Surgical complications in neuromuscular scoliosis surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis of the last ten years.

PURPOSE: Surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis is often a challenging and extensive procedure. Due to this complexity and the high disease burden that these patients carry, per and post-operative complications are not uncommon. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and describe the pooled rates of postoperative complications and analyze risk factors for complications in neuromuscular scoliosis surgery described in the literature in the last ten years. METHODS: A systematic review of the English literature across multiple databases was conducted using search criteria (neuromuscular scoliosis AND complications) and using PRISMA guidelines (Jan 2012-July 2022). Studies with less than 30 patients and follow-up of < 2 years were excluded. Data extraction and meta-analysis were performed using random mode effect. Statistical analysis was conducted using OpenMeta software. Meta-regression analysis was used to detect risk factors (surgical approach, intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative Cobb angle and patient diagnosis) associated with each complication group. Confidence interval (CI) was set at 95%. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria involving 2155 patients. The level of evidence among studies were III (9) and IV (13). The most common primary diagnosis was cerebral palsy (43%) followed by Duchenne muscle dystrophy (20%), myelomeningocele (7.4%), spinal muscle atrophy (7.1%), Rett syndrome (< 2%) and combined other pathologies (20.2%). The pooled incidence rate of wound complications was the highest, amongst all complications, at 13.3% (CI 10.838 to 16.861); closely followed by respiratory complications (11.8%;CI 5.7 to 19.7). Implant failure occurred in 7.1% cases (CI 6.418 to 11.465), gastrointestinal complications was 5.2%; CI 2.4 to 8), pseudarthrosis in (4.6%;CI 2.2 to 6.9) and neurological deficit in 2.9% (CI 1.989 to 6.086). The pooled rate of revision surgery was (9.6%; CI 6.2 to 12.9). Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 test which results were moderately heterogeneous. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the diagnosis of myelomeningocele or Duchenne muscle dystrophy or spinal muscle atrophy were strongly associated with wound and respiratory complications (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Wound-related (13.3%) and respiratory complications (11.8%) remain the most common complications among studies after corrective surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis. Both are significantly associated with Duchenne muscle dystrophy, spinal muscle atrophy and myelomeningocele.

Posterolateral Fusion Versus Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Adult Low-Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Analysis of Sagittal Radiographic Parameters - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of posterolateral fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) on sagittal radiographic parameters in patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Additionally, to explore the correlation between changes in these parameters and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients with single-level low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis were initially enrolled. They were randomly assigned to undergo either PLF or PLIF. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Radiographic outcomes included pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle, slip angle, slip degree and disc height. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Four participants were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 42 patients, 29 were female. The mean age was 40.23 ± 10.25 years in the PLF group and 35.81 ± 10.58 years in the PLIF group. There was a statistically significant greater correction of all radiographic parameters in the PLIF group. The ODI and VAS improved significantly in both groups, with no significant differences between the two groups. Changes in the ODI and VAS were significantly correlated with changes in disc height, slip angle and lumbar lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis, PLIF demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PLF in correcting sagittal radiographic parameters. Nevertheless, this distinction does not seem to influence short-term clinical results. Restoring disc height, correcting the slip angle, and reestablishing normal lumbar lordosis are crucial steps in the surgical management of isthmic spondylolisthesis.

A uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery hybrid approach for posterior mediastinal dumb-bell tumours.

Posterior mediastinal dumb-bell tumours are neurogenic tumours that extend from the mediastinum to the intraspinal canal. They represent a surgical challenge because they may be resected using a staged or a single-stage approach. Until recently, a classic posterolateral thoracotomy was the gold standard for surgical resection for the intrathoracic segment. In the meantime, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has gained great acceptance among most thoracic surgeons because of the decreased surgical trauma, less operative blood loss and fewer postoperative complications and the shorter hospital stays. Proper selection of cases for thoracoscopic excision is crucial for ensuring good surgical outcomes. Factors such as tumour size, location and presence or absence of features suggesting malignancy should be considered. This procedure can offer great help in different case scenarios involving posterior mediastinal dumb-bell tumours. For giant tumours that will eventually need a thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery helps the surgical team to choose an optimal site for a tailored thoracotomy incision and rule out any metastatic pleura seedings. In cases of small intrathoracic segments of dumb-bell tumours (≤ 6-8 cm) that require combined spinal and thoracic procedures in a single-stage approach, a combined posterior and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical approach can be implemented for total resection of the tumour.

Validation of a translated version of the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) cervical myelopathy score in an Arabic speaking population.

INTRODUCTION: Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a growing disorder. Standardization of its assessment tools is an integral part of its management. The modified Japanese orthopedic association (mJOA) score is one of the most commonly used tools. Currently, there is no available Arabic translated version of any cervical myelopathy functional score. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and measure the psychometric properties of an Arabic translated version of the mJOA. METHODS: After translation of the score using the standard forward-backward translation procedure, a validation study including 100 patients was carried out from June 2019 to June 2020. The following psychometric properties were measured: feasibility, reliability, internal consistency, validity, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), ceiling, and floor effect. RESULTS: No problems were encountered during the process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the score. The mJOA-AR was found to be a feasible score. It showed high inter-observer reliability (r = 0.833, P < 0.001), test-retest reliability (r = 0.987, P < 0.001) and good internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (0.777) and Pearson interclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.717). The score showed good convergent and divergent construct validity correlating it to the Arabic validated version of the neck disability index (NDI). The mJOA-AR had an MCID of 1.506. Both the ceiling and floor effects of the total score and the first and second domains were within the acceptable range, while the third and fourth domains had a high ceiling effect (30% and 39%, respectively). DISCUSSION: Our translated version of the mJOA score was found to be a feasible score with acceptable psychometric properties. This score can be utilized as a good outcome measure tool in Arabic-speaking countries.

Anterior Cervical Reduction Decompression Fusion With Plating for Management of Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Spine Dislocations.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of anterior-only approach, for treatment of type C F4 (AO classification) traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries. METHODS: Patients with type C F4 traumatic cervical injuries presenting to a tertiary center between June 2017 and July 2018 were included. Outcome measures included self-reported measures (Neck Disability Index, visual analogue scale, and return to work), radiological measures (local segmental angle, Ishihara curvature index, cervical lordosis angle, and step-off distance), fusion state, and neurological state according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS). RESULTS: Twenty-one cases were operated by anterior approach with mean age 39.1 ± 13.8 years. The most common injury was at C4-5 (47.6%). Six out of 7 cases (85.7%) with preoperative neurological impairment showed late follow-up improvement by one or more grade in AIS. Complete anatomical reduction and imaging measures did not correlate significantly to the self-reported outcome measures. Median value of local segmental angle improved from -16° (-11° to -20) preoperatively to 0° (-7°) to 8°) at late follow-up. The cervical lordotic angle and Ishihara curvature index improved from 35° (29° to 43°) and 6.92 (-2.7 to 28.9) preoperatively, to 44° (33° to 51°) and 18.7 (-3.5 to 26.9) at the late follow-up, respectively. Step-off distance decreased postoperatively, however; complete reduction could not be achieved. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of lower cervical traumatic instability by anterior decompression and fusion is efficient regarding fusion state and patients' satisfaction. The anterior approach can be recommended in cases with neurological impairment and in patients with medical comorbidities or when a short operative time-compared with combined approach-is preferred.

Giant intrathoracic ganglioneuroma with scoliosis treated by one-stage posterior resection and scoliosis correction: a case report.

Spinal ganglioneuroma occurs mostly in the thoracic spine causing various manifestations including scoliosis that can be misdiagnosed as idiopathic scoliosis. Few reports exist in the literature on the diagnosis and management of scoliosis secondary to huge ganglioneuroma and usually staged treatment is preferred. In this report, we present a 17-year-old female patient presented with back pain, lower limbs numbness, spinal deformity, and shortness of breath. Plain X-rays showed a 50° right thoracic scoliotic curve. MRI and chest CT revealed a huge extra pulmonary mass shifting the mediastinum with intra spinal extension through the left neural foramina compressing the spinal cord. Percutaneous US guided needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. One-stage posterior instrumented correction of scoliosis, spinal cord decompression, and excision of the whole mass from the mediastinum and the spine through posterior approach was done for the patient with smooth postoperative recovery. Chest CT scan was done 2 years after surgery and excluded any local recurrence.

Anterior instrumentation through posterior approach in neglected congenital kyphosis: a novel technique and case series.

PURPOSE: To present a novel technique for anterior instrumentation and reconstruction with PVCR for treatment of severe neglected congenital kyphosis through posterior approach. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, all patients with severe congenital kyphosis more than 90° were included. PVCR augmented with anterior vertebral body instrumentation was done for all patients through the same posterior approach. Cobb angle of the main kyphosis and scoliosis curves, the global sagittal and coronal balance were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. The functional outcome was assessed using the SRS-22 questionnaire preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with mean age of 19.4 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 38 months. The mean number of resected vertebrae was 2.4 vertebrae per patient. The mean height of the anterior defect after resection was 6.4 cm. The mean preoperative local kyphosis angle was 104.6° that was corrected to a mean of 22.8° at 2-year follow-up. The sagittal vertical axis improved from 62.7 mm preoperatively to 21.4 mm at 2-year follow-up. The mean coronal Cobb angle was 71.2° preoperatively and 25.6° at 2-years follow-up. The mean coronal balance was 32.4 mm preoperatively and 13.6 mm at 2-year follow-up. All patients had significant improvement of the SRS-22 questionnaire at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Addition of anterior instrumentation to PVCR allows controlled gradual correction and more biomechanical stability. This technique should be preserved for high degrees of sagittal plane deformities. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Odontoid-sparing transnasal approach for drainage of craniocervical epidural abscess; a novel technique and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Surgical approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) are challenging. Available approaches include posterior, transoral, endonasal, and anterior extended retropharyngeal approach. Resection of the odontoid process is necessary to gain access to the pathology posterior to it. The resultant cranio-atlanto-axial instability usually necessitates subsequent posterior stabilization. PURPOSE: To describe a new odontoid-sparing approach to the spinal canal at the CVJ. This dens-sparing approach preserves occipito-atlanto-axial stability and avoids the need for occipitocervical stabilization that adds to the extent of surgery and its associated morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Describing a novel technique and reporting two cases. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two patients that presented with infection at the CVJ with a retro-odontoid epidural abscess were operated on. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported measures: visual analog scale for neck pain. Physiologic measures: plain x-rays (anteroposterior and lateral views), magnetic resonance imaging with contrast, computed tomography scan, C-reactive protein, and leukocytic count. Functional measures: dynamic flexion-extension views of the cervical spine. METHODS: Two patients were operated on using a combined endoscopic transnasal-transoral approach for drainage of a retro-odontoid epidural abscess and debridement without dens resection. A 4-mm, 30-degree rigid endoscope was used. Preoperative clinical and neurologic status was evaluated. The follow-up period was 12 months. The study received no funding from any organization. None of the authors has any relevant financial disclosures or conflict of interest. RESULTS: Both patients improved clinically after the endonasal transoral abscess drainage. Follow-up contrast magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the abscess after 3 weeks. Culture-sensitivity tests were positive for Staphylococcus aureus in one patient. Antibiotic therapy with clindamycin and flucloxacillin was continued for 12 weeks postoperatively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. There was no need for posterior occipitocervical stabilization in both cases. CONCLUSION: This represents the first clinical report of accessing the spinal canal at the CVJ without resection of the odontoid or the anterior arch of the atlas. The addition of endoscopic-assisted supra-dental approach to the transoral one improved visibility, and allowed access to the most cranial part of spinal canal without the need for dens resection, a procedure that significantly compromises C0-1-2 stability necessitating stabilization. This novel odontoid-sparing approach showed a favorable outcome in our first two cases with retro-odontoid abscess; however, it would likely pose a high risk in other pathologies including tumors.

Kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall injury.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cement augmentation techniques are standard treatments for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Compared with vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is associated with lower rates of cement leak and better deformity correction; however, posterior wall fractures are relative, but not absolute; contraindications for both techniques and hence treatment practices vary among spine centers. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to assess our center's incidence of posterior cement leakage in osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall injury treated by balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). Secondarily, physiological results, pain relief, complication rates, and non-posterior cement leakage were also evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study done in a high-volume spine center in Germany. PATIENT SAMPLE: Eighty-two patients with 98 osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior wall cortical injury were studied from 2012 to 2016. OUTCOME MEASURES: The following were the outcome measures: (1) physiological measures: standing plain x-rays (anteroposterior and lateral views), with the following parameters evaluated: cement leak behind the posterior vertebral body border, Cobb angle for local sagittal deformity, vertebral wedge angle, and anterior vertebral height; (2) cement volume injected in each vertebra; and (3) self-report measures: visual analog scale (VAS). METHODS: All patients underwent BKP using a bipedicular approach. Preoperative clinical and neurologic evaluations were done. Radiological evaluations included plain X-ray images, computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging. The average follow-up period was 18 months. RESULTS: No cement leakage into the spinal canal occurred in any of the patients. Asymptomatic leakage into other sites was seen in 22 vertebrae (22.45%). There was significant improvement in the Cobb angle, the vertebral wedge angle, and the anterior vertebral height in all cases. The mean preoperative VAS was 8.1, and this improved to 2.3 on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Balloon kyphoplasty is a viable option for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures even with posterior wall involvement.

Posterior-only surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an Egyptian experience.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective case series study is to document safety and effectiveness of high density pedicle screws through posterior only approach with intraoperative wake-up test in correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015, all surgically treated patients for AIS were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using scoliosis research society-22 (SRS) questionnaire. All patients were classified according to Lenke classification. Major and minor curves Cobb angle as well as sagittal parameters were measured on whole spine X-rays. All patients underwent an intra-operative wake-up test after deformity correction and a minimum of 80% metal density of implants was used. RESULTS: This study included 50 patients. The mean age at time of surgery was 16.8 years. The mean follow-up period was 38.1 months. The mean correction rate for the coronal Cobb angle of the major curve was 79.12%, while that of the minor curve was 68.9%. The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 38.4° preoperatively, 29.76° postoperatively and 30.36° at the last follow-up. The mean SRS-22 questionnaire scores improved significantly at the last follow-up (P > 0.001). There were no neurological deficits at the wake-up test. No cases of pseudarthrosis or metal failure were encountered. CONCLUSION: This is a prospective study of at least 80% metal density pedicle screws technique and intra-operative wake-up test in Egyptian patients with AIS. It proved to be an effective and safe technique in correction of radiological parameters, with no neurological or implant related complications. It allowed excellent scoliotic and kyphotic curves correction with minimal loss of correction. On the whole it led to better quality of life.

Pediatric cervical spine injuries with neurological deficits, treatment options, and potential for recovery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to highlight the challenges in managing cervical spine injuries in children with neurological deficits. INTRODUCTION: Cervical spine injuries in children are relatively rare. Pattern, severity, and level of these injuries are age dependent. Neurological deficits in young children are uncommon and usually have a good potential for recovery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This report includes four cases with pediatric cervical spine injuries with variable degrees of spinal cord injuries and neurological deficits. All the four patients were five years old or younger at the time of injury. Those patients were presented with different patterns of injuries and the treatment was customized for every patient. Marked neurological improvement occurred in all patients at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The treatment of pediatric cervical spine injuries should be individualized. Children with stable injuries should do well with non-operative treatment while operative treatment is recommended when the indication is appropriate and the expertise is available. Neurological deficits due to spinal cord injuries in pediatric patients have a high potential for recovery, provided that adequate management is considered.

Posterior only approach for fifth lumbar corpectomy: indications and technical notes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a posterior-only approach for L5 corpectomy, with lumbopelvic fixation for treatment of secondaries, infections, or burst fractures. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2013, 17 patients with L5 pathology had corpectomy through a posterior-only approach, with reconstruction of the anterior column using titanium cages filled with bone graft. The indication for surgery was presence of secondaries in nine patients, spondylitis and spondylodiscitis in five patients and burst fractures due to high energy trauma in three patients. All patients underwent detailed neurological examination as well as plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging studies. RESULTS: This study included 17 patients (8 males and 9 females) with a mean age of 48.3 years. The mean operative time was 186.1 minutes with mean blood loss of 744 ml. No intra-operative or immediate post-operative complications were encountered. Three patients died during follow-up due to advanced malignancy. The remaining 14 patients were followed-up for a mean of 24.9 months. One patient had cut through of L3 screws two years after surgery requiring metal removal. One patient had asymptomatic broken screw, with no need for further intervention. CONCLUSIONS: L5 corpectomy is a challenging procedure indicated for treatment of various cases of metastasis, infections, or comminuted fractures. The posterior approach is safe, efficient, and allows both rigid posterior stabilization and anterior reconstruction after L5 corpectomy without the need for an anterior approach and its possible related morbidity.

Longus colli tendinitis. A review of literature and case series.

PURPOSE: To increase the awareness of longus colli tendinitis (LCT) among spine specialists and to present a practical overview of diagnostic and treatment options, so that unnecessary interventions are avoided. Five sample cases from a German spine center will also be presented. METHODS: Literature review and case series. A PubMed search was performed in May 2015, and the articles found were reviewed for clinical presentation, investigations, and treatment. The frequency of publication of LCT cases and the specialty of journals were also noted. Recent cases treated in our institution were also reviewed. The clinical findings, investigations, and therapeutic interventions were summarized. RESULTS: The PubMed search from May 2015 found 104 articles, published over 51 years, on the topic of LCT. Only four were published in spine journals. A review of this literature yielded a total of 242 cases. The classic clinical triad included neck pain, limitation of movements, and swallowing complaints. C-reactive Protein (CRP) values were available in 21 cases (mean 23.66 mg/dL). A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan was the best diagnostic modality. LCT is usually a self-limiting condition, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate discomfort. Five cases of LCT were diagnosed and treated in our center over the past three years. CONCLUSIONS: LCT, which is uncommon and has non-specific symptoms, is often referred to spine centers. Spine specialists should be aware of its clinical presentation and radiographic findings in order to avoid unnecessary interventions. The condition is self-limiting and can be treated conservatively.