Single-cell sequencing reveals VEGFR as a potential target for CAR-T cell therapy in chordoma.

BACKGROUND: Chordomas are rare osseous neoplasms with a dismal prognosis when they recur. Here we identified cell surface proteins that could potentially serve as novel immunotherapeutic targets in patients with chordoma. METHODS: Fourteen chordoma samples from patients attending Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing. Target molecules were identified on chordoma cells and cancer metastasis-related signalling pathways characterised. VEGFR-targeting CAR-T cells and VEGFR CAR-T cells with an additional TGF-ß scFv were synthesised and their in vitro antitumor activities were evaluated, including in a primary chordoma organoid model. RESULTS: Single-cell transcriptome sequencing identified the chordoma-specific antigen VEGFR and TGF-ß as therapeutic targets. VRGFR CAR-T cells and VEGFR/TGF-ß scFv CAR-T cells recognised antigen-positive cells and exhibited significant antitumor effects through CAR-T cell activation and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, VEGFR/TGF-ß scFv CAR-T cells showed enhanced and sustained cytotoxicity of chordoma cell lines in vitro compared with VRGFR CAR-T cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive single-cell landscape of human chordoma and highlights its heterogeneity and the role played by TGF-ß in chordoma progression. Our findings substantiate the potential of VEGFR as a target for CAR-T cell therapies in chordoma which, together with modulated TGF-ß signalling, may augment the efficacy of CAR-T cells.

Posterior intra-articular distraction technique to treat pediatric atlantoaxial instability.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment for atlantoaxial instability in pediatric patients is challenging. We report our experience with posterior intra-articular distraction technique in treating this disorder. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study which included 15 patients of atlantoaxial instability whose age was less than 16 years at the time of clinical presentation. All patients underwent anterior soft tissue released through a posterior-only approach, followed by intra-facet cage implantation, cantilever correction, and instrumentation. Clinical results were measured using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale and radiographic measurements including the atlantodental interval (ADI), posterior atlantodental interval (pADI), the distance of odontoid tip above Chamberlain's line, clivuscanal angle (CCA), and triangular area (TA) of craniovertebral junction. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 72 months, with an average of 41.2 ± 15.2 months. The JOA score increased from 13.6 ± 2.3 to 16.6 ± 0.8. ADI decreased from 4.31 ± 2.37 to 1.85 ± 1.09 mm, and TA decreased from 261.96 ± 107.99 to 197.12 ± 72.37 mm2. pADI increased from 12.89 ± 3.52 to 18.25 ± 3.89 mm, and CCA improved from 132.19 ± 16.34 to 144.35 ± 13.91°. All changes in measurements showed statistically significant. There were no evidence of surgery-related complications or iatrogenic secondary cervical deformity during follow-up. Radiological evaluation showed satisfactory corrections and bony fusions of C1-2 facet joint in all cases. CONCLUSION: Posterior intra-articular distraction followed by cage implantation and cantilever correction can be one of the safe and effective ways to solve atlantoaxial instability in pediatric patients.

Can C1 lateral mass and C3 pedicle screw fixation be used as an option for atlantoaxial reduction and stabilization in Klippel-Feil patients? A study of its morphological feasibility, technical nuances, and clinical efficiency.

In Klippel-Feil patients with atlantoaxial dislocation, narrow C2 pedicles are often encountered preventing pedicle screw placement. Alternative techniques, including translaminar screws, pars screws, and inferior process screws could not achieve 3-column rigid fixation, and have shown inferior biomechanical stability. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of C3 pedicle screws (C3PSs) as an option for atlantoaxial stabilization in Klippel-Feil patients, and to introduce a freehand technique, the "medial sliding technique," for safe and accurate C3PS insertion. Thirty-seven Klippel-Feil patients with congenital C2-3 fusion who have received atlantoaxial fixation were reviewed. Preoperative CT and CT angiography were acquired to evaluate the feasibility of C3PS placement. C1 lateral mass and C3PS constructs were used for atlantoaxial stabilization. The "medial sliding technique" was introduced to facilitate C3PS insertion. Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated, and screw accuracy was graded on postoperative CT scans. Morphological measurements showed that more than 80% C3 pedicles could accommodate a 3.5-mm screw. Fifty-eight C3PSs were placed in 33/37 patients using the medial sliding technique. Overall, 96.7% screws were considered safe and there was no related neurovascular complications; 27/33 patients exhibited neurological improvement and 30/33 patients had a solid bone fusion at an average 19.3-month follow-up. Therefore, the C3PS was a feasible option for atlantoaxial fixation in Klippel-Feil patients. The clinically efficiency of C3PS was satisfied with high fusion rates and low complications. The medial sliding technique we used could facilitate safe and accurate placement of C3PSs in Klippel-Feil patients with fused C2-3 vertebra.

Dural ossification associated with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Dural ossification (DO) is common in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The existence of DO makes surgery challenging and increases the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, distribution and radiological characteristics of DO associated with OPLL. METHODS: From January 2017 to January 2019, 55 patients with cervical OPLL were treated in our single center using an anterior cervical approach microsurgery. Preoperative CT images of decompressed segments were evaluated to identify imaging signs of DO. The 'double-layer sign' (DLS), 'parenthese sign' (PS) and 'hook sign' (HS) were considered to be characteristic imaging findings of DO in OPLL. Two kinds of confusing signs (false double-layer) were identified. RESULTS: Nineteen segments from 15 patients with OPLL had DO related to OPLL. The incidence of DO in OPLL segments was 30.16% (19/63), and the incidence of DO in patients with OPLL was 27.27% (15/55). DO occurred at the intervertebral space level in 14 cases and at the posterior level of the vertebral body in 5 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of imaging diagnosis were 89.47% (17/19) and 81.82% (36/44), respectively. The positive predictive value was relatively low, 68.00% (17/25), due to the false-positive double-layer sign. The negative predictive value was 94.74% (36/38). CONCLUSION: DO was relatively common in cervical OPLL. DLS might be misdiagnosed. PS and HS can vividly and intuitively describe the imaging features of DO and have high diagnostic accuracy.

A novel surgical protocol for safe and accurate placement of C1 lateral mass screws in patients with atlas assimilation, basilar invagination and atlantoaxial instability: technical details, accuracy assessment and perioperative complications.

PURPOSE: To introduce a novel surgical protocol for safe and accurate placement of C1 lateral mass screws in patients with atlas assimilation, basilar invagination and atlantoaxial instability, and to categorize the screw accuracy and perioperative complications regarding this technique in a large case series. METHODS: Between January 2015 and January 2020, patients who had atlas assimilation, basilar invagination and atlantoaxial instability, and underwent atlantoaxial fixation using C1 lateral mass screws were reviewed. C1 lateral mass screws were placed with a novel surgical protocol following a series key steps, including posterior para-odontoid ligament release, panoramic exposure of the invaginated lateral mass, and diligent protection of the abnormal VA. Screw accuracy and related complications were specifically evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 434 C1 lateral mass screws were placed. Fifteen screws (3.5%) were classified as unacceptable, 54 screws (12.4%) were classified as acceptable, and 365 screws (84.1%) were classified as ideal. Overall, 96.5% of screws were deemed safe. There were no cases of vascular injury or permanent neurological defects. One patient with an unacceptable screw presented with hypoglossal nerve paralysis and recovered after an immediate revision surgery. Thirty-seven patients complained about occipital neuralgia and were successfully managed with medication. CONCLUSION: Placement of C1 lateral mass screws in patients with atlas assimilation, basilar invagination and atlantoaxial instability following this surgical protocol is safe and accurate. Thorough para-odontoid ligamental release, wide exposure of the invaginated lateral mass, and diligent protection of the vertebral artery are critical to maximize the chances of successful screw placement.

V1 and V2 Domains of HIV Envelope Contribute to CCR5 Antagonist Resistance.

Vicriviroc (VCV) is a CCR5 antagonist that blocks the viral entry of CCR5-tropic (R5) virions by binding to and inducing a conformational change in the chemokine receptor. Clinical resistance to CCR5 antagonists occurs in two phases, competitive and noncompetitive stages. In this study, we analyzed two subjects, from a phase 2b VCV clinical trial, whose quasispecies contained R5 and dual-mixed virions at the earliest recorded time of virological failure (VF). Genotypic analysis of R5-tropic patient-derived envelope genes revealed significant changes in the V1/V2 coding domain and convergence toward a more homogenous sequence under VCV therapy. Additionally, a small population of baseline clones sharing similar V1/V2 and V3 domains with the predominant VF isolate was observed. These clones were denoted preresistant based on their genotype. Preresistant clones and chimeric clones containing V1/V2 regions isolated during VF displayed high 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values relative to those at baseline, consistent with early competitive resistance. Genotypic analysis of the dual-tropic clones also showed significant changes in the V1/V2 region, different from the resistant R5-tropic viruses. Our findings suggest that the V1/V2 domain plays a key role in the initial step of development of drug resistance.IMPORTANCE It is believed that each CCR5 antagonist-resistant isolate will develop its own unique set of mutations, making it difficult to identify a signature mutation that can effectively predict CCR5 antagonist resistance. This may explain why we do not observe shared mutations among clinical studies. The present study examined the earliest events in the development of drug resistance with viral quasispecies that continued the use of CCR5 for entry. Genotypic and phenotypic assays demonstrated a distinct role of the variable domain V1/V2 in competitive resistance to CCR5 antagonist therapy. Thus, future studies analyzing the development of clinical resistance should focus on the relationship between the V1/V2 and V3 domains.

Carotid Artery-Related Perioperative Stroke Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Series of 3 Cases and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications following anterior cervical spine surgery are rare but potentially devastating. Complications associated with the carotid artery are even more disastrous but largely anecdotal, with no more than 4 reported cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report 3 new cases of carotid artery-related perioperative stroke following anterior cervical spine surgery. All 3 patients had carotid artery atherosclerosis and the time of intraoperative carotid artery retraction was longer than 1 hour. One patient underwent hypotension during surgery. Risk factors as well as prevention and management protocols of carotid artery-related perioperative stroke based on the literature review and our clinical experience are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery-related perioperative stroke following anterior cervical spine surgery is extremely rare. Prolonged traction, carotid artery atherosclerosis, and intraoperative hypotension can produce cerebral hypoperfusion and cause ischemic stroke. Preoperative risk assessment, adequate perioperative manipulation, and postoperative management can minimize overall morbidity and mortality.

Benchmarking Large Language Models for Cervical Spondylosis.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common degenerative spinal disorder in modern societies. Patients require a great deal of medical knowledge, and large language models (LLMs) offer patients a novel and convenient tool for accessing medical advice. In this study, we collected the most frequently asked questions by patients with cervical spondylosis in clinical work and internet consultations. The accuracy of the answers provided by LLMs was evaluated and graded by 3 experienced spinal surgeons. Comparative analysis of responses showed that all LLMs could provide satisfactory results, and that among them, GPT-4 had the highest accuracy rate. Variation across each section in all LLMs revealed their ability boundaries and the development direction of artificial intelligence.

The clinical management and efficacy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in patients with pyogenic spinal infection: a single-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical management and effectiveness of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in patients with pyogenic spinal infections. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 17 patients diagnosed with pyogenic spinal infections and treated at our institution between October 2022 and February 2024. The cohort included 8 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 63.59 ± 10.18 years (range: 41-71 years). The infections comprised 9 epidural abscesses, 6 intervertebral space infections, and 2 deep abscesses. All patients underwent open surgical procedures and mNGS-based bacterial identification using intraoperative pus or tissue specimens, in addition to conventional blood bacterial cultures. Clinical outcomes were assessed using CRP, PCT, WBC inflammatory markers, and VAS scores postoperatively. RESULTS: All 17 patients with pyogenic spinal infections underwent open surgery and mNGS bacterial detection at our institution. Among the 17 patients, mNGS yielded positive results in 14 cases (82.4%), significantly higher than the 5.9% positivity rate of conventional bacterial cultures (p < 0.001). The mNGS test time was notably shorter than conventional cultures (1.0 vs. 5.88 days, p < 0.001). Postoperative antibiotic therapy was adjusted based on mNGS findings. There were significant reductions in postoperative VAS, WBC, PCT, and CRP values compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing is effective in managing pyogenic spinal infections by facilitating rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens. This technique improves the timeliness and accuracy of diagnosis, highlighting its potential for broader clinical use.

A Global Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Craniovertebral Junction Bony Abnormalities Based on VOSviewer and Citespace.

OBJECTIVE: Recent years have witnessed a rapidly growing interest in CVJ bony abnormalities, and a qualitative and quantitative analysis of relevant literatures is necessary. This study aims to identify and summarize the published articles related to craniovertebral junction bony abnormalities, to analyze and visualize the current research trends and major contributors. METHODS: We collected data from Web of Science, excluding certain article types. Two researchers screened articles for relevance. Data were organized with EndnoteX9, and analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace for co-authorship, co-occurrence, keyword burst, and co-citation analyses to identify research trends and collaborations. RESULTS: A total of 2,776 articles were included, revealing an increasing trend in annual publications of CVJ bony abnormalities. The USA was the leading country. King Edward Memorial Hospital was the most prolific institution, and Seth GS Medical College had the most citations. The Spine is the most popular journal with the highest number of publications and citations. Professor Goel Atul from India emerged as the most influential pioneer in this field. Keyword analysis highlighted surgical techniques, diagnosis, and anatomy as the primary research hotspots and Fixation, Placement, and Basilar invagination gradually become the new research trend. However, there is a relative weakness in basic research and epidemiology. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the current research trends and critical contributors in CVJ bony abnormalities, guiding evidence-based decisions and fostering international collaborations to advance knowledge in this field.

Analysis of Failed Posterior Fossa Decompression and an Effective Revision Surgery in Patients with Basilar Invagination and Atlantoaxial Dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze failed posterior fossa decompression (PFD) in patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation (BI-AAD). Revision surgery in these patients is challenging and has been rarely reported. In addition, the anatomical variations of the vertebral artery increase the risk of revision surgery. Here, we introduce the implementation of a new type of one-stage posterior revision surgery, whose difficulties and effects are summarized. METHODS: A total of 21 patients with BI-AAD who underwent PFD were retrospectively analyzed in our center from November 2017 to April 2021. The revision surgery in all patients was performed through the posterior approach. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Short Term 12 (SF-12) score were employed to evaluate the clinical symptoms and health status. The distance from the tip of the odontoid to Chamberlain's line (DCL), the atlantodental interval (ADI), the clivus-canal angle (CCA), the diameter of the subarachnoid space (DSS), and the craniovertebral junction triangular area (CTA) were assessed radiographically. The pre- and postoperative results were compared by paired t test. RESULTS: The data of 21 consecutive patients were reviewed, with an average follow-up period of 28 ± 14 months. Postoperative imaging showed effectively reduced compression of BI-AAD. No implant failure or neurovascular injury occurred. Eleven patients had vertebral artery abnormalities, but none had vertebral artery injury. All patients had evidence of bone fusion on the CT scan images within a 12-month follow-up period. The JOA and SF-12 scores were significantly improved 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Posterior surgery using the technique of interarticular distraction, fusion with cage grafting, and fixation is a safe and effective revision surgery to treat patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation who failed PFD, which will result in good outcome.

A novel computed tomography scoring system for evaluating the risk of dural defects in anterior surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a computed tomography (CT)-based scoring system for evaluating the risk of dural defects (DDs) in anterior surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed CT imaging features of 114 OPLL patients in our institute who received anterior decompression surgery. Intraoperative DDs were found in 16 patients. A multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors. According to the odd ratio of the included risk factors, we developed a CT scoring system for evaluating the risk of DDs in anterior OPLL surgery. The system was further validated in an independent group of 39 OPLL patients. RESULTS: We developed a CT scoring system as follows: hook sign (2 points), K-line (-) (1 point) and broad base (1 point). Thus, the system comprised 4 total points, and patients were at high risks of dural defects when the score ≥3 points. The operating characteristics of a score ≥3 for predicting DDs in the validation group were: sensitivity of 0.83, specificity of 0.94, LR positive of 13.75, LR negative of 0.18 and AUC of 0.886. The discriminatory ability of the proposed score could be demonstrated in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively simple and easy-to-use scoring system we propose integrates the 3 most reliable spinal CT findings observed in patients with OPLL and a DD. The likelihood to identify the underlying risks of spinal CSF leaks may be useful to triage patients who may benefit from indirect decompression techniques.

FET PET provides adjunctive value to FDG PET in distinction of spinal cord tumors.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of O-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (18F-FET) PET and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET for spinal cord lesions. Materials and methods: Paired preoperative 18F-FDG PET/MRI and 18F-FET PET/MRI scans were conducted on patients with suspected spinal cord tumors. Clinical manifestations and PET performance, including SUVmean, SUVmax, TBRmean, TBRmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion metabolism (TLM), and tumor volume, were compared using group analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Thirty-five patients were categorized into three groups based on their pathological diagnosis: high-grade tumors (HGTs, n = 6), low-grade tumors (LGTs, n = 19), and non-tumor diseases (NTDs, n = 10). The background SUVmean of 18F-FET PET was significantly lower than that of 18F-FDG PET (p < 0.0001), while the delineated tumor volumes showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). The mass SUVmean, SUVmax, MTV, and TLM values of both 18F-FDG PET and 18F-FET PET were statistically different between HGTs and LGTs (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mass SUVmax, TBRmax, MTV, and TLM values of both 18F-FDG PET and 18F-FET PET, as well as the mass SUVmean of 18F-FET PET, exhibited statistical differences between HGTs and NTDs (p < 0.05). But none were able to distinguish LGTs and NTDs (p > 0.05). Notably, 18F-FET PET provided valuable supporting diagnostic evidence in 1 case of mixed neuronal-glial tumor (MNGT) and 2 cases of intramedullary inflammatory lesions. Optimal cut-off values of all measured parameters for distinguishing tumors and NTDs were determined through ROC analysis. Conclusion: 18F-FET PET presented comparable diagnostic performance to 18F-FDG PET in differentiating HGTs, LGTs, and NTDs, but exhibited particular utility in MNGT and inflammatory lesions.

Spinal neurenteric cysts: experience with 9 cases via an anterior cervical approach.

OBJECTIVE: Intraspinal cysts are uncommon, and the success rate of complete resection is still low for spinal neurenteric cysts (NCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacies of an anterior microscopic surgical approach in the treatment of ventral and ventrolateral subaxial cervical NCs (SCNCs). METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, 9 patients with NCs of the subaxial spine underwent an anterior microsurgical approach. Their clinical presentations, radiological features, operative findings, and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: All spinal cysts were intradural and extramedullary in origin. Five patients were first-time cases while 4 patients with recurrence underwent revision surgery. The most common clinical manifestation was pain (77.78%). One patient was found to have a concomitant disorder of Klippel-Feil syndrome. Microscopically confirmed gross-total resection was achieved in 8 patients (88.89%) based on clinical comparisons between pre- and postoperative MRI and intraoperative video. One patient had symptom recurrence 1 year after subtotal resection, while there was no evidence of recurrence during follow-up for the other patients. Dense adhesions within the spinal cord were observed in 8 patients (88.89%) intraoperatively. Most importantly, the surgical outcome was significantly improved in all patients, and the mean (± SE) Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 11.33 ± 0.91 preoperatively to 16.22 ± 0.32 postoperatively (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: An anterior surgical approach was proven to be both safe and effective in treating the ventral or ventrolateral SCNCs. The authors believe that an anterior microsurgical approach should be considered as a useful approach especially in patients with ventral recurrent SCNCs. Its clinical efficacy compared with a posterior approach in ventral spinal cyst may be better as most of the neurenteric cysts are ventrally or ventrolaterally located.

Analysis of Failed Atlantoaxial Reduction: Causes of Failure and Strategies for Revision.

OBJECTIVE: The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) presents intricate anatomical challenges. In severe or irreducible malformations, complications such as reduction loss and fixation failure may occur, necessitating revision surgery. The posterior facet joint distraction and fusion (PFDF) technique, offers a solely posterior approach for revisions. Hence, we delineate varied revision scenarios, proposing surgical strategies and technical details to enhance outcomes and mitigate risks, thereby enriching the neurosurgical community's repertoire. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, analyzed patient data from Xuanwu Hospital, between 2017 to 2023. All patients had a history of surgical treatment for CVJ malformations, and experienced failure or loss of reduction. The distance from the odontoid process tip to the Chamberlain's line (DCL), the atlantodental interval (ADI), clivus-canal angle, cervicomedullary angle, width of subarachnoid space, CVJ area, and width of syrinx were used for radiographic assessment. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and SF-12 scores were used for clinical assessment. Independent sample t-tests were employed. A significance level of p < 0.05 indicates statistically significant differences. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 35 patients. For patients who underwent PFDF, the postoperative DCL, ADI, and clivus-canal angle significantly improved. For all patients, the postoperative cervicomedullary angle, width of subarachnoid space, CVJ area, and width of syrinx all demonstrated significant improvement, indicating the relief of neural compression. All patients showed significant improvement in both symptoms and clinical assessments. CONCLUSION: Severe atlantoaxial joint locking or ligament contracting are the fundamental cause of reduction and fixation failure. Anterior odontoidectomy is indicated for patients with robust bony fusion of the atlantoaxial joint in an unreduced position. The PFDF technique is safe and effective for patients with incomplete atlantoaxial bony fusion. Preoperative assessment of surgical feasibility and vertebral artery status ensures surgical safety and efficacy.

Long-Term Impairment of the Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier in Patients With Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia and its Effect on Prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) markers and other factors associated with an unfavorable outcome among patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) who achieved successful intradural adhesion lysis (IAL). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Only approximately half of PTS patients receiving IAL have a favorable outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients with PTS and 19 controls (CTRL) were enrolled. All PTS patients underwent physical and neurological examinations and spinal magnetic resonance imaging before and 3 to 12 months after IAL. All patients underwent myelography before surgery. BSCB disruption was detected by increased intrathecal and serum concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, and IgM. A multivariable analysis was performed with a logistic regression model to identify factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to investigate the diagnostic value of biomarkers. RESULTS: The ages and general health of the PTS and CTRL groups did not differ significantly. QAlb, IGAQ, IGGQ, and IGMQ was significantly higher in PTS patients than in controls ( P =<0.001). The degree of intradural adhesion was significantly higher in the unfavorable outcome group than in the favorable outcome group ( P <0.0001). QAlb, immunoglobulin (Ig)AQ, IGGQ, and IGMQ was significantly correlated with clinical status ( R =-0.38, P <0.01; R =-0.47, P =0.03; R =-0.56, P =0.01; R =-0.43, P =0.05, respectively). Higher QAlb before surgery (odds ratio=2.66; 95% CI: 1.134-6.248) was significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated a cutoff for QAlb higher than 10.62 with a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 96.3%. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to detect increased permeability and BSCB disruption in PTS patients. QAlb>10.62 was significantly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes following intradural decompression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prognostic.

Role of Preoperative Albumin Quotient in Surgical Planning for Posttraumatic Syringomyelia: A Comparative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical procedures for patients with posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) remain controversial. Until now, there have been no effective quantitative evaluation methods to assist in selecting appropriate surgical plans before surgery. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled PTS patients (arachnoid lysis group, n = 42; shunting group, n = 14) from 2003 to 2023. Additionally, 19 intrathecal anesthesia patients were included in the control group. All patients with PTS underwent physical and neurological examinations and spinal magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively, 3-12 months postoperatively and during the last follow-up. Preoperative lumbar puncture was performed and blood-spinal cord barrier disruption was detected by quotient of albumin (Qalb, cerebrospinal fluid/serum). RESULTS: The ages (p = 0.324) and sex (p = 0.065) of the PTS and control groups did not differ significantly. There were also no significant differences in age (p = 0.216), routine blood data and prognosis (p = 0.399) between the arachnoid lysis and shunting groups. But the QAlb level of PTS patients was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.001), and the shunting group had a significantly higher QAlb (p < 0.001) than the arachnoid lysis group. A high preoperative QAlb (odds ratio, 1.091; 95% confidence interval, 1.004-1.187; p = 0.041) was identified as the predictive factor for the shunting procedure, with the receiver operating characteristic curve showing 100% specificity and 80.95% sensitivity for patients with a QAlb > 12.67. CONCLUSION: Preoperative QAlb is a significant predictive factor for the types of surgery. For PTS patients with a QAlb > 12.67, shunting represents the final recourse, necessitating the exploration and development of novel treatments for these patients.

Comparison of 3D-printed Navigation Template-assisted Pedicle Screws versus Freehand Screws for Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of attention to screw placement techniques for surgical treatment of scoliosis in children and adolescents. This meta-analysis aims to compare the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement between the 3D-printed navigation template technique and the freehand technique during corrective surgery for scoliosis in children and adolescents. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted for relevant articles up to December 2021 in databases including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The systematic meta-analysis compared the efficacy of pedicle screw placement between the two techniques, including accuracy of pedicle screw placement, complication rate, operation time, blood loss, mean placement time per screw, and mean times for fluoroscopy. RESULTS: The seven articles analyzed in this study involved 229 patients altogether. A total of 2,805 pedicle screws were placed by the two methods. Our results revealed that the 3D-printed guide template technique was more accurate than the freehand technique in pedicle screw placement (odds ratio [OR] =2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.24-3.91; p < 0.000) with a lower complication rate (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.78; p = 0.02). The operation time (mean difference [MD] = -34.37; 95% CI: -67.47 to -1.28; p = 0.04) and mean placement time per screw (MD = -3.11; 95% CI: -6.13 to -0.09; p = 0.04) and mean times for fluoroscopy (MD = -6.60; 95% CI: -8.66 to -4.55; p < 0.000) significantly decreased among patients in the 3D-printed navigation template group compared with those in the freehand technique group. In addition, the two techniques had no significant statistical difference in blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the traditional freehand technique, the 3D-printed guide template is a promising technique with higher accuracy and safety in screw placement for surgical treatment of scoliosis in children and adolescents, and is worth popularizing and validating through more prospective clinical studies.

Intra-articular Distraction Versus Decompression to Treat Basilar Invagination Without Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 54 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical management of basilar invagination without atlantoaxial dislocation (type B basilar invagination) remains controversial. Hence, we have reported the use of posterior intra-articular C1-2 facet distraction, fixation, and cantilever technique versus foramen magnum decompression in treating type B basilar invagination as well as the results and surgical indications for this procedure. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Fifty-four patients who underwent intra-articular distraction, fixation, and cantilever reduction (experimental group) and foramen magnum decompression (control group) were enrolled in this study. Distance from odontoid tip to Chamberlain's line, clivus-canal angle, cervicomedullary angle, craniovertebral junction (CVJ) triangle area, width of subarachnoid space and syrinx were used for radiographic assessment. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12) scores were used for clinical assessment. RESULTS: All patients in the experimental group had a better reduction of basilar invagination and better relief of pressure on nerves. JOA scores and SF-12 scores also had better improvements in the experimental group postoperation. SF-12 score improvement was associated with preoperative CVJ triangle area (Pearson index, 0.515; p = 0.004), cutoff value of 2.00 cm2 indicating the surgical indication of our technique. No severe complications or infections occurred. CONCLUSION: Posterior intra-articular C1-2 facet distraction, fixation, and cantilever reduction technique is an effective treatment for type B basilar invagination. As various factors involved, other treatment strategies should also be investigated.

Correlation Among Syrinx Resolution, Cervical Sagittal Realignment, and Surgical Outcome After Posterior Reduction for Basilar Invagination, Atlantoaxial Dislocation, and Syringomyelia.

BACKGROUND: The correlation among syrinx resolution, occipitoaxial sagittal alignment, and surgical outcome in long-term follow-up seems to have not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To further explore the relationship between the syrinx resolution and occipitoaxial realignment after posterior reduction and fixation in basilar invagination (BI)-atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) patients with syringomyelia. METHODS: A continuous series of 32 patients with BI-AAD and syringomyelia who received direct posterior reduction met the inclusion criteria of this study. Their clinical and imaging data were analyzed retrospectively. Before surgery and at the last follow-up, we used the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to assess the neurological status, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple stepwise regression analysis were used to explore the relevant factors that may affect surgical outcomes. RESULTS: There were significant differences in atlantodental interval, clivus-axial angle, occiput-C2 angle (Oc-C2A), cervicomedullary angle (CMA), subarachnoid space (SAS) at the foramen magnum (FM), syrinx size, NDI, and JOA score after surgery compared with those before surgery. ΔCMA and the resolution rate of syrinx/cord as relevant factors were correlated with the recovery rate of JOA (R 2 = 0.578, P < .001) and NDI (R 2 = 0.369, P < .01). What's more, ΔSAS/FMD (SAS/FM diameter) and ΔOc-C2A were positively correlated with the resolution rate of syrinx/cord (R 2 = 0.643, P < .001). CONCLUSION: With medulla decompression and occipital-cervical sagittal realignment after posterior reduction and fusion for BI-AAD patients with syringomyelia, the structural remodeling of the craniovertebral junction and occipitoaxial realignment could contribute to syringomyelia resolution.