Prospective analysis of health-related quality of life after surgery for spinal metastases.

PURPOSE: Most spinal metastases are detected late, and thus, the impact of treatment on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important consideration. This study investigated the HRQOL following surgery for spinal metastases. METHODS: A prospective study of patients operated for symptomatic spinal metastases, at a single tertiary referral spine centre (2011-2013). Data were collected pre-operatively and up to 2 years following surgery (if alive). The HRQOL assessment was performed using recognised systems including the Frankel score (neurological status), EQ-5D, and the Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were studied (median age 65 years, 43% (86) F; 57% (113) M). The Frankel score improved significantly after surgery in 69 patients (35%), worsened in 17 (8%), with 20/39 patients regaining the ability to walk (51%). All the HRQOL scores improved significantly following surgery. The complication rate was 27% and median survival 270 days, and 44 patients (22%) survived at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: This large prospective study showed that surgical treatment for spinal metastases significantly improved the HRQOL.

Does surgical site infection influence neurological outcome and survival in patients undergoing surgery for metastatic spinal cord compression?

PURPOSE: Most of the literature on infection after surgery for spinal metastases focuses on incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI). To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the influence of infection on neurological outcome and survival in patients undergoing emergent surgery for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). METHODS: Our aim was to establish if SSIs adversely affected the neurological outcome and survival in patients with MSCC. We reviewed 318 consecutive patients admitted for surgical intervention for MSCC from October 2005 to October 2012. Morbidity (neurological outcome, length of hospital stay and additional procedures) and survival rates were analysed. RESULTS: During this study period, the incidence of infection was 29/318 (9.1%). The median length of stay in hospital in the infected group was 25 days compared to 13 days in the non-infected group (p = 0.001). Twenty out of the 29 (69%) infected patients underwent an additional procedure (29 procedures in total) compared to 9/289 (3%) non-infected patients (p = 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to neurological outcome (p = 0.37) but the survival rate was statistically different between the two groups [infected group: median survival 131 days (19-1558) vs. non-infected group: 258 days (5-2696; p = 0.03)]. CONCLUSION: Surgical site infection increased the morbidity with considerably longer hospital stay and requirement for additional procedures. Although there was no difference in neurological outcome, the infected group of patients had a significantly shorter survival. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The surgical management of atlanto-axial subluxation in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic condition affecting patients <16 years of age and can be associated with substantial morbidity. Atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) is a known complication of JIA and can result in pain, reduced neck motion and neurological compromise. In this paper, we present the case of a 10-year old suffering with JIA and significant AAS; we discuss the management options and present the approach and outcome of treatment for this case.

Salvage of failed odontoid fixation through anterior C1/C2 transarticular screws.

Odontoid fracture fixation allows for early mobilisation out of orthosis. Both anterior and posterior fixation techniques have been described but anterior surgery has less post-operative morbidity through the use of natural cleavage planes. We described the use of anterior transarticular stabilisation as a salvage procedure following a failed odontoid screw fixation.

Magnetic resonance imaging changes of intervertebral discs after kyphoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Minimal-invasive cement augmentation techniques gained popularity recently. Long-term studies, however, are still not available focusing on the effect of possible acceleration of intervertebral disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (average age 67.1 ± 6.9 years, range 58-77; 10 female, 5 male) with acute or osteoporotic fractures were included in this study and MRI scans were performed before surgery and after a mean follow-up period of 15.2 months (range 8-27 months). Out of these patients, seven were available for a long-term MRI scan after a mean of 94.3 months (range 84-96 months). Disc degeneration and injuries were graded according to published Pfirrmann and Oner scales. RESULTS: A total of 43 intervertebral discs with moderate initial degeneration were examined pre-operatively and at the first follow-up. Twenty were available for the long-term-follow-up. At the first follow-up, 3 (1.3 %) discs showed a degenerative progression of 1 grade compared to the pre-operative MRI. Only one injured and one uninjured disc (0.4 %) showed progressive degeneration of 1 grade in the long-term follow up. No intervertebral disc in-between bisegmental cement augmentation showed acceleration of degenerative changes. CONCLUSION: Despite several limitations regarding patients' age and lack of performed perfusion MRI scans, this study suggests that vertebral cement augmentation through kyphoplasty has no significant influence on disc degeneration even after a long period. The absence of severe disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation supports further clinical trials, which should incorporate endplate perfusion studies for detailed information regarding disc perfusion.

The direct anterior approach to the thoracolumbar junction: an anatomical feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: The thoracolumbar junction (TJ) is traditionally exposed by lateral or posterior approaches. This usually requires splitting of the diaphragm, or extensile removal of the posterior elements. A circumferential exposure (i.e. simultaneous anterior and bilateral exposure) of the vertebral body is not possible. Direct anterior access would allow circumferential exposure of the vertebral body, with adjacent disc levels, and would avoid splitting the diaphragm or extensive removal of the posterior bony structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve Thiel cadavers (8 f/4 m) were dissected to access T12 or L1 via a midline laparotomy. Supra- and infragastric laparatomy techniques were investigated. Six cadavers were used to reach T12 through the lesser omentum, six to reach L1 through the greater omentum. RESULTS: T12 after bluntly dissecting the lesser omentum, the lesser gastric curvature and the caudate lobe of the liver were utilised as landmarks. A small retroperitoneal incision was performed to mobilise the aorta allowing exposure of the T12 vertebra and its adjacent discs. Discectomy, corpectomy and insertion of an anterior column support were possible. The L1 level can be reached through the greater omentum by mobilising the pancreas as a single retroperitoneal structure, leaving the aorta and celiac trunk as landmarks. Retraction of the great vessels is necessary to expose L1 with its adjacent discs. Implantation of an anterior column support was possible utilising this approach. CONCLUSION: Direct anterior access to the TJ is feasible in a reproducible manner. This approach would avoid splitting the diaphragm, or dissection of the erector spinae muscles, and is likely to be less invasive than standard lateral or posterior approaches. This technique may offer a significant time reduction to surgery, especially in exposing the spine. Anterior column support can easily be performed, offering a better avoidance of kyphotic deformities.

Calcified giant thoracic disc herniations: considerations and treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Giant herniated thoracic discs (GHTD) remain a surgical challenge. When combined with calcification, these discs require altered surgical strategies and have only been infrequently described. Our objective was to describe our surgical approaches in the management of calcified GHTD. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with calcified GHTD operated between 2004 and 2012. Data were collected from review of patients' notes and radiographs and included basic demographic and radiological data, clinical presentation and outcome, operative procedure and complications. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 13 patients with calcified GHTD, including 6 males and 7 females (mean age 55 years, range 31-83 years). The average canal encroachment was 62% (range 40-90%); mean follow-up 37 months (12-98). All patients were treated with anterior thoracotomy, varying degrees of vertebral resection, removal of calcified disc and with or without reconstruction. The average time for surgery was 344 min (range 212-601 min) and estimated blood loss 1,230 ml (range 350-3,000 ml). Post-operatively, 8 patients improved by 1 Frankel grade (62%), 2 improved by 2 grades (15%) and 3 did not change their grade (23%). The complication rate was 4/13 (31%; 3 patients with durotomies (2 incidental, 1 intentional) and 1 with recurrence). DISCUSSION: Calcified GHTD remain a surgical challenge. Anterior decompression through a thoracotomy approach, and varying degrees of vertebral resection with or without reconstruction allowed us to safely remove the calcified fragment. All patients remained the same (23%) or improved by at least 1 grade (77%) neurologically, without radiographic failure at final follow-up.

Metastatic spinal cord compression as a result of the unknown primary tumour.

PURPOSE: Patients presenting with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) due to an unknown primary tumour (UPT) present an interesting problem with limited literature available to provide guidance on management. Our aim was twofold-first, to analyse all our patients with MSCC due to a UPT pre-operatively, to review their treatment and outcome; second, make comparisons with those patients who presented with MSCC due to a known primary tumour (KPT) during the same period. METHODS: All data was collected retrospectively from October 2004 to October 2009, then prospectively from October 2009 to October 2012 (8 years). We reviewed all patient records held on the database, including patient demographics, primary tumour, neurological outcome (Frankel grade), complications and survival. RESULTS: During the 8-year study period, out of the 382 patients who underwent emergency surgery for MSCC, 285 patients were included in whom complete information was available. Of these, 17 patients presented with MSCC due to a UPT (6 %; mean age 61 years, 5 M, 12 F). When compared to those with a known primary, the UPT group trended to a longer duration of symptoms prior to surgery (200 vs. 156 days, p = 0.86). They had a similar neurological outcome (88 % remained the same or improved post-operatively vs. 90 % in KPT group; p = 0.42), similar complication rate (23.5 vs. 33.6 %; p = 0.32) and survival (222 vs. 251 days, p = 0.42). The primary site in the UPT group was confirmed in 10/17 (58.8 %)-all 10 were adenocarcinoma [lung (6) and GI (4)]. DISCUSSION: In our series, the incidence of MSCC due to an unknown primary was 6 %. They had similar overall outcome (neurology post-operatively, complications and survival) to those patients with MSCC from a known primary. Our experience would suggest that we need to treat these patients expeditiously with thorough evaluation and urgent treatment.

Surgical treatment of cauda equina compression as a result of metastatic tumours of the lumbo-sacral junction and sacrum.

PURPOSE: We performed a retrospective analysis of all cases of lumbo-sacral or sacral metastases presenting with compression of the cauda equina who underwent urgent surgery at our institution. Our objective was to report our experience on the clinical presentation, management and finally the surgical outcome of this cohort of patients. METHODS: We reviewed medical notes and images of all patients with compression of the cauda equina as a result of lumbo-sacral or sacral metastases during the study period (2004-2011). The collected clinical data consisted of time of onset of symptoms, neurology (Frankel grade), ambulatory status and continence. Operative data analysed were details of surgical procedure and complications. Post-operatively, we reviewed neurological outcome, ambulation, continence, destination of discharge and survival. RESULTS: During the 8-year study period, 20 patients [11 males, 9 females; mean age 61.8 years (29-87)] had received urgent surgery for metastatic spinal cauda compression caused by lumbo-sacral or sacral metastases. The majority of patients presented with symptoms of pain and neurological deterioration (n = 14) with onset of pain considerably longer than neurology symptoms [197 days (3-1,825) vs. 46 days (1-540)]; all patients were Frankel C (n = 2, both non-ambulatory), D (n = 13) or E (n = 5) at presentation and three patients were incontinent of urine. Operative procedures performed were posterior decompression with (out) fusion (n = 12), posterior decompression with sacroplasty (n = 1), decompression with lumbo-pelvic stabilisation with (out) kyphoplasty/sacroplasty (n = 7) and posterior decompression/reconstruction with anterior corpectomy/stabilisation (n = 2). Post-operatively, 5/20 (20 %) patients improved one Frankel grade, 1/20 (5 %) improved two grades, 13/20 (65 %) remained stable (8 D, 5 E) and 1/20 (5 %) deteriorated. All patients were ambulatory and 19/20 were continent on discharge. The mean length of stay was 7 days (4-22). There were 6/20 (30 %) complications: three major (PE, deep wound infection, implant failure) and three minor (superficial wound infection, incidental durotomy, chest infection). All patients returned back to their own home (n = 14/20, 70 %) or a nursing home (n = 6/20, 35 %). Thirteen patients are deceased (mean survival 367 days (120-603) and seven are still alive [mean survival 719 days (160-1,719)]. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for MSCC involving the lumbo-sacral junction or sacral spine has a high but acceptable complication rate (6/20, 30 %), and can be important in restoring/preserving neurological function, assisting with ambulatory function and allowing patients to return to their previous residence.

Early results of stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion in iatrogenic spondylolisthesis patients.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic spondylolisthesis is a challenging condition for spinal surgeons. Posterior surgery in these cases is complicated by poor anatomical landmarks, scar tissue adhesion of muscle and dural structures and difficult access to the intervertebral disc. Anterior interbody fusion provides an alternative treatment method, allowing indirect foraminal decompression, reliable disc clearance and implantation of large surface area implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with iatrogenic spondylolisthesis including pre- and post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores was performed. Imaging criteria were pelvic incidence, overall lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis. In addition, the fusion rate was investigated after 6 months. RESULTS: Six consecutive patients treated between 2008 and 2011 (4 female, 2 male, mean age 61 ± 7.1 years) were identified. The initially performed surgeries included decompression with or without discectomy; posterior instrumented and non-instrumented fusion. The olisthetic level was in all cases at the decompressed level. All patients were revised with stand-alone anterior interbody fusion devices at the olisthetic level filled with BMP 2. Average ODI dropped from 49 ± 11 % pre-operatively to 26.0 ± 4.0 at 24 months follow-up. VAS average dropped from 7 ± 1 to 2 ± 0. Mean total lordosis of 39.8 ± 2.8° increased to 48.5 ± 4.9° at pelvic incidences of 48.8 ± 6.8° pre-operatively. Mean segmental lordosis at L4/5 improved from 10.5 ± 6.7° to 19.0 ± 4.9° at 24 months. Mean segmental lordosis in L5/S1 increased from 15.1 ± 7.4° to 23.2 ± 5.6°. Cage subsidence due to severe osteoporosis occurred in one case after 5 months, and hence there was no further follow-up. Fusion was confirmed in all other patients. CONCLUSION: Anterior interbody fusion offers good stabilisation and restoration of lordosis in iatrogenic spondylolisthesis and avoids the well-known problems associated with reentering the spinal canal for revision fusions. In this group, ODI and VAS scores were improved.

Accuracy of the revised Tokuhashi score in predicting survival in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

PURPOSE: The revised Tokuhashi score has been widely used to evaluate indications for surgery and predict survival in patients with metastatic spinal disease. Our aim was to analyse the actual survival time of patients treated for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) in comparison with the predicted survival based on the revised Tokuhashi score. This would thereby allow us to determine the overall predictive value of this scoring system. METHODS: This study was a semi-prospective clinical study of all patients with MSCC presenting to our unit over 8 years-data from October 2003 to December 2009 were collected retrospectively and from December 2009, all data collected prospectively to October 2011. Patients were divided into three groups--Group 1 (Tokuhashi score 0-8, n = 84), Group 2 (Tokuhashi score 9-11, n = 83) and Group 3 (Tokuhashi score 12-15, n = 34). Data collected included demographic data, primary tumour histology, surgery type and complications, neurological outcome (Frankel grade) and survival. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients with MSCC were managed surgically in our unit during this time. Out of these complete data were available on 201 patients for analysis. Mean age of patients was 61 years (range 18-86; 127 M, 74 F). The primary tumour type was Breast (n = 29, 15 %), Haematological (n = 28, 14 %), Renal (n = 26, 13 %), Prostate (n = 26, 13 %), Lung (n = 23, 11 %), Gastro-intestinal (n = 11, 5 %), Sarcoma (n = 9, 4 %) and others (n = 49, 24 %). All patients included in the study had surgical intervention in the form of decompression and stabilisation. Posterior decompression and stabilisation was performed in 171 patients (with vertebrectomy in 31), combined anterior and posterior approaches were used in 18 patients and 12 had an anterior approach only. The overall complication rate was 19 % (39/201)--the most common being wound infection (n = 15, 8 %). There was no difference in the neurological outcome (Frankel grade) between Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.34) or Groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.70). However, there was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.001), with Group 3 having a significantly better neurological outcome. Median survival was 93 days in Group 1, 229 days in Group 2 and 875 days in Group 3 (p = 0.001). The predictive value between the actual and predicted survival was 64 % (Group 1), 64 % (Group 2) and 69 % (Group 3). The overall predictive value of the revised Tokuhashi score using Cox regression for all groups was 66 %. CONCLUSION: We would conclude that although the predictive value of the Tokuhashi score in terms of survival time is at best modest (66 %), the fact that there were statistically significant differences in survival between the groups looked at in this paper indicates that the scoring system, and the components which it consists of, are important in the evaluation of these patients when considering surgery.

Effect of timing of surgery on neurological outcome and survival in metastatic spinal cord compression.

PURPOSE: Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) requires expeditious treatment. While there is no ambiguity in the literature about the urgency of care for patients with MSCC, the effect of timing of surgical intervention has not been investigated in detail. The objective of our study was to investigate whether or not the 'timing of surgery' is an important factor in survival and neurological outcome in patients with MSCC. METHODS: All patients with MSCC presenting to our unit from October 2005 to March 2010 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups-those who underwent surgery within 24 h (Group 1, n = 45), between 24 and 48 h (Group 2, n = 23) and after 48 h (Group 3, n = 53) from acute presentation of neurological symptoms. The outcome measures studied were neurological outcome (change in Frankel grade post-operatively), survival (survival rate and median survival in days), incidence of infection, length of stay and complications. RESULTS: Patients' age, gender, revised Tokuhashi score, level of spinal metastasis and primary tumour type were not significantly different between the three groups. Greatest improvement in neurology was observed in Group 1, although not significantly when compared against Group 2 (24-48 h; (p = 0.09). When comparisons of neurological outcome were performed for all patients having surgery within 48 h (Groups 1 and 2) versus after 48 h (Group 3), the Frankel grade improvement was significant (p = 0.048) favouring surgery within 48 h of presentation. There was a negative correlation (-0.17) between the delay in surgery and the immediate neurological improvement, suggesting less improvement in those who had delayed surgery. There was no difference in length of hospital stay, incidence of infection, post-operative complications or survival between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that surgery should be performed sooner rather than later. Furthermore, earlier surgical treatment within 48 h in patients with MSCC resulted in significantly better neurological outcome. However, the timing of surgery did not influence length of hospital stay, complication rate or patient survival.

Access related complications in anterior lumbar surgery performed by spinal surgeons.

PURPOSE: Anterior lumbar surgery is a common procedure for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and artificial disc replacement (ADR). Our aim was to study the exposure related complications for anterior lumbar spinal surgery performed by spinal surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for 304 consecutive patients who underwent anterior lumbar spinal surgery over 10 years (2001-2010) at our institution. Each patient's records were reviewed for patients' demographics, diagnosis, level(s) of surgery, procedure and complications related to access surgery. Patients undergoing anterior lumbar access for tumour resection, infection, trauma and revision surgeries were excluded. RESULTS: All patients underwent an anterior paramedian retroperitoneal approach from the left side. The mean age of patients was 43 years (10-73; 197 males, 107 females). Indications for surgery were degenerative disc disease (DDD 255), degenerative spondylolisthesis (23), scoliosis (18), iatrogenic spondylolisthesis (5) and pseudoarthrosis (3). The procedures performed were single level surgery--L5/S1 (n = 147), L4/5 (n = 62), L3/4 (n = 7); two levels--L4/5 and L5/S1 (n = 74), L3/4 and L4/5 (n = 4); three levels--L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 (n = 5); four levels--L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 (n = 5). The operative procedures were single level ADR (n = 131), a single level ALIF (n = 87) with or without posterior fusion, two levels ALIF (n = 54), two levels ADR (n = 14), a combination of ADR/ALIF (n = 10), three levels ALIF (n = 1), three levels ADR/ALIF/ALIF (n = 1), ADR/ADR/ALIF (n = 2), four levels ALIF (n = 1) and finally 3 patients underwent a four level ADR/ADR/ALIF/ALIF. The overall complication rate was 61/304 (20 %). This included major complications (6.2 %)--venous injury requiring suture repair (n = 14, 4.6 %) and arterial injury (n = 5 [1.6 %], 3 repaired, 2 thrombolysed). Minor complications (13.8 %) included venous injury managed without repair (n = 5, 1.6 %), infection (n = 13, 4.3 %), incidental peritoneal opening (n = 12, 3.9 %), leg oedema (n = 2, 0.6 %) and others (n = 10, 3.3 %). We had no cases of retrograde ejaculation. CONCLUSION: We report a very thorough and critical review of our anterior lumbar access surgeries performed mostly for DDD and spondylolisthesis at L4/5 and L5/S1 levels. Vascular problems of any type (24/304, 7.8 %) were the most common complication during this approach. The incidence of major venous injury requiring repair was 14/304 (4.6 %) and arterial injury 5/304 (1.6 %). The requirement for a vascular surgeon with the vascular injury was 9/304 (3 %; 5 arterial injuries; 4 venous injuries). This also suggests that the majority of the major venous injuries were repaired by the spinal surgeon (10/14, 71 %). Our results are comparable to other studies and support the notion that anterior access surgery to the lumbar spine can be performed safely by spinal surgeons. With adequate training, spinal surgeons are capable of performing this approach without direct vascular support, but they should be available if required.

A geometrical model of vertical translation and alar ligament tension in atlanto-axial rotation.

INTRODUCTION: While allowing the greatest range of axial rotation of the entire spine with 40° to each side, gradual restraint at the extremes of motion by the alar ligaments is of vital importance. In order for the ligaments to facilitate a gradual transition from the neutral to the elastic zone, a complex interaction of axial rotation and vertical translation via the biconvex articular surfaces is essential. The aim of this investigation is to establish a geometrical model of the intricate interaction of the alar ligaments and vertical translatory motion of C1/C2 in axial rotation. METHODS: Bilateral alar ligaments including the odontoid process and condylar bony entheses were removed from six adult cadavers aged 65-89 years within 48 h of death. All specimens were judged to be free of abnormalities with the exception of non-specific degenerative changes. Dimensions of the odontoid process and alar ligaments were measured. Graphical multiplanar reconstruction of atlanto-axial rotation was done in the transverse and frontal planes for the neutral position and for rotation to 40° with vertical translation of 3 mm. The necessary fibre elongation of the alar ligaments in the setting with and without vertical translation of the atlas was calculated. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the odontoid process in the sagittal plane was 10.6 mm (SD 1.1). The longest fibre length was measured from the posterior border of the odontoid enthesis to the posterior border of the condylar enthesis with an average of 13.2 mm (SD 2.5) and the shortest between the lateral (anterior) border odontoid enthesis and the anterior condylar enthesis with an average of 8.2 mm (SD 2.2). In graphical multiplanar reconstruction of atlanto-axial rotation to 40° without vertical translation of C1/C2, theoretical alar fibre elongation reaches 27.1% for the longest fibres, which is incompatible with the collagenous structure of the alar ligaments. Allowing 3 mm caudal translation of C1 on C2 at 40° rotation, as facilitated by the biconvex atlanto-axial joints, reduces alar fibre elongation to 23.3%. CONCLUSION: The biconvex configuration of the atlanto-axial joints is an integral feature of the functionality of upper cervical spine as it allows gradual vertical translation of the atlas against the axis during axial rotation, with gradual tensing of the alar ligaments. Vertical translation on its own, however, does not explain the tolerance of the alar ligaments towards the maximum of 40° of rotation and is most likely synergistic with the effects of the coupled motion of occipitocervical extension during rotation.

Limited access surgery for 360 degrees in-situ fusion in a dysraphic patient with high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Progressive high-grade spondylolisthesis can lead to spinal imbalance. High-grade spondylolisthesis is often reduced and fused in unbalanced pelvises, whereas in-situ fusion is used more often in balanced patients. The surgical goal is to recreate or maintain sagittal balance but if anatomical reduction is necessary, the risk of nerval damage with nerve root disruption in worst cases is increased. Spinal dysraphism like spina bifida or tethered cord syndrome make it very difficult to achieve reduction and posterior fusion due to altered anatomy putting the focus on anterior column support. Intensive neural structure manipulation should be avoided to reduce neurological complications and re-tethering in these cases. A 26-year-old patient with a history of diastematomyelia, occult spina bifida and tethered cord syndrome presented with new onset of severe low back pain, and bilateral L5/S1 sciatica after a fall. The X-ray demonstrated a grade III spondylolisthesis with spina bifida and the MRI scan revealed bilateral severely narrowed exit foramina L5 due to the listhesis. Because she was well balanced sagittally, the decision for in-situ fusion was made to minimise the risk of neurological disturbance through reduction. Anterior fusion was favoured to minimise manipulation of the dysraphic neural structures. Fusion was achieved via isolated access to the L4/L5 disc space. A L5 transvertebral hollow modular anchorage (HMA) screw was passed into the sacrum from the L4/L5 disc space and interbody fusion of L4/L5 was performed with a cage. The construct was augmented with pedicle screw fixation L4-S1 via a less invasive bilateral muscle split for better anterior biomechanical support. The postoperative course was uneventful and fusion was CT confirmed at the 6-month follow-up. At the last follow-up, she worked full time, was completely pain free and not limited in her free-time activities. The simultaneous presence of high-grade spondylolisthesis and spinal dysraphism make it very difficult to find a decisive treatment plan because both posterior and anterior treatment strategies have advantages and disadvantages in these challenging cases. The described technique combines several surgical options to achieve 360° fusion with limited access, reducing the risk of neurological sequelae.

Surgical management of U-shaped sacral fractures: a systematic review of current treatment strategies.

PURPOSE: U-shaped sacral fractures usually result from axial loading of the spine with simultaneous sacral pivoting due to a horizontal fracture which leads to a highly unstable spino-pelvic dissociation. Due to the rarity of these fractures, there is lack of an agreed treatment strategy. METHODS: A thorough literature search was carried out to identify current treatment concepts. The studies were analysed for mechanism of injury, diagnostic imaging, associated injuries, type of surgery, follow-up times, complications, neurological, clinical and radiological outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-three cases were found in 12 articles. No Class I, II or III evidence was found in the literature. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall or jump from height. Pre-operative neurological deficit was noted in 50 (94.3%) out of 53 cases (not available in 10 patients). The most used surgical options were spino-pelvic fixation with or without decompression and ilio-sacral screws. Post-operative complications occurred in 24 (38.1%) patients. Average follow-up time was 18.6 months (range 2-34 months). Full neurological recovery was noted in 20 cases, partial recovery in 14 and 9 patients had no neurological recovery (5 patients were lost in follow-up). Fracture healing was mentioned in 7 articles with only 1 case of fracture reduction loss. CONCLUSION: From the current available data, an evidence based treatment strategy regarding outcome, neurological recovery or fracture healing could not be identified. Limited access and minimal-invasive surgery focussing on sacral reduction and restoration seems to offer comparable results to large spino-pelvic constructs with fewer complications and should be considered as the method of choice. If the fracture is highly unstable and displaced, spino-pelvic fixation might offer better stability.

The routine intra-operative use of pulse oximetry for monitoring can prevent severe thromboembolic complications in anterior surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior access to the lumbar spine is established for disc replacement surgery and anterior interbody fusion in the lumbar spine. The spine is accessed normally from the left side either by a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach through a midline or oblique skin incision. After reaching the retroperitoneum and depending on the level of exposure, the surgeon has to mobilise and retract the aorta or left common iliac artery, as well as the left common iliac vein or internal vena cava to the right lateral border to address the whole disc space. The left common iliac artery is especially stretched during intervertebral disc exposure putting it at a greater risk of adverse events. Not surprisingly, vascular adverse events like direct injuries, thrombosis and embolism are feared complications in anterior surgery. Permanent intra-operative left leg oxygen saturation surveillance via pulse oximetry can help detecting embolic situations thereby allowing immediate treatment minimising the leg ischemia or preventing limb loss. CASE REPORT: In the presented case, a 61-year-old male patient undergoing a two-level anterior interbody fusion lost oxygen saturation in the left leg after vessel retraction for exposure. After cage insertion and release of the retractor blades, the pulse oximetry signal did not return and no pulses were found during instant Doppler investigation below the femoral artery, indicating severe embolism in the left leg. The left common iliac artery was clamped and opened showing a ruptured calcified plaque with adherent fresh thrombotic material. An endovascular embolectomy in the superficial and deep femoral artery revealed several small thrombi. An artherectomy of the common iliac artery followed by patch closure was performed. Immediately after clamp release, pulse oximetry returned and Doppler signals were detectable at the tibialis posterior and dorsalis pedis artery. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and pulses were palpable at all times. CONCLUSION: Arterial adverse events in anterior access surgery are rare complications but none the less, it is of paramount importance to detect and treat these situations immediately. This case highlights the need of routine pulse monitoring during the whole anterior surgery to prevent embolic complications. Even manual pulse control might not be sufficient to rule out any distal embolic events creating severe leg ischemia.

Missed cervical spine injuries: a national survey of the practice of evaluation of the cervical spine in confused and comatose patients.

AIM: Identifying cervical spine injuries in confused or comatose patients with multiple injuries provides a diagnostic challenge. Our aim was to investigate the protocols which are used for the clearance of the cervical spine in these patients in English hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All hospitals in England with an Emergency Department were asked about the protocols which they use for assessing the cervical spine. All 22 Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) and 141 of 156 non-MTCs responded (response rate 91.5%). RESULTS: Written guidelines were used in 138 hospitals (85%). CT scanning was the first-line investigation in 122 (75%). A normal CT scan was sufficient to clear the cervical spine in 73 (45%). However, 40 (25%) would continue precautions until the patient regained full consciousness. MRI was performed in all confused or comatose patients with a possible cervical spinal injury in 15 (9%). There were variations in the grade and speciality of the clinician who had responsibility for deciding when to discontinue precautions. A total of 31 (19%) reported at least one missed cervical spinal injury following discontinuation of spinal precautions within the last five years. Only 93 (57%) had a formal mechanism for reviewing missed injuries. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: There are significant variations in protocols and practices for the clearance of the cervical spine in multiply injured patients in acute hospitals in England. The establishment of trauma networks should be taken as an opportunity to further standardise trauma care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:825-8.

An immunohistochemical study of the dorsal capsule of the lumbar and thoracic facet joints.

STUDY DESIGN: The molecular composition of the extracellular matrix in the dorsal capsules of lumbar and thoracic facet joints was analyzed immunohistochemically. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the immunohistochemical profile of the lumbar joint capsule suggests a role of the capsule in limiting axial rotation of the lumbar motion segment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: During axial rotation of the lumbar vertebrae, the axis of rotation shifts toward the facet joints in the direction of rotation. Thus, the capsule of the opposing joint should become tensed and wrap around the inferior articular process. Previous studies suggest that wrap-around ligaments are fibrocartilaginous. However, thoracic joint capsules are largely shielded from such loading and should be purely fibrous. METHODS: Dorsal capsules were removed from lumbar and thoracic facet joints of six adult cadavers. Specimens were immunolabeled with monoclonal antibodies for collagens, chondroitin, dermatan and keratan sulfates, versican, tenascin, aggrecan and link protein. Antibody binding was detected using the Vectastain ABC 'Elite' peroxidase kit (Vector Laboratories, Inc., Burlingame, CA). RESULTS: Both lumbar and thoracic joint capsules immunolabelled for most glycosaminoglycans and for Type I, III and VI collagens. However, labeling for Type II collagen, chondroitin-6-sulfate, aggrecan, and link protein was restricted to lumbar capsules. Such labeling was constantly seen at entheses and occasionally in the midsubstance. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular composition of the lumbar joint capsule suggests that it acts as a fibrocartilaginous, 'wrap-around' ligament that withstands compression in addition to tension during torsional movements of the lumbar spine. It wraps around the inferior articular process as rotation occurs and limits further movement.