[Audiological outcome of bimodal CI users over time and depending on different influencing factors]. / Audiologisches Ergebnis bimodal versorgter CI-Träger:innen im zeitlichen Verlauf und in Abhängigkeit unterschiedlicher Einflussfaktoren.

BACKGROUND: Hearing-impaired persons with asymmetric hearing loss and a unilateral indication for a cochlear implant (CI) generally benefit from a bimodal hearing solution. The influence of bimodal fitting on speech comprehension (SC) over time has not yet been sufficiently investigated. The present study examines the influence of bimodal fitting on SC in bimodally fitted CI users with postlingual deafness at least 36 months after implantation and analyzes possible influencing factors. METHODS: Included in this retrospective longitudinal study were 54 bimodally fitted speech-competent CI users with at least 36 months of CI experience. Audiometric data of these CI users at predefined timepoints were compared. RESULTS: The change in the results of the Freiburg monosyllabic test (FT) over 36 months was significant (p < 5%) for the deafness group at <10 years for both the 65 dB sound pressure level (SPL) and at 80 dB SPL and also significant for the deafness group ≥10 years for 65 dB SPL. In the Oldenburg sentence test (OlSa) there was a highly significant change (p < 0.1%) for S0, S0N0, and S0NCI configurations and a very significant change (p < 1%) for S0NHA (HA: hearing aid). Age at implantation as a possible influencing factor could not be confirmed in the FT. In contrast, the duration of deafness was a negative influencing factor for SC with CI in the FT, whereas a longer duration of deafness was associated with worse results in the FT. The degree of hearing loss in the ear fitted with an HA did not influence SC. The median bimodal benefit (here: difference in SC with bimodal fitting compared to unilateral HA fitting for FT at 65 dB SPL) was 10% over the total study period. For a median of 79% of the test subjects, the bimodal benefit was found over the entire period of 36 months. CONCLUSION: Over time, SC improves significantly with a CI for the bimodal test subjects. The investigated influencing factors (age, duration of deafness, and degree of hearing loss in the contralateral ear) support the indication for bimodal provision in accordance with the guideline in Germany for cochlear implantation-regardless of age, duration of deafness, and hearing ability of the contralateral ear.

Advanced technique for measuring relative length changes under control of temperature and helium-gas pressure.

We report the realization of an advanced technique for measuring relative length changes ΔL/L of mm-sized samples under the control of temperature (T) and helium-gas pressure (P). The system, which is an extension of the apparatus described in the work of Manna et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 085111 (2012)], consists of two 4He-bath cryostats, each of which houses a pressure cell and a capacitive dilatometer. The interconnection of the pressure cells, the temperature of which can be controlled individually, opens up various modes of operation to perform measurements of ΔL/L under the variation of temperature and pressure. Special features of this apparatus include the possibility (1) to increase the pressure to values far in excess of the external pressure reservoir, (2) to substantially improve the pressure stability during temperature sweeps, (3) to enable continuous pressure sweeps with both decreasing and increasing pressure, and (4) to simultaneously measure the dielectric constant of the pressure-transmitting medium, viz., helium, εr He(T,P), along the same T-P trajectory as that used for taking the ΔL(T, P)/L data. The performance of the setup is demonstrated by measurements of relative length changes (ΔL/L)T at T = 180 K of single crystalline NaCl upon continuously varying the pressure in the range 6 ≤ P ≤ 40 MPa.

Resultado de los primeros 2 años de implementación de un protocolo ERAS o STAR (eSTrategias para Adelantar la Recuperación) en un hospital público de Chile

Introducción: Las herramientas que han demostrado ser más eficaces en el manejo perioperatorio, corresponden a los protocolos ERAS o STAR (eSTrategias para Adelantar la Recuperación) como nombre local. Objetivo: Describir los resultados obtenidos luego de 2 años de implementación del protocolo STAR en estadía hospitalaria, complicaciones y reingresos. Objetivo secundario describir adherencia al protocolo. Material y Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo no concurrente, en cirugía colorrectal electiva. Enero-diciembre 2016 manejo no protocolizado (grupo no-STAR), agosto 2018 a julio 2020 manejo protocolo STAR (grupo STAR). Registro de variables demográficas, adherencias, complicaciones y reingreso. Se utilizaron variables continuas (cuartiles, promedio y DE), test t-Student, test de Wilcoxon, variables categóricas (frecuencias y porcentajes), test de Fisher y Propensisty Score (PS). Resultados: 239 pacientes; grupo no-STAR 85 pacientes (35,5%), grupo STAR 154 (64,5%), sexo masculino 111 pacientes (43 no-STAR p = 0,347). Promedio edad no-STAR 64,2 (SD 14,7) vs. STAR 66,3 (SD 14,39) (p = 0,3147). Mediana de estadía no-STAR 5 días (promedio 6,9, SD 6,2) y STAR 3 días (promedio 4,8 días, SD 4,4). No-STAR tuvo 22 complicaciones (25,9%) vs 28 STAR (18,2%) p = 0,185. No-STAR 7 reingresos vs 17 STAR (p = 0,654). Análisis de covarianza días de hospitalización ajustado por sexo, edad y cirugía laparoscópica, grupo STAR produce 1,93 días menos de hospitalización (p = 0,005) y PS disminuye en 1,92 días la estadía hospitalaria (p-value = 0,007). Discusión y Conclusión: La implementación de un protocolo de recuperación avanzada logra la reducción de 2 días en la estadía hospitalaria de los pacientes sometidos a una cirugía colorrectal, sin aumentar complicaciones, mortalidad ni reingresos.

Introduction: >Enhanced recovery after Surgery (ERAS) or STAR are the tools that have proven to be more effective in perioperative management. Objective: Primary objective is to describe the results obtained regarding complications, hospital stay and readmissions after 2 years of implementation of the STAR. Secondary objective is to describe protocol adherence. Materials and Method: Non-concurrent retrospective cohort study, in patients with elective colorectal surgery. From January to December 2016 non-protocolized management (non-STAR group), August 2018 to July 2020 STAR protocol management (STAR group). Registration of data like the demographic variables, adherence to protocol, complications and readmissions. Continuous variables (quartiles, mean and SD), t-Student test, Wilcoxon test, categorical variables (frequencies and percentages), Fisher test and propensity score (PS) were used. Results: 239 patients; non-STAR group 85 patients (35.5%), STAR group 154 (64.5%), male 111 patients (43 non-STAR p = 0.347). Average age non-STAR 64.2 (SD 14.7) vs STAR 66.3 (SD 14.39) (p = 0.3147). Median non-STAR stays 5 days (average 6.9, SD 6.2) and for STAR 3 days (average 4.8 days, SD 4.4). Non-STAR had 22 complications (25.9%) vs 28 STAR (18.2%) p = 0.185. No-STAR 7 hospital readmissions vs 17 STAR (p = 0.654). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for hospitalization days adjusted by gender, age and laparoscopic surgery shows 1.93 less hospitalization days (p = 0.005); Propensity Score (PS) shows reduced hospital stay in 1.92 days (p-value = 0.007). Discussion and Conclusión: The implementation of an advanced recovery protocol achieves a reduction of 2 days in the hospital stay of patients undergoing colorectal surgery, without increasing complications, mortality or readmissions.

Carbon tattooing for targeted lymph node biopsy after primary systemic therapy in breast cancer: prospective multicentre TATTOO trial.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques for targeted lymph node biopsy in patients with node-positive breast cancer receiving primary systemic therapy are in use, each with their inherent advantages and disadvantages. The aim of the TATTOO trial was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of carbon tattooing of positive lymph nodes as a method for targeted lymph node biopsy avoiding radiation exposure, high costs, and preoperative localization procedures. METHODS: Patients with initially cT1-4c cN1-3 cM0 invasive breast cancer were included in this prospective multicentre trial. Before initiation of primary systemic therapy, a carbon suspension was injected into the most suspicious axillary lymph node. Targeted lymph node biopsy was performed in all patients after completion of primary systemic therapy. Additional sentinel lymph node biopsy was done in those with axillary downstaging, and completion axillary lymph node dissection in patients still presenting with suspicious lymph nodes. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were included and 110 were eligible for data analysis. The detection rate for the targeted lymph node was 93.6 per cent (103 of 110), and the sentinel lymph node was identical to the targeted lymph node in 60 per cent. The false-negative rate for the combination of targeted and sentinel node lymph node biopsy (targeted axillary dissection) was 9 per cent. CONCLUSION: Targeted axillary dissection after carbon tattooing is associated with a high detection rate, an acceptable false-negative rate, and appears feasible for clinical use even in healthcare settings with limited resources.

Noncanonical effector functions of the T-memory-like T-PLL cell are shaped by cooperative TCL1A and TCR signaling.

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a poor-prognostic neoplasm. Differentiation stage and immune-effector functions of the underlying tumor cell are insufficiently characterized. Constitutive activation of the T-cell leukemia 1A (TCL1A) oncogene distinguishes the (pre)leukemic cell from regular postthymic T cells. We assessed activation-response patterns of the T-PLL lymphocyte and interrogated the modulatory impact by TCL1A. Immunophenotypic and gene expression profiles revealed a unique spectrum of memory-type differentiation of T-PLL with predominant central-memory stages and frequent noncanonical patterns. Virtually all T-PLL expressed a T-cell receptor (TCR) and/or CD28-coreceptor without overrepresentation of specific TCR clonotypes. The highly activated leukemic cells also revealed losses of negative-regulatory TCR coreceptors (eg, CTLA4). TCR stimulation of T-PLL cells evoked higher-than-normal cell-cycle transition and profiles of cytokine release that resembled those of normal memory T cells. More activated phenotypes and higher TCL1A correlated with inferior clinical outcomes. TCL1A was linked to the marked resistance of T-PLL to activation- and FAS-induced cell death. Enforced TCL1A enhanced phospho-activation of TCR kinases, second-messenger generation, and JAK/STAT or NFAT transcriptional responses. This reduced the input thresholds for IL-2 secretion in a sensitizer-like fashion. Mice of TCL1A-initiated protracted T-PLL development resembled such features. When equipped with epitope-defined TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors, these Lckpr-hTCL1Atg T cells gained a leukemogenic growth advantage in scenarios of receptor stimulation. Overall, we propose a model of T-PLL pathogenesis in which TCL1A enhances TCR signals and drives the accumulation of death-resistant memory-type cells that use amplified low-level stimulatory input, and whose loss of negative coregulators additionally maintains their activated state. Treatment rationales are provided by combined interception in TCR and survival signaling.

Osteoporosis therapy in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in osteoporosis patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatic diseases, as well as to assess the prevalence of relevant dental, behavioral, and medical risk factors for MRONJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 198 patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and osteoporosis therapy were recruited from a tertiary rheumatological/immunological referral center between June 2015 and September 2016. They were assessed using a structured interview. A maxillofacial surgeon later examined patients complaining of possible symptoms of osteonecrosis. In cases of osteonecrosis, dental records were obtained and evaluated. Preventive measures taken and dental as well as other clinical risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 198 patients, three suffered from osteonecrosis of the jaw, none of whom had any history of malignant disease or radiation therapy, resulting in a prevalence of 1.5%. Of these three patients, only one was given bisphosphonates intravenously (i.v.), whereas all three had been treated orally. All three diagnoses of MRONJ had been previously known to the patients and their maxillofacial surgeons. Two of the patients had rheumatoid arthritis, and one patient suffered from large vessel vasculitis. Long anti-osteoporotic treatment duration, low functional status, and low bone density of the femur were significantly associated with MRONJ development. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory rheumatic diseases constitute a risk factor for MRONJ in patients treated with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Patients should be counseled accordingly and should be offered dental screening and regular dental check-ups.

Sorafenib in combination with docetaxel as first-line therapy for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: Final results of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II MADONNA study.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, double-blind phase II study assessed the antitumor activity and toxicity profile of docetaxel with the antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor sorafenib or matching placebo as a first-line treatment in patients with metastatic or locally advanced HER2-negative breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive docetaxel 100 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks in combination with sorafenib 400 mg bid or placebo on days 2-18 of each cycle until tumor progression, or unacceptable toxicity. Sorafenib/placebo could be continued at the investigator's discretion if docetaxel was stopped due to toxicity. Primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). RESULTS: From October 2008 to December 2013, 102 patients were randomized; 98 patients were evaluable. The trial was prematurely terminated due to slow accrual. Due to increased toxicity the dose of docetaxel was reduced to 75 mg/m2 and an increasing sorafenib dosing schedule was implemented as part of a protocol amendment. The addition of sorafenib to docetaxel did not improve PFS (8.2 vs. 7.3 months for docetaxel/placebo; HR 0.84, log rank p = 0.43), but led to higher rates of early treatment discontinuation. There were no statistically significant differences between sorafenib dosing schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of sorafenib to taxane-based first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer failed to improve PFS and resulted in increased toxicity.

Medical-grade polycaprolactone scaffolds made by melt electrospinning writing for oral bone regeneration - a pilot study in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The spectrum of indications for the use of membranes and scaffolds in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery includes, amongst others, guided bone regeneration (GBR). Currently available membrane systems face certain disadvantages such as difficult clinical handling, inconsistent degradation, undirected cell growth and a lack of stability that often complicate their application. Therefore, new membranes which can overcome these issues are of great interest in this field. METHODS: In this pilot study, we investigated polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds intended to enhance oral wound healing by means of melt electrospinning writing (MEW), which allowed for three-dimensional (3D) printing of micron scale fibers and very exact fiber placement. A singular set of box-shaped scaffolds of different sizes consisting of medical-grade PCL was examined and the scaffolds' morphology was evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each prototype sample with box sizes of 225 µm, 300 µm, 375 µm, 450 µm and 500 µm was assessed for cytotoxicity and cell growth by seeding each scaffold with human osteoblast-like cell line MG63. RESULTS: All scaffolds demonstrated good cytocompatibility according to cell viability, protein concentration, and cell number. SEM analysis revealed an exact fiber placement of the MEW scaffolds and the growth of viable MG63 cells on them. For the examined box-shaped scaffolds with pore sizes between 225 µm and 500 µm, a preferred box size for initial osteoblast attachment could not be found. CONCLUSIONS: These well-defined 3D scaffolds consisting of medical-grade materials optimized for cell attachment and cell growth hold the key to a promising new approach in GBR in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Phase II study of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil followed by radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab and intensity-modulated radiotherapy in combination with a carbon ion boost for locally advanced tumors of the oro-, hypopharynx and larynx.

PURPOSE: This phase II trial was designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of a highly intensified therapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oro-, hypopharynx and larynx. METHODS: In this prospective, mono-centric, open-label, non-randomized phase II trial the single treatment arm consisted of a combined induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, followed by bioradiation with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab, carbon ion boost (24Gy(RBE) in 8 fractions) and IMRT (50 Gy in 25 fractions). The trial was closed early due to slow accrual. RESULTS: Eight patients (median age 52.5 years) were enrolled into the trial. The median follow-up was 13 months and the 12-months locoregional tumor control, progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 100.0% each. Complete remission was achieved in 7 patients. The most commonly late radiation adverse event was xerostomia (85.7% at 12 months). Five serious adverse events with recovery were documented in 4 patients: mucositis grade 3 (n = 2), decreased lymphocyte count grade 4, febrile neutropenia grade 4 and hypersensitivity grade 3 to cetuximab (n = 1 each). Most symptom scales had their worst value at the last treatment day and recovered until the 4th follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: The study treatment was tolerable and promising. Reduced quality of life recovered for most aspects until the last follow-up visit.

[Fixed cervical high-grade kyphosis : Chin-on-chest deformity-Treatment plan]. / Die fixierte zervikale hochgradige Kyphose : Chin-to-chest-Deformität ­ Behandlungsstrategie.

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of severe and rigid cervical kyphosis with chin-on-chest deformity poses significant challenges to both the patient and surgeon once surgery is considered as the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVES: This article presents the current concepts of corrective surgery for patients with severe and rigid cervical kyphosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review and report of clinical experience. RESULTS: The treatment of severe cervical kyphosis indicates a dedicated deformity assessment, the analysis of regional and global imbalance, the identification of spinal sagittal plane compensation mechanisms, detailed radiographic and clinical planning of corrective surgery, and the meticulous performance of surgical correction. Most recent large-scale studies serve as evidence for the benefit of surgical correction and outline the complications that need to be targeted during and after surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of severe cervical kyphosis can be a pleasant and life-changing event for the disabled patient.

An oncogenic axis of STAT-mediated BATF3 upregulation causing MYC activity in classical Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) feature high expression of activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors, which regulate various physiological processes but also promote lymphomagenesis. The AP-1 factor basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like 3 (BATF3), is highly transcribed in cHL and ALCL; however, its functional importance in lymphomagenesis is unknown. Here we show that proto-typical CD30+ lymphomas, namely cHL (21/30) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (8/9), but also CD30+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (15/20) frequently express BATF3 protein. Mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation established interactions of BATF3 with JUN and JUNB in cHL and ALCL lines. BATF3 knockdown using short hairpin RNAs was toxic for cHL and ALCL lines, reducing their proliferation and survival. We identified MYC as a critical BATF3 target and confirmed binding of BATF3 to the MYC promoter. JAK/STAT signaling regulated BATF3 expression, as chemical JAK2 inhibition reduced and interleukin 13 stimulation induced BATF3 expression in cHL lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation substantiated a direct regulation of BATF3 by STAT proteins in cHL and ALCL lines. In conclusion, we identified STAT-mediated BATF3 expression that is essential for lymphoma cell survival and promoted MYC activity in cHL and ALCL, hence we recognized a new oncogenic axis in these lymphomas.

Nutrition management for head and neck cancer patients improves clinical outcome and survival.

Up to 80% of patients with head and neck cancers are malnourished because of their lifestyle and the risk factors associated with this disease. Unfortunately, nutrition management systems are not implemented in most head and neck cancer clinics. Even worse, many head and neck surgeons as well as hospital management authorities disregard the importance of nutrition management in head and neck cancer patients. In addition, the often extensive resection and reconstruction required for tumors in the upper aerodigestive tract pose special challenges for swallowing and sufficient food intake, placing special demands on nutrition management. This article presents the basics of perioperative metabolism and nutrition management of head and neck cancer patients and makes recommendations for clinical practice. Implementing a nutrition management system in head and neck cancer clinics will improve the clinical outcome and the survival of the patients.

Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs - Retrospective Study in 136 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhea (CD) is common in dogs, and information on frequency and distribution of primary and secondary causes is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate underlying causes and predictors of outcome in dogs with CD. ANIMALS: One hundred and thirty-six client-owned dogs with CD (≥3 weeks duration). METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records (Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, 09/2009-07/2011). Quantification of final diagnoses and comparison of clinical aspects including disease severity and clinicopathological abnormalities among dogs with clinical remission (either complete [gastrointestinal signs absent] or partial [clinical improvement of gastrointestinal signs and reduced episodes with shortened duration]), and those without recovery. RESULTS: Ninety percent of dogs were diagnosed with a primary enteropathy: inflammatory (71%; of those 66% dietary responsive, 23% idiopathic, 11% antibiotic responsive), infectious (13%), neoplastic (4%), and in one dog each mechanical disease or systemic vasculitis. Secondary causes were diagnosed in 10% of dogs: exocrine pancreatic (6%), endocrine (2%), and in one dog each hepatic, renal, and cardiac disease. In total, 87% of dogs had clinical remission, whereas 13% died or did not respond to treatment: Lack of recovery was frequently recorded for dogs with primary inflammatory (idiopathic) or neoplastic disease and was significantly associated with increased disease severity scores (P = .005), anemia (hematocrit < 40%, P < .001), severe hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <2.0 g/dL, P = .008), and severe hypocobalaminemia (serum cobalamin concentration <200 pg/mL, P = .006). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Inflammatory enteropathies and particularly those of dietary origin were the most common causes of CD in dogs. Findings support the usefulness of hematocrit, and serum albumin and cobalamin concentration as prognostic markers in dogs with CD.

Six-implant-supported immediate fixed rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous maxillae with tilted distal implants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of six Bredent blueSky™ implants (Bredent GmbH, Senden, Germany) immediately loaded with a fixed full-arch prosthesis (two tilted posterior and four axial frontal and premolar implants). METHODS: All 10 patients with atrophic edentulous maxillae being treated with a standardized procedure from 09/2009 to 01/2013, who had a follow-up of at least 3 years, were included. Sixty implants were placed to support 10 screwed prostheses. Twenty-one of them were inserted in fresh extraction sockets. Lab-side-prepared provisional fixed prostheses were placed at the day of implantation. Periotest (PT) values and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured after implant surgery and after 3 months of healing in all patients. RESULTS: The analyzed implants were in function in mean 64 ± 13 months (range 42 to 84 months). One axial and two tilted implants failed in three patients. The mean PT values decreased, and ISQ increased significantly after the first 3 months at the osseointegrated tilted and axial implants. With an area under the curve of 0.503 and 0.506 in the receiver operating characteristic, the PT values and the ISQ were unspecific parameters and unsuitable as a predictor for the risk of non-osseointegration. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this small group (n = 10 patients/60 implants), the failure rate of the analyzed implant system (n = 3 respective 5% implant loss) seems to be comparable with other immediate-loading protocols. The failure rate of tilted implants in the atrophic upper jaw was quite high, but the aimed treatment concept could be achieved in every patient. The rehabilitation of the posterior region in edentulous maxilla remains a challenge.

Asymmetric pedicle subtractionosteotomy (aPSO) guided by a 3D-printed model to correct a combined fixed sagittal and coronal imbalance.

Surgical correction of fixed thoracolumbar deformity is usually achieved by estimating the preoperatively planned correction angles during surgery and is therefore prone to inaccuracy. This is particularly problematic in biplanar deformities. To overcome these difficulties, 3D model for planning, preparation, and simulation of an asymmetric pedicle subtraction osteotomy (aPSO) was printed and used to realign coronal and sagittal balance in case of rigid degenerative kyphoscoliosis. A 59-year-old woman presented with severe back pain and spinal claudication and was diagnosed with a rigid kyphoscoliosis with multilevel spinal stenosis. Spino-pelvic parameters were measured preoperatively (pelvic incidence 47° [PI], lumbar lordosis 18° [LL]; pelvic tilt 42° [PT], T1 pelvic angle 40° [TPA], Cobb angle 33°, sagittal vertical axis 10.5 cm [SVA]). To aid the complex deformity in the sagittal and coronal plane, a 1:1 3D model of the spine was printed according to the preoperative computed tomography (CT). With the use of a rebalancing software, the spine was prepared in vitro as a model for intraoperative realignment and the correction was preoperatively simulated. Surgery was accomplished according to the preoperative software-guided plan. Asymmetric pedicle subtraction osteotomy (aPSO) of L3 identical to the 3D model was performed. Additionally, a Smith-Peterson osteotomy of L4/5 with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and laminectomy of L2-S1 with pedicle screw instrumentation TH12-S1 was accomplished. Postoperative radiological parameters revealed good success (LL 40°, SVA 6 cm, PT 19°, TPA 22°, and a Cobb angle of 8°). Improvement of the Oswestry disability index (ODI) of 42 to 18, the visual analog scale (VAS) of 8 to 1, and walking distance 100 to 8000 m compared to preoperatively resulted at 24 months follow-up. The precise coronal and sagittal correction of a rigid degenerative kyphoscoliosis presents a major challenge. Asymmetric PSO is able to realign the thoracolumbar spine in both the coronal and sagittal planes. The creation of an in vitro 3D-printed model of a patient's spinal deformity in combination with a software to calculate the correction angles facilitates preoperative planning and implementation of aPSO.

Transoral vertebroplasty of the lateral mass of C1 using image guidance.

BACKGROUND: Osteolytic lesions of the anterior aspects of C1 (lateral mass) are difficult to address in a minimally invasive fashion and are often treated by craniocervical instrumentation. METHODS: We report the feasibility and technical method of transoral vertebroplasty of the lateral mass of the atlas using image guidance and describe the workflow of the procedure. To our knowledge, there has not yet been a technical description of a transoral vertebroplasty using image guidance. RESULTS: Adequate positioning of the pedicle access needle using image guidance for addressing the lateral mass of C1 through a transoral, permuceous access can be achieved. CONCLUSIONS: With the assistance of image guidance, it is safe and feasible to access the lateral mass of the atlas. This constitutes a minimally invasive and fast alternative for introducing the bone needle to C1 rather than using a fluoroscopic device alone.