Distribution characteristics of stress on the vertebrae following different ranges of excision during Modified Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A correlation study based on finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Modified Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with specific resection ranges is an effective surgical method for the treatment of focal ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Herein, we compare and analyse the static stress area distribution by performing different cuts on an original ideal finite element model. METHOD: A total of 96 groups of finite element models of the C4-C6 cervical spine with different vertebral segmentation ranges (width: 1-12 mm, height: 1-8 mm) were established. The same pressure direction and size were applied to observe the size and distribution area of stress following various ranges of excision of the C5 vertebral body. RESULTS: Different cutting areas had similar stress aggregation points. As the contact area decreased, the stress and the bearing above area increased. The correlation of stress area variation was highest between the 1-2 MPa and 6 MPa-Max regions (Rho = - 0.975). In the surface visualisation model fitting, the width and height were of different ratios in different stress regions. The model with the best fitting degree was the 1-2 MPa group, and the equation fitting (Rho = 0.966) was as follows: Area = 908.80 - 25.92 × Width + 2.71 × Height. CONCLUSION: Modified Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with different resection ranges exhibited different stress areas. In a specific resection range of the cervical spine (1-12 mm, 0-8 mm), area conversion occurred at a threshold of 4 MPa. Additionally, the stress was concentrated at the contact points between the vertebral body and the rigid fixator.

Retrospective evaluation of patients treated with intradiscal discectomy + RFTC using the Disc-Fx method in lumbar discopathy.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is an important public health problem that impairs quality of life and causes limitations in both social and working life. It is attempted to be treated with conservative or surgical procedures. However, how wise is it to plan surgery with a high complication rate when conservative treatment fails to respond? METHODS: In this study, it was planned to investigate the effectiveness of the Disc-Fx procedure, which is one of the minimally invasive techniques for low back pain. Patients who underwent the Disc-Fx procedure were included. After consent was obtained, questions were asked before and after the procedure. The data of the patients were obtained by telephone and hospital database. Data of 40 patients older than 18 years of age were collected and analyzed retrospectively according to the established protocol. Then, the data were subjected to statistical calculation and the results were obtained. RESULTS: Similar to the literature, there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative 1st, 6th, and 12th months of VAS, ODI, and MacNab values. In fact, a significant difference was found between the VAS, ODI, and MacNab values in each postoperative period compared to the preoperative period. In addition, factors that may be important in the etiology of low back pain were also evaluated. CONCLUSION: The Disc-Fx procedure is thought to be a promising procedure for carefully selected patients due to its low complication rates. It has been concluded that more precise results can be obtained as a result of randomized controlled studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up of patients.

Perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy in elderly patients undergoing lumbar discectomy: a retrospective study on 163 patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The prevalence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has risen alongside the aging population, often necessitating neurosurgical intervention. However, managing antithrombotic medications in elderly patients with a history of major cardiovascular events (MACE) presents challenges, as treatment may require modification or cessation. This study aims to compare surgical outcomes among elderly patients receiving antithrombotic drugs and assess their impact and potential complications. The findings aim to inform the management of elderly patients with cardiovascular and spinal conditions undergoing neurosurgery. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study was conducted at a single center. A total of 163 patients aged 60 or above who underwent lumbar discectomy for LDH were included. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their antithrombotic drug management: Group A (46 patients) replaced antiplatelet agents with low-dose aspirin for secondary prevention, Group B (54 patients) discontinued antiplatelet agents for primary prevention one week preoperatively and replaced them with LMWH, and Group C (63 patients) did not receive antithrombotic medication. Intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, and postoperative hospitalization were analyzed across all three groups. Continuous variables were compared between groups using the two-tailed Mann-Whitney test, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss or surgical time among groups A, B, and C. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between groups B and C across all analyzed variables. No early or delayed hemorrhagic complications occurred perioperatively or during the 3-month postoperative follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that elective discectomy surgery in patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies may proceed without early complications and can be safely continued perioperatively. These findings have implications for the management of elderly patients requiring neurosurgical intervention in the context of cardiovascular comorbidities.

Combined intra-extradural approach for posterolateral thoracic disk herniations: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic disc herniation is a rare degenerative spine disease that can cause severe neurological deficits. Nowadays, controversies still stand on the most effective surgical route. METHOD: Herein, we describe the combined intra-extradural approach for a posterolateral thoracic disk herniation. We divided the technique into four steps: bony, extradural, intradural and intra-extradural. We disclose perioperative shrewdness aimed at improving outcomes and reducing complications. CONCLUSION: The combined intra-extradural approach represents an effective technique for posterolateral thoracic disk herniations, reducing both the risk of spinal cord damages and post-operative CSF leaks.

Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Discectomy for Adjacent Segment C7-D1 Disk with O-Arm Navigation: A Unique Case Report.

CASE: 43-year-old man with an adjacent segment C7-D1 left paracentral and foraminal disk and left-hand grip weakness underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy with O-arm navigation. The patient underwent C5-6 and C6-7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) 10 years ago and was asymptomatic for nearly 10 years. CONCLUSION: In revision of the cervical spine with a short neck, cervicothoracic junctional disks can be precisely located using O-arm navigation and effectively removed with a minimally invasive unilateral biportal endoscopy approach.

Cervical myelopathy mistaken for complex regional pain syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is characterized by spastic gait impairment, upper limb dysfunction, and sphincter disturbances. The pathological mechanism involves a combination of mechanical compression and ischemic processes, which are most commonly associated with the narrowing of the vertebral canal. However, DCM requires differential diagnosis from diseases of the central nervous system that cause neuropathic pain, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and postherpetic neuralgia. PATIENT CONCERNS: This report presents a case of DCM misdiagnosed as CRPS. Delayed diagnosis can lead to residual symptoms and functional disability. DIAGNOSES: Definitive diagnosis requires a correlation between physical findings and imaging results. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice, and spinal cord compression is the hallmark finding. INTERVENTIONS: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. OUTCOMES: At the 8-week postoperative follow-up, the patient reported reduced pain. Arm function was almost normal, and although the gait was unstable, he was able to walk without assistance. LESSONS: DCM can be easily confused with CRPS or postherpetic neuralgia. Therefore, physicians should consider the presence of different neuropathic pain syndromes when neuropathic pain develops. Patients with prior conditions affecting the cervical spine should be aware of the potential development of cervical myelopathy.

Single-Level Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic versus Tubular Microdiscectomy: Comparing Surgical Outcomes and Opioid Consumption.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) microdiscectomy is an emerging minimally invasive surgery technique for treating symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. There is limited literature regarding outcomes. Here, we assess surgical outcomes and pain medication consumption for UBE vs. tubular lumbar microdiscectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing primary, single-level UBE or tubular lumbar microdiscectomy surgery at a high-volume institution between 2018 and 2023. Variables of interest included operative time, complications and reoperations, as well as postoperative opioid and nonopioid pain medication consumption from discharge to 6 months. Opioid consumption was converted to morphine milligram equivalents. Standard statistical analyses were performed for comparative analyses. RESULTS: One hundred two patients-48 UBE and 54 tubular-were included. Average operative time (minutes) was higher for UBE patients (133.1 UBE vs. 86.6 tubular, P < 0.001), which trended downward over time but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). There were no differences in complication or reoperation rates. Average daily MME was lower from discharge to 2-week follow-up in the UBE group (11.1 v. 14.1, P = 0.02), but were comparative thereafter. Nonopioid medication prescription was lower in the UBE cohort from discharge to 2 weeks (70.8% vs. 92.6%, P = 0.01) and 2 to 6 weeks (52.1% vs. 85.2%, P < 0.001), with no significant differences thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: UBE microdiscectomy is associated with longer operating times. Both opioid and nonopioid pain medication consumption were lower for UBE patients during the initial postoperative period, perhaps owing to the less-invasive nature of the surgery.

Selective ultrasound-guided nerve root block improves outcomes for discectomy in patients with cervical disc disease: a randomized, controlled, single-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block could play a role in the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with multilevel cervical disease following selective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided selected nerve root block as a diagnostic tool (study group) or not (control group), but both groups had surgery. Pain evaluation for arm and neck pain was recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Neck Disability Index, and MRI results were compared between groups. They were assessed every two weeks for three months, postoperatively. The percentage of patients who showed ≥ 50% reduction in their pain levels and a VAS rating of ≤2 was deemed an acceptable surgical outcome. RESULTS: Patients in the study group had significantly lower VAS scores for pain intensity than control patients at nearly all periods. This baseline pain improved significantly in the study group. A more significant proportion of patients in the study group showed a ≥50% reduction in their pain scores from baseline at weeks four, eight, and 12, and this difference was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The study group improved significantly over baseline in Neck Disability Index scores compared to control patients. Patients were highly satisfied with no significant adverse events in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with multilevel cervical disease, ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block is an excellent, safe, non-radiating, and reliable test to determine the appropriate level for operation.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid use in elderly patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in anterior cervical discectomy fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of cervical spondylosis in the elderly. METHODS: Data from elderly patients who underwent ACDF between January 2020 and January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received 1 g intravenous TXA administration before skin incision (TXA group) were compared with patients who did not receive TXA (controls). Total and hidden blood loss were calculated, and the following outcomes were recorded: haemoglobin and haematocrit drop, operation time, drainage duration, drain volume, length of hospitalization, coagulation changes, and incidence of complications. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included (TXA group, n = 53 and controls, n = 61). Total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and postoperative drainage volume, haemoglobin and haematocrit drop were significantly lower in the TXA group than the control group. There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage duration, length of hospitalization, or coagulation function between the two groups. The incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups during 3 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous TXA is effective in reducing perioperative blood loss in elderly patients undergoing ACDF without changing the coagulation function or increasing the risk of complications.

Treating Multilevel Cervical Degenerative Disk Disease in a Patient With Stage IV Lung Cancer With Notable Comorbidities Using a Drug Eluting Biomaterial: A Case Report.

A 64-year-old patient with stage IV non-small-cell lung carcinoma and several comorbidities, which include obesity and long-term smoking, was treated with N-allyl noroxymorphone eluting osteoinductive bone graft biomaterial. The patient had multilevel degenerative disk disease (DDD), which has a high rate of failure when osteoinductive bone grafts are not used. Infuse, the most widely administered osteoinductive bone graft, is contraindicated in the spine for patients with active tumor. As such, a novel drug eluting osteoinductive biomaterial was administered to this patient, for whom no other therapeutic options were available, to promote bone fusion in a three-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion as part of the Food and Drug Administration Expanded Access program. Despite patient comorbidities that are associated with poor bone physiology, confirmed radiographic fusion was achieved in all three cervical levels at 8 months.

Impact of congenital spinal stenosis on the outcome of three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether congenital cervical spinal stenosis (CCSS) affects the outcome of three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients with CSM who underwent three-level ACDF between January 2019 and January 2023 were retrospectively examined. Patients were grouped according to presence of CCSS, which was defined as Pavlov ratio ≤ 0.75. The CCSS and no CCSS groups comprised 68 (58.1%) and 49 (41.9%) patients, respectively. RESULTS: The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score did not significantly differ between the two groups at any postoperative time point (p > 0.05). The JOA improvement rate was lower in the CCSS group 1 month after surgery (41.7% vs. 45.5%, p < 0.05), but showed no difference at any follow-up time point after one month. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative age (OR = 10.639), JOA score (OR = 0.370), increased signal intensity (ISI) in the spinal cord on T2-weighted MRI (T2-WI) (Grade 1: OR = 6.135; Grade 2: OR = 29.892), and degree of spinal cord compression (30-60%: OR = 17.919; ≥60%: OR = 46.624) as independent predictors of a poor one year outcome (JOA recovery rate < 50%). CONCLUSION: Although early JOA improvement is slower in the CCSS group, it does not affect the final neurological improvement at 1 year. Therefore, CCSS should not be considered a contraindication for three-level ACDF in patients with CSM. The main factors influencing one year outcome were preoperative age, JOA score, ISI grade, and degree of spinal cord compression.

Case Report: Glossopharyngeal Allodynia-Related Odynophagia and Dysphagia Post Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Managed with Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block.

Dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery has a 5% to 15% incidence beyond 1-year postsurgery, often attributed to mechanical factors such as pharyngeal thickening and epiglottis inversion. Despite normal neurological examination and electromyography, nerve distortion related to stretching also remains a possibility in these patients and may cause allodynia resulting in odynophagia and dysphagia. Current treatment options for dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion are limited to local intraoperative steroid injections and tracheal traction exercises. In our patient, a glossopharyngeal nerve block was effectively used to manage the glossopharyngeal allodynia, thereby reducing the odynophagia and dysphagia, ultimately enhancing oral tolerance.

[Rehabilitation of patients after spinal surgery: effectiveness of nonthermal techniques of peloidotherapy]. / Reabilitatsiya patsientov posle operatsii na pozvonochnike: effektivnost' neteplovykh metodik peloidoterapii.

The problem of patients' rehabilitation after spinal surgery remains relevant. The use of therapeutic physical factors, both preformed and natural, including pelotherapy, is very important. The application of the latter requires to develop new techniques in this pathology, one of which is low temperature exposure. OBJECTIVE: To study the possibility and to assess the effectiveness of resource-saving nonthermal pelotherapy techniques in patients' rehabilitation, who underwent surgeries for intervertebral discs' herniation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of patients equal 88, including 39 males and 49 females, after lumbar microdiscectomy, was examined in this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Control group (28 patients) received a basic rehabilitation complex (therapeutic gymnastics, massage, low-frequency magnetotherapy); the 1st study group (30 patients) - basic complex and procedures of thin layer applications with peat muds preparation (Tomed-applikat) at 20-24 °C; the 2nd study group (30 patients) - basic complex and procedures of fluctuoresis of 2% solution of peat mud Tomed-aqua preparation. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction of pain syndrome, recovery of sensitivity and motor activity, decrease of Oswestry index, characterizing the degree of vital activity disturbance, in patients of the study group compared to the control group after treatment. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of nonthermal resource-saving techniques of pelotherapy in rehabilitation complex of patients who underwent spinal surgery is effective and pathogenetically justified.

Patient lived experiences of functioning and disability following lumbar discectomy: a secondary analysis of qualitative data.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of patient lived experiences of functioning and disability is limited. This study aims to address the gap in the literature by exploring patient lived experiences of functioning and disability following lumbar discectomy. METHOD: A secondary analysis, reported in line with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research, was conducted of qualitative data exploring patient journeys following lumbar discectomy surgery (DiscJourn). Adult patients (≥ 16 years) undergoing elective or emergency primary lumbar discectomy were recruited from one National Health Service secondary care centre in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 1-3 weeks and 1-year post surgery. Participants who completed both semi-structured interviews were eligible for the secondary analysis. Transcripts from the semi-structured interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). IPA involved two independent reviewers identifying themes for individual data sets followed by an iterative process involving the wider research team to identify overarching themes that represented the whole date set. Subthemes generated from the IPA were mapped against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework at the level of chapters, in order to ascertain the ICF's utility in capturing experiences of functioning and disability. Strategies to enhance trustworthiness of data analysis included blind coding, peer examination and debrief, declaration of pre-conceived beliefs and active reflexivity throughout the study. RESULTS: Nine participants met the eligibility criteria and their interview transcripts were analysed. Patient lived experiences of functioning and disability were captured by three overarching themes: Immediate impact following surgery, Multiple roads to recovery over 1 year, and Functioning influenced by personal loci of control. Each theme consisted of three subthemes which were subsequently mapped onto the ICF. Three subthemes mapped to the ICF's body component, 1 to activity and participation and 3 to environment. Two subthemes themes did not map onto the ICF. CONCLUSION: Findings provide valuable insights into patient experiences of functioning and disability following lumbar discectomy. Convergence in experiences of functioning and disability were identified immediately following surgery. Divergence in such experiences were identified with regards to the roads to recovery over 1 year and the individuals' locus of control. Findings build on the body of literature exploring patients functioning and disability following discectomy and make recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

Cervical Collar Use Following Cervical Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The utility and risks associated with the use of cervical collars in the postoperative period after cervical spine surgery have been of debate. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the currently available evidence on the use of cervical collars after cervical spine surgery to assess their impact on outcomes. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed database was performed using keywords "cervical collar," "anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)," "posterior cervical decompression and fusion," "laminoplasty," "post-operative orthotic bracing," "cervical decompression," and "cervical orthosis" in all possible combinations. All English studies with the level of evidence of I to IV that were published from May 1, 1986, to December 3, 2023, were considered for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and reviewed. Regarding anterior and posterior fusion procedures, cervical collar use demonstrated improved short-term patient-reported outcomes and pain control. While surgeon motivation for collar use was to increase fusion rates, this is not well drawn out in the literature with the majority of studies demonstrated no significant difference in fusion rates between patients who wore a cervical collar and those who did not. Regarding motion-preserving procedures such as cervical laminoplasty, patients with prolonged postoperative cervical collar use demonstrated increased rates of axial neck pain and decreased final range of motion (ROM). CONCLUSION: Surgeon motivation for postoperative cervical collar immobilization after completion of fusion procedures is to increase fusion rates and improve postoperative pain and disability despite this not being fully drawn out in the literature. After completion of motion-sparing procedures, the benefits of collar immobilization diminish with their prolonged use which could lead to increased rates of axial neck pain and decreased ROM. Cervical collar immobilization in the postoperative period should be considered its own intervention, with its own associated risk-benefit profile. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy via translaminar approach for highly upward-migrated lumbar disc herniation: a technical note and preliminary treatment outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: A technical note and retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: Highly upward-migrated lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is challenging due to its problematic access and incomplete removal. The most used interlaminar approach may cause extensive bony destruction. We developed a novel translaminar approach using the unilateral portal endoscopic (UBE) technique, emphasizing effective neural decompression, and preserving the facet joint's integrity. METHODS: This retrospective study included six patients receiving UBE translaminar discectomy for highly upward-migrated LDHs from May 2019 to June 2021. The migrated disc was removed through a small keyhole on the lamina of the cranial vertebra. The treatment results were evaluated by operation time, hospital stays, complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and modified MacNab criteria. RESULTS: The mean pre-operative VAS for back pain (5.0 ± 4.9), VAS for leg pain (9.2 ± 1.0), JOA score (10.7 ± 6.6), and ODI (75.7 ± 25.3) were significantly improved to 0.3 ± 0.5, 1.2 ± 1.5, 27.3 ± 1.8, 5.0 ± 11.3 respectively at the final follow-up. Five patients had excellent, and one patient had good outcomes according to the Modified MacNab criteria. The hospital stay was 2.7 ± 0.5 days. No complication was recorded. The MRI follow-up showed complete disc removal, except for one patient with an asymptomatic residual disc. CONCLUSIONS: UBE translaminar discectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for highly upward-migrated LDH with satisfactory treatment outcomes and nearly 100% facet joint preservation.

The Impact of Endplate Coverage on Heterotopic Ossification Following Cervical Disc Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: Describe the impact of endplate coverage on HO in cervical disc replacement (CDR). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: CDR is a motion-sparing alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. However, the high prevalence of heterotopic ossification threatens to diminish range of motion and limit this benefit associated with CDR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. EMBASE and PubMed databases were queried. Results were deduplicated and screened. Relevant studies were included. All metrics that were reported in ≥3 studies were aggregated for analysis. SPSS was used to perform the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were included in the systematic review. Endplate coverage was assessed using a wide variety of measurements, including anteroposterior implant depth (ID), endplate depth (ED), exposed endplate depth (EED), implant depth to endplate depth ratio (ID:ED), EED to ED ratio (EED:ED), implant width (IW) to endplate width (EW) ratio (IW:EW), and the implant area (IA) to endplate area (EA) ratio (IA:EA). No evidence has linked ID (three studies) to HO. Mixed evidence has linked ID:ED (3/5) and IW:ED (1/2) to HO. All available evidence has linked ED (2), EED (4), EED:ED (2), and IA:EA (1) to HO. In our meta-analysis, ID was not found to be a significant risk factor for HO. However, EED and ID:ED were found to be significant risk factors for HO formation. CONCLUSIONS: Exposed endplate, especially as assessed by EED and ID:ED, is a significant risk factor for HO. Surgeons should focus on preoperative planning and intraoperative implant selection to maximize endplate coverage. While optimizing technique and implant selection is crucial, improved implant design may also be necessary to ensure that appropriate implant-endplate footprint matching is possible across the anatomic spectrum.

The Clinical Efficacy of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Under Three-Dimensional Microscopy.

A plethora of studies has substantiated the remarkable clinical efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.1,2 This procedure effectively removes the posterior osteophytes and protruding nucleus pulposus, achieving direct decompression of the spinal cord and effectively alleviating compression symptoms. Concurrently, by distracting the intervertebral space, ACDF contributes to the restoration of the physiological curvature of the cervical spine. However, several pressing issues remain to be addressed during the surgical process. The depth of the surgical field and the lighting conditions often limit the clear identification of the spinal cord and surrounding delicate structures, compounded by the limited operating space and potential interference between the primary surgeon and assistants, all of which may increase surgical risks.3,4 To surmount these challenges, the application of three-dimensional (3D) microscopy in anterior cervical surgery has been proven to be an effective solution. In Video 1, we demonstrate the complete 2-stage ACDF operation under 3D microscopy, where both the primary surgeon and the assistant observe the surgical area through monitors and external screens, ensuring a comfortable posture and good coordination. In our retrospective review, we analyzed 16 ACDF cases aided by 3D microscopy(including both cervical spondylotic myelopathy with disc herniation and cases with spinal instability). Based on the results of the normality test, we use mean (SD) to describe the data. The mean (SD) decompression time was 37.06 (13.30) minutes, with overall surgical duration of 114.56 (18.11) minutes and blood loss of 68.13 (21.36) mL, with no surgically related complications. At the 6-month follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, neck disability index score, visual analog scale score, and C2-7 Cobb angle compared with preoperative values (Japanese Orthopaedic Association from 11.06 [1.00] to 15.38 [1.09], neck disability index from 30.75 [3.49] to 14.81 [2.93], visual analog scale from 5.19 [1.60] to 1.88 [0.96], and C2-7 Cobb angle from 11.97 [4.63] to 15.49 [4.06], respectively; P < 0.05). 3D microscopy-assisted ACDF demonstrated clear advantages in terms of decompression operation time, intraoperative blood loss, exposure and resection of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and complication rate, achieving satisfactory short-term therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Assisted by 3D microscopy, ACDF surgery offers a high-definition visual field that enhances precision, thereby reducing procedural risks and improving clinical outcomes. This technology alleviates the physical strain on surgeons, fosters collaborative teamwork, and facilitates educational exchanges. With a relatively short learning curve, 3D microscopy significantly enhances the safety and efficiency of ACDF procedures.

Is Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Better Than Fusion for Warfighters?: A Biomechanical Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondylosis in the warfighter is a common musculoskeletal problem and can be career-ending especially if it requires fusion. Head-mounted equipment and increased biomechanical forces on the cervical spine have resulted in accelerated cervical spine degeneration. Current surgical gold standard is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) is a nonfusion surgical alternative, and this can be effective in alleviating radiculopathy from foraminal stenosis caused by disc-osteophyte complex. Biomechanical studies have not been done to analyze motion associated with military aircrew personnel following PCF. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical responses of the effects of ACDF and PCF with different grades of facet resection under simulated military aircrew conditions using range of motion, disc pressure, and facet loads at the index and adjacent levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated 3D finite element model of the human cervical spinal column was used to simulate various graded PCF and ACDF. All surgical simulations were performed at the most commonly operated level (C5-C6) in warfighters. Pure moment loading under flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and in vivo follower force of 75 N were applied to the intact spine. Hybrid loading protocol was used to achieve 134 degrees of combined flexion-extension and 83 degrees of lateral bending in intact and surgical models to reflect military loading conditions. Segmental motions, disc pressure, and facet load were obtained and normalized with respect to the intact model to quantify the biomechanical effect. RESULTS: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion decreased range of motion at the index and increased motion at the adjacent levels, while all graded PCF responses had an opposite trend: increased motion at the index and decreased motion at adjacent levels. The magnitude of changes depended on the level of resection, spinal level, and loading mode. Disc pressure increased at the index level and decreased at the adjacent levels after PCF. These changes were exaggerated with increasing extent of facet resection. Facet load increased at the index level after PCF especially with extension and right (contralateral) lateral bending. Complete facetectomy led to facet load increases greater than ACDF at the adjacent levels in both flexion and extension. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a motion-preserving implant-free surgical alternative to ACDF for warfighters with cervical radiculopathy after failure of conservative management. The treating surgeon must pay close attention to the extent of facet resection to avoid potential spinal instability and future disc and facet degeneration after PCF. Posterior cervical foraminotomy can be more advantageous than ACDF in terms of adjacent segment degeneration, motion preservation, reoperation rate, surgical cost, and retention of warfighters.

Is There a Risk of Stroke During Anterior Cervical Discectomy? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: To examine the effects of different retractor techniques for anterior cervical discectomy on cerebral oxygen saturation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, a prospective comparative design was employed to examine the effects of different retractor techniques on a cohort of 48 adult patients with ASA I-II classification who underwent anterior cervical discectomy under general anesthesia. The study was conducted under assessor-blinded conditions, and the patients were divided equally into two groups: the self-retaining retractor group and the hand-held retractor group. In addition to standard anaesthesia monitoring, the utilization of cerebral oximetry monitoring was implemented for all patients. A total of 7 measurements were obtained at various stages, including preoperative, during anaesthesia induction, surgical positioning, surgical retraction, release of retractors, after correction of extension position, and prior to extubation. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of neck position and surgical retraction on brain perfusion, as measured by regional cerebral oximetry. RESULTS: Sociodemographic data, duration of operation, hemodynamic parameters, bilateral regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2), and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. In both groups, the bilateral rScO2 decreased significantly with positioning and the left rScO2 decreased significantly following the installation of retractors. Only the left rScO2 increased significantly upon the release of both retractors. Following the correction of the neck position, bilateral rScO2 increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The rScO2 of the left carotid artery was shown to significantly decrease due to the indirect impact of the retractors. After extending the head and neck, bilateral rScO2 values decreased significantly in both groups. However, despite this decline, there was no significant decrease in brain perfusion that would result in ischemia. The absence of a statistically significant distinction between the groups implies that it is unlikely to have an impact on brain perfusion.