Cluneal nerve release: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite the heterogeneity of chronic lower back pain aetiologies, cluneal nerve entrapment remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood with few studies discussing the efficacy of its surgical release. OBJECTIVE: The current study opts to conduct a systematic review reporting on the efficacy of cluneal nerve surgical decompression in patients with an established diagnosis who fail conservative treatment. We aimed to systematically evaluate the literature regarding the clinical outcomes, recurrence of symptoms and revision rates of surgical intervention. METHODS: A systematic review of the English language literature dating up until May 2022 was undertaken according to the PRISMA guidelines. Isolated case reports were excluded. RESULTS: Of a total of 54 articles, 4 studies met the inclusion criteria (three were level IV evidence and one level III evidence) and were analyzed. Overall, 98 patients of mean age 61 years, (range 17-86) underwent cluneal nerve release with a mean follow-up of 25.5 months (6-58 months). There was significant improvement in symptoms post operatively in the 4 studies. No systemic or local complications were encountered during the surgeries. Four articles reported on revision surgery for recurrent symptoms in 8 patients out of 98 with a rate of 8.2%. Of the reoperated patients, 7/8 had new branches released that were not addressed initially and 1 had neurectomy for an adhered pre-released branch. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrated that cluneal nerve decompression has been performed in a total of 98 patients with significant clinical improvement, zero systemic and local complications and revision rates of 8.2% of the cases.

The diagnosis and management of a vertebral artery loop causing cervical radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathies are rarely caused by vertebral artery loop formation, which is estimated to be present in less than 3% of patients. It is uncertain what causes the loop formation: some propose an association with spondylotic changes or trauma, whilst others suggest hypertension and atherosclerosis may be responsible. CASE REPORT 1: A 35-year-old male patient presented with signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy that was not improved with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery performed 2 years beforehand. Vertebral artery loop was discovered at the level C5/6 on the MRI. Vertebral artery transposition surgery via a lateral approach was performed at the level of the left C5/6 for symptoms of left C6 radiculopathy. Deroofing of the transverse process was performed with post-surgical complete improvement in weakness and pain. CASE REPORT 2: A 48-year-old female patient presented with a 10-year history of left shoulder pain with occasional radiation into her middle three fingers accompanied by intermittent paraesthesia and weakness. Numerous shoulder surgeries, Botox injections and suprascapular nerve blocks had not provided any significant benefit. A vertebral artery loop was identified at the level of C3/4 and C4/5 on the left with cervical MRI. Transposition surgery of these two levels provided some post-surgical improvement in pain. CONCLUSION: Vertebral artery loop formations are a rare but potential cause for cervical radiculopathy. In two cases, the loop formations were not radiographically reported on MRI, thus clinicians should be aware of this as a differential diagnosis in the management of cervical radiculopathy. The presented surgical approach may be useful in managing future cases of vertebral artery loop formation causing cervical radiculopathy resistant to conservative measures.

Bone marrow washout for multilevel vertebroplasty in multiple myeloma spinal involvement. Technical note.

INTRODUCTION: Vertebral involvement is found in a high percentage of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, often requiring multilevel surgical treatment to reduce pain and disability and to receive prompt access to oncological care. We describe the clinical use of washout technique for multilevel vertebroplasty in MM patients with diffuse spinal involvement. The aim of this technique is to reduce the risk of pulmonary fat embolism after cement injection and possibly to increment the amount of cement and treated levels in one surgical stage. METHODS: Three patients were treated with the washout technique prior to multilevel vertebroplasty for thoracolumbar diffuse spinal involvement in multiple myeloma. We describe the surgical technique and review the pertinent literature. RESULTS: The technique is clinically safe and effective in reducing pain, without significant complications. Two six-level vertebroplasties were performed in one case, allowing a larger amount of cement injected and a prompt start of the oncological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Multilevel vertebroplasty in MM patients with diffuse spinal involvement carries the advantages of reducing pain, avoid repeated surgeries and faster return to oncological regimen. Cardiovascular complications, including pulmonary embolism, are rare but can have fatal consequences. It is mainly due to bone marrow mobilization during cement injection and the risk increases with the amount of cement injected and the number of treated levels. Despite multilevel treatment at the same stage, we did not observe any significant complication in our series. Further studies are needed to confirm the preliminary results of this technique. These slides can be retrieved under electronic supplementary material.

Hollow modular anchorage (HMA) screws for anterior transvertebral fixation in high-grade spondylolisthesis cases requiring 360 degrees in-situ fusion.

OBJECTIVE: 360 degrees in-situ fusion for high-grade spondylolisthesis showed satisfying clinical long-term results. Combining anterior with posterior surgery increases fusion rates. Anteriorly inserted transvertebral HMA screws could be an alternative to strut graft constructs or cages, avoiding donor site complications. In addition, complete posterior muscle detachment is avoided and the injury risk of neural structures is minimized. This study investigates the use of HMA screws in this context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five consecutive patients requiring L4-S1 in-situ fusion for isthmic spondylolisthesis (four Grade 3 and one Grade 4) were included. The L5/S1 level was fused with an HMA screw filled with local bone and bone morphogenic protein (BMP2), inserted via the L4/5 disc space level. An L4/5 stand-alone interbody fusion with additional minimal invasive posterior screw fixation was added. RESULTS: Transvertebral insertion of the HMA device was accomplished via a retroperitoneal approach to L4/L5 in all cases without exposure of L5/S1. Blood loss ranged from 150 ml-350 ml. No intraoperative complication occurred. One patient developed posterior wound infection requiring debridement. Solid fusion was confirmed with a CT scan after 6 months in all patients. All patients improved to unrestricted activities of daily living with two being limited by occasional back pain. CONCLUSIONS: HMA screws allow for effective lumbosacral fusion via a limited anterior exposure. This is technically easier than posterior exposure of the lumbosacral junction in high-grade spondylolisthesis requiring 360 degrees fusion.

The computed tomography-based fractal analysis of trabecular bone structure may help in detecting decreased quality of bone before urgent spinal procedures.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: To date, no reliable method is available to determine the parameters of bone density based on the routine spinal computed tomography (CT) in the emergency setup. We propose the use of fractal analysis to detect patients with poor quality of bone before urgent or semi-urgent spinal procedures. PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate the hypothesis that the CT-based fractal analysis of the trabecular bone structure may help in detecting patients with poor quality of bone before urgent spinal procedures. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. METHODS: Patients in whom the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and lumbar spine CT were performed at an interval of no more than 3 months were randomly selected from a prospectively collected database. Diagnostic axial CT scans of L2, L3, and L4 vertebrae were processed to determine the fractal dimension (FD) of the trabecular structure of each spinal level. Box-count method and ImageJ 1.49 software were used. The FD was compared with the results of the DEXA scan: bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score by mean of correlation coefficients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was later performed to determine the cutoff value of FD. RESULTS: A total of 102 vertebral levels obtained from 35 patients (mean age 60±18 years; 29 female) were analyzed. The FD was significantly higher in the group of patients with decreased bone density (DBD) (T-score<-1.0) (1.67 vs. 1.43; p<.0001) and negatively correlated with BMD (R Spearman, -0.53; p<.0001) and T-score (-0.49; p<.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a cutoff value of FD>1.53 indicates DBD (p<.0001; area under the ROC curve [AUC], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that fractal analysis of the lumbar spine CT images may be used to determine bone density before spinal instrumentation (eg, metastatic or traumatic cord compression). Further prospective studies comparing results of the fractal analysis of CT scans with quantitative CT (qCT) are warranted.

The management of high-grade spondylolisthesis and co-existent late-onset idiopathic scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: It is relatively common for a scoliosis deformity to be associated with a lumbar spondylolisthesis in adolescents (up to 48 % of spondylolistheses). In the literature two types of curve have been described: 'sciatic' or 'olisthetic'. However, there is no consensus in the literature on how best to treat these deformities. Some authors advocate a single surgical intervention, where both deformities are corrected; whereas, others advocate treating them as separate entities. In this situation, it has been shown that the scoliosis will correct with treatment of the spondylolisthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a 12-year-old girl who had a concomitant high-grade spondylolisthesis and scoliosis. Her main complaints were those of low back pain and an L5 radiculopathy. We took the decision to treat the spondylolisthesis surgically, but observe the scoliosis, rather than correcting them both surgically at the same sitting. RESULTS: Although the immediately post-operative radiographs showed persistence of the scoliosis, 1-year follow-up demonstrated full resolution of the deformity. This young lady also had relief of her low back pain and leg pain following the surgery. CONCLUSION: There are no standard guidelines and therefore, we discuss the management of this difficult problem, exemplifying a case of a young girl who had high-grade spondylolisthesis along with a clinically non-flexible scoliosis treated at our institution. We demonstrate that it is safe to observe the scoliosis, even in high-grade spondylolistheses.

Anatomical considerations for percutaneous trans ilio-sacroiliac S1 and S2 screw placement.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of a consistent osseous corridor through S1 and S2 and fluoroscopic landmarks thereof, which could be used for safe trans ilio-sacroiliac screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Computed tomography (CT) based anatomical investigation utilising multiplanar image and trajectory reconstruction (Agfa-IMPAX Version 5.2 software). Determination of the presence and dimension of a continuous osseous corridor in the coronal plane of the sacrum at the S1 and S2 vertebral levels. OUTCOME MEASURES: Determination of: (a) the presence of an osseous corridor in the coronal plane through S1 and S2 in males and females; (b) the dimension of the corridor with regard to diameter and length; (c) the fluoroscopic landmarks of the corridor. RESULTS: The mean cross-sectional area for S1 corridors in males and females was 2.13 and 1.47 cm(2) , respectively. The mean cross-sectional area for the S2 corridor in males and females was 1.46 and 1.13 cm(2), respectively. The limiting anatomical factor is the sagittal diameter of the sacral ala at the junction to the vertebral body. The centre of the S1 and S2 corridor is located in close proximity to the centre of the S1 and S2 vertebrae on the lateral fluoroscopic view as determined by the adjacent endplates and anterior and posterior vertebral cortices. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of males and females have a complete osseous corridor to pass a trans-sacroiliac S1 screw of 8 mm diameter. The S2 corridor was present in all males but only in 87 % of females. Preoperative review of the axial CT slices at the midpoint of the S1 or S2 vertebral body allows the presence of a trans-sacroiliac osseous corridor to be determined by assessing the passage at the narrowest point of the corridor at the junction of the sacral ala to the vertebral body.

Subarachnoidal pleural fistula after resection of intradural thoracic disc herniation and multimodal treatment with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV).

Subarachnoid pleural fistula (SPF) is a type of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula that can arise as a complication following transthoracic resection of intervertebral disc herniation in the thoracic spine. It is an abnormal communication between the subarachnoid and pleural space. Negative intrapleural pressure promotes CSF leak due to a suction effect into the pleural cavity, with little chance of spontaneous closure. Due to the risk of severe complications with CSF leak into the thoracic cavity, early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. However, management can be challenging. We report a case of a 72-year-old woman who underwent anterior thoracic surgery to treat thoracic myelopathy caused by an ossified intradural disc herniation. The postoperative period was complicated by a subarachnoidal pleural fistula. We describe our successful treatment of this using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and lumbar CSF drainage and review other methods reported in the literature.

Is Hydronephrosis a Complication after Anterior Lumbar Surgery?

Study Design Prospective follow-up design. Objective Ureteral injury is a recognized complication following gynecologic surgery and can result in hydronephrosis. Anterior lumbar surgery includes procedures like anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and total disk replacement (TDR). Anterior approaches to the spine require mobilization of the great vessels and visceral organs. The vascular supply to the ureter arising from the iliac arteries may be compromised during midline retraction of the ureter, which could theoretically lead to ureter ischemia and stricture with subsequent hydronephrosis formation. Methods Potential candidates with previous ALIF or TDR via anterior retroperitoneal access between January 2008 and March 2012 were chosen from those operated on by a single surgeon in a university hospital setting (n = 85). Renal ultrasound evaluation of hydronephrosis was performed on all participants. Simple descriptive and inferential statistics were used to generate results. Results A total of 37 voluntary participants were recruited (23 male, 14 female subjects; average age 51.8 years). The prevalence of hydronephrosis in our population was 0.0% (95% confidence interval 0 to 8.1%). Conclusions Retraction of the ureter across the midline in ALIF and TDR does not result in an increase in hydronephrosis and appears to be a safe surgical technique.

Optimizing the management of patients with spinal myeloma disease.

Myeloma is one of the most common malignancies that results in osteolytic lesions of the spine. Complications, including pathological fractures of the vertebrae and spinal cord compression, may cause severe pain, deformity and neurological sequelae. They may also have significant consequences for quality of life and prognosis for patients. For patients with known or newly diagnosed myeloma presenting with persistent back or radicular pain/weakness, early diagnosis of spinal myeloma disease is therefore essential to treat and prevent further deterioration. Magnetic resonance imaging is the initial imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of spinal disease. Treatment of the underlying malignancy with systemic chemotherapy together with supportive bisphosphonate treatment reduces further vertebral damage. Additional interventions such as cement augmentation, radiotherapy, or surgery are often necessary to prevent, treat and control spinal complications. However, optimal management is dependent on the individual nature of the spinal involvement and requires careful assessment and appropriate intervention throughout. This article reviews the treatment and management options for spinal myeloma disease and highlights the value of defined pathways to enable the proper management of patients affected by it.

Chest wall reconstruction after en bloc Pancoast tumour resection with the use of MatrixRib and SILC fixation systems: technical note.

STUDY DESIGN: Technical note. OBJECTIVE: In cases in which partial resection of the rib cage is accomplished with vertebrectomy, reconstruction of the chest wall may be challenging. That is because of lack of the anchor point which normally would be a proximal end of a rib or transverse process. We report a straightforward technique for chest wall reconstruction with the novel use of two systems of fixation commonly applied in spinal practice. METHODS: The operation of a squamous cell carcinoma (Pancoast tumour) of the right lung infiltrating T2, T3 and T4 vertebrae was performed though T4 lateral thoracotomy. Posterior instrumentation with transpedicular screws T1-3-5 on the left and T1-5 on the right side was followed with the right upper lobectomy and hemivertebrectomy. The laminae and facet joints of T2-T4 vertebrae were removed on the side of the tumour. An osteotomy was performed medial to the pedicle at the lateral aspect of the dural sac on the side of the tumour. Proximal parts of four adjacent ribs were removed allowing radical en bloc resection with tumour-free margins. The distal end of each of four rib plates used (MatrixRib Precontoured Plate system) was attached to the proximal end of the rib. The proximal end of the plate was then attached to the rod of posterior fixation construct with the use of a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PeT) band of the SILC™ fixation system. The other end of the PeT band was then passed through the top-loading clamp subsequently attached to the rod of the posterior fixation. RESULTS: The patient did not require additional procedures for chest wall reconstruction. On the 7-month follow-up, in chest CT he was found with satisfactory expansion of the remaining lung tissue with proper spinal alignment and anatomical shape of the rib cage. CONCLUSIONS: The reported technique can be applied for chest wall reconstruction in cases of total or subtotal vertebrectomy accomplished with the resection extending towards rib cage. It appears to be straightforward, safe and effective allowing good cosmetic and functional outcome.

Posterior lumbar fixation in a kidney transplant recipient: logistics and perioperative challenges.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation has become the ideal and successful treatment for medically suitable patients with established kidney disease. This results in increased likelihood of these patients developing unrelated conditions requiring surgery, including spinal surgery. There are only a few publications available regarding spinal patients with renal transplants. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old patient presented with recurrent sciatica. Four years prior to this, he received a living donor kidney transplant. He was diagnosed with right L4 radiculopathy due to recurrent foraminal stenosis as a result of the grade I L4/5 spondylolisthesis. He was offered a reoperation including microdecompression and postero-lateral fixation and fusion. The renal transplant necessitated specific pre- and intraoperative considerations. The knee-chest position with extra padding was used to maintain the region of the renal transplant free from any pressure. The renal care was planned in detail by the transplant surgeons and nephrologists and shared with the ward doctors and on-call teams. The procedure was uneventful; there were no signs of intraoperative or postoperative acute renal injury. The patient was discharged 5 days postoperatively; all renal parameters remained within normal ranges and the postoperative plain films demonstrated satisfactory surgical results. CONCLUSIONS: The key to success was a multidisciplinary approach and detailed planning regarding pre-, intra- and postoperative care. The presented scheme of care might be useful when considering the posterior approach and prone positioning in kidney transplant recipients with spinal pathologies requiring surgical treatment.

The surgical management of metastatic spinal tumors based on an Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) scale.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There have been no previous studies looking at the outcome of surgical decompression (+/-stabilization) for various grades of epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) due to spinal metastases. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of surgical treatment in patients with ESCC using the Bilsky six-point scale. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This was a retrospective cohort review of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLE: A consecutive series of 101 patients managed over the period of 3 years for ESCC due to spinal metastases in a tertiary spine surgery referral unit were included. METHODS: Data on age, gender, revised Tokuhashi score, preoperative Frankel grade, tumor histology, magnetic resonance imaging scan-based Bilsky cord compression grade, postoperative Frankel grade at last follow-up, complications, and survivorship were collected. OUTCOME MEASURES: Frankel grading system for function was used to evaluate the patient's preoperative and postoperative neurologic status. Patient survival and postoperative complications were also collected. RESULTS: Average patient age was 64.7 years (13-88 years): 62 males and 39 females. Mean follow-up was 7.3 months (3-23.3 months). Most primary tumors were in prostate, breast, renal, lung, and the blood dyscrasias. Within the lower grade of compression (Group 1; Bilsky Grades 0,1a, 1b, and 1c; n=40), 29 patients (72.5%) had no improvement in Frankel grade, seven patients (17.5%) improved, whereas four patients (10%) deteriorated neurologically after surgery. Within the higher compression grade (Group 2; Bilsky Grades 2 and 3; n=61), 37 patients (60%) did not experience neurologic change, 20 (33%) improved, whereas neurology worsened in four patients (7%). When compared with Group 2 patients, Group 1 patients had better preoperative Frankel scores but a greater number of patients in Group 2 improved their Frankel scores significantly postoperatively. The mean revised Tokuhashi score for Groups 1 and 2 was 10 and 9.1, respectively (p=.1). The complication rate for Groups 1 and 2 was 25% and 42.6%, respectively (p=.052). Survival analysis showed no difference between the groups (Group 1: median 376 days [12-1052]; Group 2: median 326 days [12-979]; p=.62). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery can achieve improvements in neurology even in higher grades of cord compression. There is a trend toward more complications and worse survival with spinal surgery in patients with higher grades of compression.

Reoperation rates in the surgical treatment of spinal metastases.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The surgical treatment in spinal metastases has been shown to improve function and neurologic outcome. Unplanned hospital readmissions can be costly and cause unnecessary harm. PURPOSE: Our aim was to first analyze the reoperation rate and indications for this revision surgery in spinal metastases from an academic tertiary spinal institute and, second, to make comparisons on outcome (neurology and survival) against patients who underwent single surgery only. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This was an ambispective review of all patients treated surgically over an 8-year period considering their neurologic and survival outcome data. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 20. Because all scale values did not follow the normal distribution and significant outlier values existed, all descriptive statistics and comparisons were made using median values and the median test. Crosstabs and Pearson correlation were used to calculate differences between percentages and ordinal/nominal values. For two population proportions, the z test was used to calculate differences. The log-rank Mantel-Cox analysis was used to compare survival. PATIENT SAMPLE: During the 8 years' study period, there were 384 patients who underwent urgent surgery for spinal metastasis. Of these, 289 patients were included who had sufficient information available. There were 31 reoperations performed (10.7%; mean age, 60 years; 13 male, 18 female). Exclusion criteria included patients treated solely by radiotherapy, patients who had undergone surgery for spinal metastasis before the study period, and those who had other causes for neurologic dysfunction such as stroke. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcomes considered in this study were revised Tokuhashi score, preoperative/postoperative Frankel scores, and survival. METHODS: We performed an ambispective review of all patients treated surgically from our comprehensive database during the study period (October 2004 to October 2012). We reviewed all patient records on the database, including patient demographics and reoperation rates. RESULTS: Reoperations were performed in the same admission in the majority of patients (n=20), whereas 11 patients had their second procedure in subsequent hospitalization. The reasons for their revision surgery were as follows: surgical site infection (SSI; 13 of 31 [42%]), failure of instrumentation (9 of 31 [29%]), local recurrence (5 of 31 [16%]), hematoma evacuation (2 of 31 [6%]), and others (2 of 31 [6%]).When comparing the "single surgery" and "revision surgery" groups, we found that the median preoperative and postoperative Frankel scores were similar at Grade 4 (range, 1-5) for both groups (preoperative, p=.92; postoperative, p=.87). However, 20 patients (8%) from the single surgery group and 7 (23%) from the revision group had a worse postoperative score, and this was significantly different (p=.01). No significant difference was found (p=.66) in the revised Tokuhashi score. The median number of survival days was similar (p=.719)-single surgery group: 250 days (range, 5-2,597 days) and revision group: 215 days (range, 9-1,352 days). CONCLUSION: There was a modest reoperation rate (10.7%) in our patients treated surgically for spinal metastases over an 8-year period. Most of these were for SSI (42%), failure of instrumentation (26%), and local recurrence (16%). Patients with metastatic disease could benefit from revision surgery with comparable median survival rates but relatively poorer neurologic outcomes. This study may help to assist with informed decision making for this vulnerable patient group.

Bilateral reconstructive costoplasty for razorback deformity correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Correcting the chest wall deformity is an important goal of scoliosis surgery. A prominent rib hump deformity may not be adequately addressed by scoliosis correction alone. It has been shown that costoplasty in conjugation with scoliosis correction and instrumented spinal fusion is superior to spinal fusion alone in addressing the chest wall deformity. In cases of severe rib hump deformity unilateral convex side costoplasty alone might not adequately restore thoracic cage symmetry necessitating for additional concave side rib cage reconstruction. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old male with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a sharp, cosmetically unacceptable, prominent rib hump (razorback deformity) underwent scoliosis correction with posterior spinal fusion and bilateral costoplasty. The convex-sided ribs were resected and used for concave-sided rib reconstruction. The rib hump height was reduced from 70 mm before the procedure to 10 mm after the procedure and the apical trunk rotation was reduced from 36° to 5°, respectively. Solid spinal fusion and ribs union was achieved. The patient remained very satisfied with no loss of correction at 2-year postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Bilateral costoplasty in conjugation with scoliosis correction may provide a safe and effective method for the treatment of severe rib cage deformities associated with thoracic scoliosis. It should be considered in the presence of prominent rib hump deformity, where scoliosis correction alone or with unilateral costoplasty is unlikely to provide adequate correction.

Major neurological deficit following anterior cervical decompression and fusion: what is the next step?

INTRODUCTION: Major neurological deficit following anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) is a rare event, with incidences of up to 0.2 % now reported. Post-operative MRI is mandatory to assess for ongoing compression of the cord. In the past, the deficit has often been attributed to oedema or overzealous intra-operative manipulation of the cord. Reperfusion injury is a more recent concept. We describe a case of acute cervical disc prolapse with progressive neurology, and the difficult decision making one is faced with when the neurological deficit continues to deteriorate post ACDF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 30-year-old male was referred from the Emergency Department with acute left arm paraesthesia and left leg weakness. A cerebrovascular accident was ruled-out with a CT of the brain, and later an MRI of the cervical spine revealed a large C6/7 disc prolapse with significant compression of the spinal cord. A C6/7 ACDF was performed, but post-operatively the patient could no longer move his lower limbs. An urgent MRI was obtained which showed removal of the disc fragment, cord signal changes and the suggestion of ongoing cord compression. In part, this was due to his narrow cervical canal. The decision was made to proceed to posterior decompression and stabilisation, although cord reperfusion injury was one of the differential diagnoses considered at this stage. RESULTS: Post-operatively the patient's neurology started to improve over the next 48 h. He was discharged from in-patient rehabilitation at 2 months post-surgery and by 3 months he had returned to work. Latest follow-up revealed normal function with only mild paraesthesia in the T1 dermatome of his left arm. CONCLUSION: The management of patients in whom a neurological deficit has increased post-operatively is difficult. Urgent MRI scan is mandatory to assess for epidural haematoma which may need further decompression. Cord reperfusion injury is a diagnosis of exclusion. The difficulty the clinician faces is in interpreting the MRI for 'acceptable' decompression, and therefore excluding the need for further surgery.

Posterior-only correction of Scheuermann kyphosis using pedicle screws: economical optimization through screw density reduction.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior-only approach using pedicle screws' fixation has emerged as the preferred surgical technique for Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) correction. Insertion of multiple pedicle screws while increasing stability increases also the risk of complications related to screw malpositioning and surgical cost. The optimal screw density required in surgical correction of SK remains unclear. This study compares the safety and efficacy of low screw density (LSD) versus high screw density (HSD) technique used in posterior-only correction of SK. METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent surgical correction of SK between 2007 and 2011 and were reviewed after a mean of 29 months. HSD technique (i.e., 100 % of available pedicles, averaged 25.2 ± 4 screws) was used in 10 cases and LSD technique (i.e., 54-69 % of available pedicles in a pre-determined pattern, averaged 16.8 ± 1.3 screws; p < 0.001) was used in 11 cases. Kyphosis correction was assessed by comparing thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Cost saving analysis was performed for each group. RESULTS: Preoperative thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance were similar for both groups. The average postoperative kyphosis correction was similar in both HSD and LSD groups (29° ± 9° vs. 34° ± 6°, respectively; p = 0.14). Complication occurred in four patients (19 %) in the HSD group and in two patients (9 %) in the LSD group (p = 0.56). Three patients required re-operation. Compared to HSD using LSD saves 4,200 pounds sterling per patient in hardware and 88,200 pounds sterling for the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: LSD technique is as safe and effective as HSD technique in posterior-only correction of SK. Implant-related cost could be reduced by 32 %.

Access-related complications in anterior lumbar surgery in patients over 60 years of age.

PURPOSE: The anterior approach is widely used for access to the lumbar spine in the setting of adult deformity either as a stand-alone procedure or in combined anterior-posterior procedures. Access-related complication rates have so far not been reported in an elderly patient population, in which it has been suggested that anterior lumbar surgery is indicated with caution. Here, the complication rates in patients over 60 years of age are reported. METHODS: A retrospective chart review in a consecutive series of 31 patients over 60 years of age and in which a retroperitoneal access to the lumbar spine was performed. All charts including anaesthetic charts were reviewed and the patients' demographics, exact surgical procedure, comorbidities, and potential risk factors, as well as intraoperative and vascular complications noted. Patients who had revision anterior surgery, anterior surgery for tumour resection, trauma or infection were excluded. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 64.9 years, ranging 60-81. Eighteen patients were female and 13 male. The average body mass index was 26.7 ranging 18.5-44.0. The indications for surgery were degenerative scoliosis (12 patients), degenerative spondylosis (7 patients), degenerative spondylolisthesis (5 patients), iatrogenic spondylolisthesis following prior posterior decompression (5 patients), and pseudarthrosis following posterolateral instrumented fusion (2 patients). In 10 patients, a single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) was carried out (1 L3/4, 5 L4/5, 4 L5/S1) and in 11 patients ALIF was performed on two levels (1 L2-4, 1 L3-5, 9 L4-S1). In three patients, 3 levels from L3 to S1 were approached and in seven patients 4 levels from L2 to S1. Patients with three- and four-level anterior lumbar surgery had higher blood loss than two- and one-level surgery (616 ± 340 vs 439 ± 238, p = 0.036). The overall complication rate was 29% (9/31), which included four vascular injuries and one pulmonary embolism. The vascular complication rate was 13% (4/31) with two arterial and two venous injuries requiring repair. No major blood loss over 2,000 ml occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior lumbar surgery in an elderly population does not necessarily have higher overall complication rates than in a younger population. The risk of vascular injury requiring repair was higher, but has not resulted in major blood loss and the procedure therefore can be carried out safely. The overall complication rate and blood loss compare favourably to complication rates in posterior adult deformity procedures.

Experience of a fellowship in spinal surgery: a quantitative analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our paper was to ascertain the self-reported competency level of surgeons who had completed a 1-year spine fellowship versus those who had not. Our secondary objective was to determine whether there was any difference between orthopaedic and neurosurgeons. METHODS: A 60 question online questionnaire was provided to AOSpine Europe members for completion online. RESULTS: 289 members provided a response, of which 64% were orthopaedic surgeons and 31% neurosurgeons (5% did not specify). Eighty (28%) had completed a 1-year fellowship. Theoretical and practical knowledge of the management of spinal deformity was the greatest difference seen upon completing a fellowship. Multiple elective and emergent conditions were demonstrated to have a significant difference upon completion of a fellowship. There was no difference between orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. CONCLUSIONS: In order to provide an efficient and safe service covering the broad spectrum of spinal pathology, a formal spine fellowship, ideally with a formal curriculum, should be considered.