Posterior video-assisted trans pedicular surgery for calcified midline thoracic disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of patients with calcified midline thoracic disc herniation (CMTDH), the posterior video-assisted transpedicular surgery (VATPS) technique is employed. Both anterior and posterior surgical approaches for treating CMTDH carry a significant risk of surgical complications and potential morbidity. This technical note introduces a surgical procedure that avoids the drawbacks associated with these approaches. METHODS: The VATPS technique presents a comprehensive approach for treating thoracic disc herniation, combining both microscopic and endoscopic stages. The microscopic phase entails a small thoracoscopic incision, muscle release, hemilaminotomy, facet joint resection, and vertebra removal, culminating in creating a corpectomy cavity for endoscope access. Careful separation of adhesions between the dura and ligaments marks this stage. Transitioning to the endoscopic phase, an endoscope is inserted into the cavity, allowing for precise visualization and separation of residual adhesions, removal of calcified disc fragments using specialized instruments, and ensuring complete discectomy. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent VATPS for CMTDH. During the procedure, evoked responses were reduced in one patient. However, no postoperative neurological deficits were observed. We also noted significant improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores when comparing the preoperative and postoperative assessments. CONCLUSION: VATPS, a minimally invasive technique, offers excellent anterior visibility comparable to that of the anterolateral approach, all while avoiding the adverse effects associated with thoracotomies and the complications resulting from spinal cord encroachment often seen in the posterolateral approach. Moreover, it is a safer alternative to conventional endoscopic posterior thoracic surgery. The cavity formed within the vertebral corpus provides ample working space for the use of an endoscope.

An unusual location for a choroid plexus papilloma: the pineal region.

PURPOSE: Choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) are rare benign neoplasms of the central nervous system that occur most often in children during the first decade of life. They occur most often in the lateral ventricle. It is extremely rare for a CPP to occur in the pineal region. We describe the case of a child with a CPP located in the pineal region, who was initially diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus by cranial computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A 9-year-old female patient presented with complaints of visual disturbance, nausea, and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a poor contrast-enhanced pineal-localized lesion. Anatomical variations within the patient caused her surgery to proceed using a supratentorial-occipital interhemispheric approach. RESULTS: The tumor was totally removed, and a histological examination revealed the tumor to be a typical CPP. The patient received follow-up neurological and ophthalmologic examinations at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively, which demonstrated her progressive improvement. CONCLUSIONS: CPPs may have a wide range of locations and resulting symptoms. However, the pineal region is a rarely encountered location, particularly for pediatric patients. It is of great value to correctly differentiate neoplasms such as germ cell tumors, pineocytomas, meningiomas, and astrocytomas, so that patients receive the correct diagnosis and treatment approach.

A computational biomechanical investigation of posterior dynamic instrumentation: combination of dynamic rod and hinged (dynamic) screw.

Currently, rigid fixation systems are the gold standard for degenerative disk disease treatment. Dynamic fixation systems have been proposed as alternatives for the treatment of a variety of spinal disorders. These systems address the main drawbacks of traditional rigid fixation systems, such as adjacent segment degeneration and instrumentation failure. Pedicle-screw-based dynamic stabilization (PDS) is one type of these alternative systems. The aim of this study was to simulate the biomechanical effect of a novel posterior dynamic stabilization system, which is comprised of dynamic (hinged) screws interconnected with a coiled, spring-based dynamic rod (DSDR), and compare it to semirigid (DSRR and RSRR) and rigid stabilization (RSRR) systems. A validated finite element (FE) model of L1-S1 was used to quantify the biomechanical parameters of the spine, such as range of motion, intradiskal pressure, stresses and facet loads after single-level instrumentation with different posterior stabilization systems. The results obtained from in vitro experimental intact and instrumented spines were used to validate the FE model, and the validated model was then used to compare the biomechanical effects of different fixation and stabilization constructs with intact under a hybrid loading protocol. The segmental motion at L4-L5 increased by 9.5% and 16.3% in flexion and left rotation, respectively, in DSDR with respect to the intact spine, whereas it was reduced by 6.4% and 10.9% in extension and left-bending loads, respectively. After instrumentation-induced intradiskal pressure at adjacent segments, L3-L4 and L5-S1 became less than the intact in dynamic rod constructs (DSDR and RSDR) except in the RSDR model in extension where the motion was higher than intact by 9.7% at L3-L4 and 11.3% at L5-S1. The facet loads were insignificant, not exceeding 12N in any of the instrumented cases in flexion. In extension, the facet load in DSDR case was similar to that in intact spine. The dynamic rod constructions (DSDR and RSDR) led to a lesser peak stress at screws compared with rigid rod constructions (DSRR and RSRR) in all loading cases. A dynamic construct consisting of a dynamic rod and a dynamic screw did protect the adjacent level from excessive motion.

Does long segment subarachnoido-subarachnoid shunt prevent posttraumatic and postinfectious spinal arachnoid cyst recurrence?: technical note and case series.

Syringomyelia associated with extensive spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) can be defined as a rare but progressive disease with potentially devastating clinical consequences. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the absence of specific clinical findings, confusion with other pathologies, and late imaging modalities. The treatment strategy for syringomyelia associated with extensive SAA should include direct drainage of the syringomyelia, and dissection of the adhesive arachnoid with expansive duraplasty. Hence, several approaches have been reported for arachnoid dissection and decompression of the subarachnoid space. The high risk of recurrence after the operation is one of the most challenging situations. First two cases were operated previously, and the cyst walls were removed and anastomosed to the intact subarachnoid space at the upper and lower ends by each other. However, in both cases, the cyst recurred after a short time and they were anastomosed again in our clinic. A subarachnoid-subarachnoid shunt was placed with a multi-hole silicone tube extending to the proximal and distal intact subarachnoid spaces and passing through the cyst removal area. In our third case, the shunt system we described was applied directly, and satisfactory results were obtained in the clinical follow-up of the patient. It has been demonstrated that subarachnoido-subarachnoid shunt is a very satisfactory treatment option for this type of pathology, which is difficult to follow and treat.

Anatomical Parameters of Percutaneous, Minimally Invasive, Direct Intralaminar Pars Screw Fixation of Spondylolysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomical parameters of the ideal screw trajectory for percutaneous intralaminar screw fixation of a pars defect in lumbar spondylolysis using computed tomography scans. METHODS: Using advanced radiological software, the ideal intralaminar screw trajectory was determined. The anatomical parameters of this trajectory were analyzed using a total of 80 single-level lumbar tomography scans in patients with spondylolysis at the lumbar 4 vertebrae and lumbar 5 vertebrae levels. The ideal intralaminar screw trajectory started from the inferolateral edge of the lamina and was between the intralaminar region, pars defect, and defective pars neck and pedicle. Along this trajectory, the skin-lamina distance, intralaminar screw length, isthmic lamina length and width, defective pars neck width, lateral entry distance of the screw to the center of the spinous process, and sagittal and coronal screw application angles were analyzed. RESULTS: When comparing the lumbar 4 vertebrae and lumbar 5 vertebrae parameters, the mean skin-to-lamina distances were 11-9 cm (P = 0.000), intralaminar screw lengths 3.5-3.6 cm (P = 0.067), isthmic lamina lengths 2-2 cm (P = 0.698), mid-lamina widths 1-1 cm (P = 0.941), defective pars neck widths 1-1 cm (P = 0.674), screw lateral entry distances according to the spinous process 1-1.5 cm (P = 0.000), sagittal screw angles 45°-45° (P = 0.870), and coronal screw angles 10°-20° (P = 0.000), respectively. There were no differences based on age and gender (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous intralaminar rigid screw fixation of a pars defect in spondylolysis provides minimally invasive, low-profile instrumentation. In spondylolysis, a screw length of 3-4 cm and a screw diameter of 4-5 mm may be sufficient for pars fixation with intralaminar screws.

Use of Dynamic Spinal Instruments (Dynesys) in Adult Spinal Deformities According to Silva-Lenke and Berjano-Lamartina Classifications.

BACKGROUND: Adult spinal deformities (ASD) present complex challenges in spine surgery. The diverse nature of these deformities requires a comprehensive understanding of their classification and treatment options. Traditional approaches, such as fusion and rigid stabilization are associated with complications, including screw loosening, breakage, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and pseudoarthrosis. Dynamic stabilization techniques have emerged as promising alternatives, to reduce these complications and preserve spinal motion. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness of dynamic stabilization using the Dynesys system in the surgical treatment of adult degenerative spinal deformities, with a particular emphasis on their classification. METHODS: ASDs were classified according to the Berjano-Lamartina (BL) and Silva-Lenke (SL) classifications. We analyzed the efficacy of the Dynesys system in enhancing sagittal balance, radiological parameters, and clinical outcomes in this context. RESULTS: Dynamic stabilization of patients with ASDs using the Dynesys system significantly improved the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores and decreased the complication rates. Patients with BL types 2, 3, and 4 experienced a significant improvement in sagittal balance followed by sagittal vertical axis measurements (p = 0.045, p = 0.015, and p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The SL and BL classifications, which were originally developed for rigid spinal stabilization, can be applied in dynamic stabilization. Furthermore, dynamic stabilization using the Dynesys system can be used as an alternative to rigid stabilization in SL levels 2 and 3, and BL types 1, 2, and 3, and in some patients with type 4 ASDs.

Can Dynamic Spinal Stabilization Be an Alternative to Fusion Surgery in Adult Spinal Deformity Cases?

BACKGROUND: Rigid stabilization and fusion surgery are widely used for the correction of spinal sagittal and coronal imbalance (SCI). However, instrument failure, pseudoarthrosis, and adjacent segment disease are frequent complications of rigid stabilization and fusion surgery in elderly patients. In this study, we present the results of dynamic stabilization and 2-stage dynamic stabilization surgery for the treatment of spinal SCI. The advantages and disadvantages are discussed, especially as an alternative to fusion surgery. METHODS: In our study, spinal, sagittal, and coronal deformities were corrected with dynamic stabilization performed in a single session in patients with good bone quality (without osteopenia and osteoporosis), while 2-stage surgery was performed in patients with poor bone quality (first stage: percutaneous placement of screws; second stage: placement of dynamic rods and correction of spinal SCI 4-6 months after the first stage). One-stage dynamic spinal instrumentation was applied to 20 of 25 patients with spinal SCI, and 2-stage dynamic spinal instrumentation was applied to the remaining 5 patients. RESULTS: Spinal SCI was corrected with these stabilization systems. At 2-year follow-up, no significant loss was observed in the instrumentation system, while no significant loss of correction was observed in sagittal and coronal deformities. CONCLUSION: In adult patients with spinal SCI, single or 2-stage dynamic stabilization is a viable alternative to fusion surgery due to the very low rate of instrument failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study questions the use of dynamic stabilization systems for the treatment of adult degenerative deformities.

Radiological and Clinical Follow-up of Alpha-D Cervical Disk Prosthesis.

Background: Fusion surgery is applied to prevent segmental instability after surgery for cervical disk herniation. Motion-sparing surgeries have been developed to prevent adjacent segment disease after fusion surgery. Total disk replacement, one of these methods, has been applied in the cervical region for more than 20 years. We aimed to investigate the medium-term radiological and clinical outcomes of patients who had received Alpha-D disk prosthesis after cervical disk surgery, in terms of incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) and other complications. Methods: We included 33 patients (17 women and 16 men) diagnosed with single-level cervical disk herniation and who had received prosthesis after anterior discectomy. The average follow-up period was 36 (18-78) months. The patients were followed up postoperatively at month 4, year 1, and annually thereafter. Patients, who had Alpha-D cervical disk prosthesis (CDP) (Medikon, Turkey), were monitored via radiological (standard and dynamic X-ray) and clinical (visual analog scale [VAS] and neck disability index [NDI]) modalities. Dynamic X-ray images were evaluated by an independent radiologist for HO and prosthesis movement. Results: Mean patient age was 40 ± 6.88 years. HO was observed in 7 (21.21%) patients, 6 of which were men. Significant intersex differences were noted for HO and movement rates (p = 0.039). Clinically, the mean preoperative and post-operative NDI levels were 35.4 ± 3.9 and 4 ± 2, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and post-operative VAS levels were 7 ± 1 and 1 ± 1, respectively. There was a clinically significant postoperative improvement in all the patients. However, there was no significant difference between the patients with and without HO in terms of age, operation level, and mean pre- and postoperative VAS, and postoperative NDI levels (p > 0.05). Despite the fact that there was a significant difference (p = 0.038) in favor of patients without HO in terms of mean preoperative NDI levels, this was not considered clinically significant. Conclusion: In the present study, all the patients demonstrated clinically significant improvement following CDP surgery. HO rate after CDP surgery was 21.21% in the medium term, and movement was preserved in 5 of the 7 patients with partial HO. The fact that the CDP design was based on the one-to-one reproduction of the movement segment in the cervical spine, might account for the underlying cause of success. However, these good results in the medium term may change in cases with long-term clinical follow-up.

Foraminoplasty with Partial Pediculectomy in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Cases with Nerve Compression.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative spondylolisthesis refers to a forward displacement of a vertebra relative to the underlying vertebra. Patients with radicular pain and/or neurogenic claudication are considered suitable candidates for surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to present clinical results of dynamic stabilization applied after pediculectomy and neural foramen enlargement in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and normal spinal sagittal balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent pediculectomy and dynamic stabilization for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis were retrospectively identified. Diagnosis was made with detailed neurological and radiological imaging examinations for the anatomical location of the pain. Demographic data, visual analog scale scores, and quality-of-life scores were obtained. RESULTS: Patients included 3 (33.3%) men and 6 (66.7%) women with a mean age of 61.3 ± 13.0 years (range, 46-80 years) at initial symptom onset. Grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis was present in 5 (55.6%) patients, and grade 2 was present in 4 (44.4%) patients. Pathology was detected in L4-5 in 4 patients (44.4%) and L5-S1 in 5 patients (55.6%). In all patients, at the 3-month follow-up, statistically significant decrease in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores was observed. At the last follow-up, no implant-related complications requiring revision were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients without any pathology in the sagittal balance, the optimal physiological treatment modality can be created by applying posterior dynamic stabilization together with pediculectomy to support the posterior tension band.

Clinical and radiological analysis of the effects of three different lumbar transpedicular dynamic stabilization system on disc degeneration and regeneration.

Objective: This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of three transpedicular dynamic systems in treating degenerative disc disease and evaluate their impact on both clinical and radiological aspects of the operated and adjacent segments. Materials and methods: A total of 111 patients who underwent posterior transpedicular short-segment dynamic system procedures for treatment of degenerative disc disease were included. The patients were categorized into three groups, namely, Group 1 (Dynesys system, n = 38), Group 2 (Safinaz screw + PEEK rod, n = 37), and Group 3 (Safinaz screw + titanium rod, n = 36). Disc regeneration in the operated segment and disc degeneration in the operated, upper, and lower adjacent segments were assessed using the Pfirrmann Classification. Results: Postoperatively, a statistically significant difference was observed in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was seen in disc degeneration/regeneration and degeneration scores of the upper and lower adjacent segments between the preoperative and postoperative groups (p = 0.763, p = 0.518, p = 0.201). Notably, a positive effect on disc regeneration at the operated level (32.4%) was observed. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of operation rates, screw loosening, and screw breakage after adjacent segment disease (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In patients without advanced degeneration, all three dynamic systems demonstrated the ability to prevent degeneration in the adjacent and operated segments while promoting regeneration in the operated segment. Beyond inhibiting abnormal movement in painful segments, maintaining physiological motion and providing axial distraction in the operated segment emerged as key mechanisms supporting regeneration.

Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis Classification That Guides Surgical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous radiological and anatomical studies on lumbar foramina in the literature, but there are no distinctive studies about the relationship between treatment and the type of foraminal stenosis. This study was conducted to better evaluate foraminal stenosis and to plan treatment accordingly. METHODS: Foraminal stenosis was divided into 2 groups: stable and unstable stenosis. Both groups were also divided into 4 subgroups in relation to the cause and type of compression and based on the structure of the intervertebral disc. The visual analog scale for leg pain (VAS-LP) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were investigated before and after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (59 women and 56 men) underwent surgery for lumbar foraminal stenosis. The mean patient age was 56.1 years (range 17-80 years). The mean follow-up was 29 months (range 24-39 months). There were 36 patients (32%) with stable foraminal stenosis and 79 patients (68%) with unstable foraminal stenosis. The majority of the patients were identified as having unstable type 1 foraminal stenosis (45 of 115). The VAS-LP and ODI scores for each group decreased gradually during the follow-up periods and showed significant decrease during the last follow-up (P < 0.001). Interobserver and intraobserver agreement in the classification of foraminal stenosis was found to be nearly perfect. No patients experienced postoperative radiculopathy complication. Only 2 patients experienced superficial operation site infection and 1 showed deep wound infection. The patient who had a deep wound infection needed to repeat surgery for the infection. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced a novel classification system for lumbar foraminal stenosis. We aimed to guide appropriate treatment modality depending on the determined classification. This classification helps to determine the optimal treatment. In the light of our findings, the patients who were operated according to our classification experienced satisfactory clinical outcomes and low complication rates.

A Combined Diagnosis and Treatment Algorithm for Spine Infection Management: A Single-Center Experience.

Background and objective Spinal infection (SI) is an infectious disease affecting the vertebral column, spinal cord, and adjacent structures. The infection can occur following interventions or spontaneously. The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of employing a methodological approach for the accurate and rapid diagnosis of SI and to share information on the most effective treatment method, which involves using a diagnostic-treatment algorithm that can help with SI management. Methodology This study included 50 patients diagnosed with SI between 2016 and 2020. The treatment follow-up period was limited to six months, and the study was conducted as a retrospective cohort analysis. The sample consisted of 22 female patients and 28 male patients, and the mean age of the patients was 50.2 years. All patients received diagnosis and treatment according to the algorithm described in this article. Results In the study group, 60% of patients had an infection in the lumbar spine, 4% in the thoracal spine, 12% in the cervical spine, and 8% in the sacral spine. Previously operated patients were diagnosed on the 30.16th day on average. A total of 19 patients (38%) had no history of undergoing surgery. Radiologically, the most common finding was spondylodiscitis/discitis (32%). Osteomyelitis was detected in one (2%) patient. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was the most commonly isolated organism in culture results and was detected in 13 patients (26%). The culture results of 12 patients (24%) were negative. The number of patients with active SI who were unstable and stabilized at the time of diagnosis was 11 (22%), and stabilization materials were removed in two patients (4%). In the 6th month of control, the patients did not have any complaints, signs of an infection, or unstable vertebral column. Conclusions We conclude that the combined algorithm we recommend for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with SI can prevent negative deviation and is an effective treatment for this condition.

Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities Predictive of Lumbar Herniation Recurrence After Surgical Repair.

OBJECTIVE: There are currently no standard criteria for evaluating the risk of recurrent disk herniation after surgical repair. This study investigated the predictive values of 5 presurgical imaging parameters: paraspinal muscle quality, annular tear size, Modic changes, modified Phirrmann disk degeneration grade, and presence of sacralization or fusion. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2018, 188 patients (89 female, 99 male, median age 50) receiving first corrective surgery for lumbar disk herniation were enrolled. Microdiskectomy was performed in 161 of these patients, and endoscopic translaminar diskectomy approach was performed in 27 patients. Clinical status was evaluated before surgery and 4, 12, and 24 months post surgery using a visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form 36. RESULTS: Recurrent disk herniation was observed in 21 of 188 patients. Seventeen of the recurrent disk herniations were seen in those who underwent microdiskectomy and 4 in those who underwent endoscopic translaminar diskectomy. There were significant differences in visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form 36 scores at 4, 12, and 24 months between patients with recurrence and the 167 no-recurrence patients. The median annular tear length was significantly greater in patients with recurrence than without recurrence. In addition, there were significant differences in recurrence rate according to Modic change type distribution, sacralization or fusion presence, Pfirmann disk; degeneration grade distribution, dichotomized annular tear size, dichotomized Modic change; and type and simplified 3-tier muscle degeneration classification distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with poor clinical scores and recurrence exhibited additional radiologic abnormalities before surgery, such as poor paraspinal muscle quality, longer annular tears, higher Modic change type, higher modified Phirrmann disk degeneration grade, and sacralization or fusion. This risk evaluation protocol may prove valuable for patient selection, surgical planning, and choice of postoperative recovery regimen.

Lumbar Dynamic Stabilization With 2-Stage Surgery: Early Results.

BACKGROUND: Screw loosening, which is a major problem in dynamic systems, can be easily overcome with 2-stage surgery. In this article, the clinical and radiological results of patients undergoing dynamic stabilization with a Dynesys device in 2 stages are discussed. METHODS: A total of 10 male and 13 female adult patients were included in this single-center retrospective study conducted between 2018 and 2021. The mean age of the patients was 65.6 years. All of the patients had pain complaints that affected their daily lives. Bone density T scores were determined with the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry method before patients were admitted for surgery. In the first surgery, Dynesys system pedicle screws were inserted. After 6 months of osteointegration, Dynesys system spacers and elastic bandages were placed. Preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were determined and statistically compared. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average of 30 months. Complications and recurrence were not observed. Neurological deficits were not observed after patients recovered from anesthesia. Significant improvement was observed in the ODI and VAS parameters in the preoperative (ODI: 66.2%, VAS: 7.8), early postoperative (ODI: 20.3%, VAS: 2.4), and late postoperative (ODI: 6.8% and VAS: 1.1) periods. Symptomatic improvement was seen in all patients. No screw breakage or loosening was detected by radiological evaluation in any of the patients during the 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the insufficiency of the proximal and distal end screws is eliminated when 2 stages of dynamic system stabilizations are completed after osteointegration of the screws.

A rehabilitation protocol for patients with lumbar degenerative disk disease treated with lumbar total disk replacement.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of the rehabilitation protocol designed by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department on the patients with lumbar degenerative disk disease after lumbar disk replacement surgery. DESIGN: Open prospective auto-controlled trial. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation department, neurosurgery department, and anesthesiology and pain management department. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=20) with single level lumbar degenerative disk disease were recruited for this study. INTERVENTIONS: Lumbar disk prosthesis surgery with metal on metal lumbar disk prosthesis; preoperative, provocative, diskography; and a postoperative rehabilitation program were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in the functional status and pain intensity in patients was evaluated by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) during rest and movement. The ODI and VAS during rest and movement were primary outcome criteria, while return to work and duration of hospital stay were secondary outcome criteria. The results for the various scoring systems were statistically analyzed using the t test. RESULTS: Preoperative mean VAS scores ± SD at rest and movement were initially in the range of 6.00±2.47 and 8.65±1.08, respectively. The scores decreased to 1.70±1.12 and 2.60±1.72 at 3 months postsurgery, respectively (P<0.01). The scores decreased to 1.20±0.69 and 1.90±1.07 at 12 months postsurgery, respectively (P<0.01). The mean preoperative ODI score was 73.3±15.5; the postoperative scores were 35.0±15.5 and 20.4±12.9 at 3 and 12 months, respectively (P<0.01). The mean duration of hospital stay ± SD was 3.5±1.6 days, and return to work was achieved after a mean ± SD period of 14.1± 4.3 days with no complications related to surgery or the rehabilitation protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol was designed for postoperative rehabilitation program after artificial lumbar disk replacement surgery for degenerative disk disease patients. The good outcomes are the result of a combination of very careful and restrictive patient selection, surgical technique, and presented rehabilitation program. These parameters provide early pain relief and return to activities of daily living after surgery.

Spontaneous pyogenic spinal epidural abscess.

AIM: Spontaneous pyogenic spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition but might be devastating and fatal. Traditional treatment is surgical decompression and antibiotics. A retrospective study was designed to assess the eff ect of clinical findings and treatment methods on the outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 patients were reviewed (10 male, 4 female, mean age 59.14). Six dorsal, seven ventral and one dorsal with ventral SEA were observed. SEA found in thoracal (5), lumbar (4), cervical (3) regions. One patient showed both cervical and thoracal and one patient showed cervical, thoracal and lumbar involvement. All patients received minimum 3 weeks of I.V., followed by minimum 3 weeks of oral antibiotics. All patients complained of spinal pain. Ten patients presented with fever. Neurological deficit was observed in 9 cases. RESULTS: A total of 22 interventions was performed. Instrumentation was applied in 5 cases. Full recovery was achieved in 7 patients, significant improvement was observed in 5 patients. The neurological findings did not change in one patient. One mortality and one morbidity were observed. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous SEA is a rare disease but might result in catastrophic neurological deficits and fatal even with prompt treatment. Therefore, one should always keep SEA in mind if a patient presents with fever, vague and spinal pain.

Kyphoplasty with Posterior Dynamic Stabilization in the Surgical Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

AIM: To evaluate the role of posterior dynamic stabilization (PDS) with kyphoplasty (KP) in the surgical treatment of unstable osteoporotic compression fractures, which are common in the elderly population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 25 patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. KP with PDS was performed on all patients. Radiological evaluation was performed with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and plain radiographs. The vertebral kyphosis angle (VKA), local kyphosis angle (LKA), and percentage of collapse were calculated. Clinical evaluation was performed with the visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological data were compared. RESULTS: The clinical and radiological parameters showed significant improvement following surgical treatment. The mean preoperative visual analog scale score of 7.78 decreased to 0.94 after 12 months. The mean preoperative ODI score of 70.33 decreased to 15.65 after 12 months. The mean preoperative VKA of 17.89° decreased to 9.22° after 12 months. The mean preoperative LKA of 9.61° decreased to 5.50° after 12 months. The mean preoperative percentage of collapse of 32.56% decreased to 19.00% after 12 months. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: KP with the PDS method offered satisfactory outcomes in the surgical treatment of unstable osteoporotic compression fractures.

Should Iliac Wing Screws Be Included in Long Segment Dynamic Stabilization?

Background In this article, clinical satisfaction and radiological results are discussed in a series of patients where the iliac wings participate in dynamic stabilization. Dynamic stabilization is an effective alternative surgical treatment method, especially in clinical pictures that go with pain due to minor instabilities. Practically the unique surgical instrument used in multilevel instabilities is the Dynesys system. The most important drawback of the Dynesys system is that the S1 screws become loose in time. In this article, our aim is to find solution to S1 insufficiency by extension of the system to the iliac wings. Methods Nineteen patients (eight females, 11 males) with a mean age of 54.16 were included in the study. Patients had multilevel (level 2 and above) instability, iliac wings were included in the stabilized segments, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for patient follow-up. Results First year results showed a significant improvement in VAS and ODI. Regarding the complications, infection developed in one patient, loosening in the proximal iliac wing in one patient, and both S1 and iliac proximals in one patient, but no clinical findings were encountered. Conclusion When more than two levels of dynamic systems are used in chronic instability, especially in the elderly patients, S1 screws are loosened. In these patients, if the iliac bones are also included in stabilization, this problem is solved successfully. However unfortunately, Dynesys system does not have a screw suitable for the iliac bones.

Changes in cervical sagittal alignment and the effects on cervical parameters in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy after laminoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor changes in cervical parameters before and after laminoplasty surgery. Cervical parameters and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) values that may be affected after laminoplasty were examined before and after surgery. The clinical and radiological course of these values was monitored, and their interaction with all spinal radiological parameters was revealed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent clinical and radiological evaluation for 2 years were followed in this study. Neck disability index, visual analog scale, and short form 36 scores were determined to evaluate HRQOL. For radiological parameters, the C0-C2 angle, C2-C7 angle, cervical sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope angle, neck tilt (NT) and thoracic inlet angle were used. The results of the 4-month, 1 year and 2-year follow-ups were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Both the HRQOL and cervical radiological parameters deteriorated in the first 4 months and returned to normal in the 2nd year. Statistically, all parameters were meaningful (P < 0.05), except for NT. CONCLUSION: Cervical parameters and HRQOL values, which deteriorated in the early period, recovered in the late period in the long-term follow-up of patients undergoing laminoplasty. The important point is that preoperative cervical parameters suitable for laminoplasty should be present, and spinopelvic parameters should be normal.

Dynamic stabilization of the spine: a new classification system.

Fusion surgeries are still the gold standard in the treatment of the degenerative spine. Spinal fusion has some problems, however. Adjacent segment disease, donor place ailment, and the morbidity of the surgery has emerged as important problems over the years. As a consequence of such complications after fusion, the search for an alternative treatment for the degenerative spine widened. While trying to maintain the motion in the joint, dynamic stabilization aims to remove the pain by distributing the weight between anterior and posterior elements of the spine. Various new devices have now been developed for the dynamic stabilization of the spine. In this report, the dynamic stabilization devices of the spine are classified anew and, the authors explain briefly the historical evolution process, specialties, indications and contraindications of these dynamic stabilization devices.