of DCM has been estimated at a minimum of 4.1 and 60.5 per 100,000, respectively, but surgical trends and an aging population suggest these numbers will rise in the future. The diagnosis of DCM is based on clinical examination, with a positive Hoffmann's sign and hand numbness typically appearing in the upper limbs, and gait abnormalities such as difficulty with tandem gait serving as sensitive diagnostic findings. Loss of bladder function may also occur in patients with severe DCM. The degree of neurological impairment can be measured using the modified Japanese Association Scale (mJOA) or Nurick grade. Non-operative management has a limited role in the treatment, while surgical management has been shown to both be safe and effective for halting disease progression and improving neurological function. Predictors of surgical outcome include age and baseline severity, indicating that early recognition of DCM is important for ensuring an optimal surgical outcome.

Virtual modeling, stereolithography, and intraoperative CT guidance for the optimization of sagittal synostosis reconstruction: a technical note.

INTRODUCTION: Sagittal synostosis affects 1 in 1000 live births and may result in increased intracranial pressure, hindrance of normal neural development, and cosmetic deformity due to scaphocephaly. Historically, several approaches have been utilized for surgical correction and recently, computed tomography (CT)-guided reconstruction procedures are increasingly used. In this report, the authors describe the use of a CT-derived virtual and stereolithographic (3D printed) craniofacial models, which are used to guide intraoperative bone placement, and intraoperative CT guidance for confirmation of bone placement, to ensure the accuracy of surgical correction of scaphocephaly, as demonstrated to parents. METHODS: Preoperative high-resolution CT imaging was used to construct 3D image sets of the skulls of two infants (a 14-month-old female and a 6-month-old male) with scaphocephaly. These 3D image sets were then used to create a virtual model of the proposed surgical correction for each of the infants' deformities, which was then printed and made available for use intraoperatively to plan the bone flap, fashion the bone cuts, and optimize graft placement. After the remodeling, adherence to the preoperative plan was assessed by overlaying a CT scan of the remodeled skull with the virtual model. Deviations from the preoperative model were noted. RESULTS: Both patients had excellent postoperative cosmetic correction of head shape and contouring. The mean operative time was 5 h, blood loss was 100 ml, and one child required modification of the subocciput after intraoperative imaging showed a deviation of the reconstruction from the surgical goal as depicted by the preoperative model. CONCLUSION: The addition of neuro-navigation to stereolithographic modeling ensured the accuracy of the reconstruction for our patients and provided greater confidence to both surgeons and parents. While unisutural cases are presented for clarity, correction was still required for one patient. The cost of the models and the additional CT required must be weighed against the complexity of the procedure and possibly reserved for patients with potentially complicated corrections.

Minimally Invasive Separation Surgery with Intraoperative Stereotactic Guidance: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of spinal metastasis consists of algorithms combining surgical and radiation modalities. Recently the concept of separation surgery followed by stereotactic radiosurgery was shown to be a safe and effective treatment to achieve local tumor control. OBJECTIVE: We examined a minimally invasive approach to separation surgery in a cadaveric study followed by a patient cohort with spinal metastasis using navigation to discuss our results and provide a technical note. METHODS: A cadaveric study using minimally invasive access systems examined the feasibility of spinal cord decompression. Subsequently, 17 patients with spinal metastasis underwent minimally invasive separation surgery and instrumentation using navigation. All patients were at least 3/5 and pre- and post-operative CT scans were used to evaluate the decompression. Endpoints included neurologic function, operative time, estimated blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: The cadaveric study demonstrated adequate decompression of the spinal cord. For the operative cases, the post-operative imaging demonstrated excellent separation for safe stereotactic radiosurgery. The mean incision length was 4.9 cm. The average operative time was 6 hours and 48 minutes, the mean length of stay was 12.8 days and the mean surgical blood loss was 458 mL. The median Spine Instability Neoplastic Score score was 10 with a range of 6-16. All patients remained or improved their neurologic baseline with excellent pain control. One patient incurred a perioperative complication. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive separation surgery for spinal metastasis allows for circumferential decompression of the spinal cord and safe post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery. In addition, we demonstrated the efficacy of intra-operative navigation in guiding the resection.

Minimally invasive transpedicular approach for the treatment of central calcified thoracic disc disease: a technical note.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of stereotactic navigation for the surgical treatment of ossified, paracentral thoracic discs via a minimally invasive (MI) transpedicular approach. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of cases with paracentral thoracic disc herniation resulting in myelopathy where a traditional MI approach would be difficult, who underwent a stereotactic assisted MI transpedicular approach via a tubular retractor system between 2011 and 2016. Five cases of patients over the age of 18 were selected. Collected data included patient age at surgery, sex, preoperative Nurick grade, number of levels treated, calcified disc presence, length of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), complication rate, postoperative Nurick grade, and length of follow-up. RESULTS: Five patients had a stereotaxic assisted MI transpedicular thoracic discectomy for paracentrally located calcified disc herniation. Intraoperative navigational images were acquired using intraoperative CT scans (O-arm) to plan and guide the surgical procedure, and real-time navigation was used for precise navigation around the cord to access and remove all fragments. MIS surgery was successfully performed in these otherwise contraindicated cases due to the use of intraoperative real-time stereotactic navigation. All patients had a successful decompression around the anterior aspect of the cord. CONCLUSION: The traditional MI transpedicular thoracic discectomy approach can be further refined and enhanced by stereotactic navigation to expand the limitations of the MIS technique allowing for an increased number and types of patients eligible for minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, MIS via a tubular retractor system with stereotactic navigation is a novel, safe, and effective improvement in feasibility from the traditional minimally invasive transpedicular thoracic discectomy technique.

Effect of body mass index on surgical outcomes after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE Obesity is an increasing public health concern in the pediatric population. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on 30-day outcomes after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database (2013 and 2014) was reviewed. Patients 10-18 years of age who had undergone fusion of 7 or more spinal levels for AIS were included. Thirty-day outcomes (complications, readmissions, and reoperations) were compared based on patient BMI per age- and sex-adjusted growth charts as follows: normal weight (NW; BMI < 85th percentile), overweight (OW; BMI 85th-95th percentile), and obese (OB; BMI > 95th percentile). RESULTS Patients eligible for study numbered 2712 (80.1% female and 19.9% male) and had a mean age of 14.4 ± 1.8 years. Average BMI for the entire cohort was 21.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2; 2010 patients (74.1%) were classified as NW, 345 (12.7%) as OW, and 357 (13.2%) as OB. The overall complication rate was 1.3% (36/2712). For NW and OW patients, the complication rate was 0.9% in each group; for OB patients, the rate was 4.2% (p < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate was 2.0% (55/2712) for all patients, 1.6% for NW patients, 1.2% for OW patients, and 5.0% for OB patients (p < 0.001). The 30-day reoperation rate was 1.4% (39/2712). Based on BMI, this reoperation rate corresponded to 0.9%, 1.2%, and 4.8% for NW, OW, and OB patients, respectively (p < 0.001). After controlling for patient age, number of spinal levels fused, and operative/anesthesia time on multiple logistic regression analysis, obesity remained a significant risk factor for complications (OR 4.61), readmissions (OR 3.16), and reoperations (OR 5.33; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Body mass index may be significantly associated with short-term outcomes after long-segment fusion procedures for AIS. Although NW and OW patients may have similar 30-day outcomes, OB patients had significantly higher wound complication, readmission, and reoperation rates and longer hospital stays than the NW patients. The findings of this study may help spine surgeons and patients in terms of preoperative risk stratification and perioperative expectations.

Impact of body mass index on 30-day outcomes after spinopelvic fixation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases associated with degenerative spinal disease. There is limited evidence regarding the short-term outcome of patients with elevated BMI following spinopelvic fixation surgery. METHODS: We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database from 2013 to 2014. Inclusion criteria included: adults, aged 18 and older, who underwent all-cause spinopelvic fixation surgery. Primary outcome measures were 30-day readmission, reoperation, and major complication rates. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of elevated body mass index (BMI) on 30-day outcome. RESULTS: A total of 618 patients met inclusion criteria stratified into levels of BMI: 11.2% were Class 2 obese and 10.3% were Class 3 obese. Significant differences were found between the classes for the incidence of revision surgery, reoperations, and deep wound infections. However, there were no significant increases in readmissions and major complications rates, and only Class 3 obese patients had significantly higher odds of reoperation than those who were not obese. CONCLUSION: Significant differences between all classes of obesity regarding revision surgery, reoperation, and deep wound infection rates were found. Class 3 obese patients had significantly higher odds of reoperation, most likely attributed to the greater number/severity of preoperative comorbidities.

Anterior Lumbar Dural Tear: A Transthecal Route for Primary Closure After Iatrogenic Durotomy.

BACKGROUND: Durotomies are not infrequent in spine surgery and have increased complication rates. Primary repair is the gold standard and is feasible when access is not limited by the anatomy. A patient who presented 1 week after spinal fusion with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak underwent a novel transthecal approach to repair an anterior dural tear. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility, durability, and safety of a transthecal reconstruction to repair an anterior dural tear. METHODS: A patient with spinal stenosis at L4-L5 and a spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 underwent an L4-S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The procedure was complicated by a CSF leak during graft placement of the anterior dura. This location did not allow for a primary closure, and a fat graft was placed with fibrin glue. Nine days later, the patient developed postural headaches, and CSF was leaking from the wound. The patient underwent an exploration, and the most lateral aspect of the tear was visualized when retracting medially, although not enough for a primary repair. A posterior durotomy was made and the anterior dural tear was repaired from the inside. RESULTS: The patient symptoms resolved and had radiologic improvement of the pseudomeningocele. This represents the first reported transthecal route to repair an anterior dural tear in the lumbar spine. The procedure was technically feasible, effective, and durable, with the patient having complete resolution of his CSF leak. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal transthecal access to the ventral aspect of the lumbar thecal sac for inadvertent anterior dural tears is a safe, feasible, and durable surgical management strategy.