Epidemiology of Surgically Treated Spinal Tumors: A Multicenter Surveillance Study of 9686 Patients from the German Spine Registry (DWG Register).

Tumors of the spine are challenging in terms of diagnoses and interdisciplinary treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate and characterize a large multicenter cohort of surgically treated spine tumor patients.Data of the German Spine Society (DWG) were used to characterize a cohort of all surgically treated spine tumor cases that were registered between 2017 and 2021. Subgroup analysis was performed for tumor entity, tumor localization, height of most severely affected segments, surgical treatment, and demographic parameters.In total, there were 9686 cases, of which 6747 were "malignant", 1942 were "primary benign", 180 were "tumor-like lesions", and 488 were "other" spinal tumors. Subgroups showed differences in number of affected segments as well as localization. There were further significant differences in surgical complication rates (p = 0.003), age (p < 0.001), morbidity (p < 0.001), and duration of surgery (p = 0.004).This is a representative study on spinal tumors from a large spine registry and allows for the epidemiological characterization of surgically treated tumor subgroups and quality control of registry data.

The diagnostic value of cytokines for the discrimination of vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine.

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a primary infection of the endplates of the vertebral bodies with secondary infection of the adjacent intervertebral discs. Diagnosis is often delayed due to unspecific symptoms and a lack of specific infection markers. In this prospective study, we determined the suitability of 27 cytokines for the discrimination of VO and degenerative diseases of the spine and compared its diagnostic potential in relation to the C-reactive protein (CRP), which is widely used as a non-specific inflammation marker in clinical diagnostics. The patients included in this study underwent surgical stabilization of the lumbar and/or thoracic spine with removal of 1 or more affected intervertebral discs, as therapy for VO (n = 16) or for erosive osteochondrosis (EO, control group, n = 20). We evaluated the cytokine and CRP concentrations before (pre-OP = -20-0d where 0 means the day of surgery) and after surgery (post-OP) on days 3-5, 6-11, 40-56, and 63-142. Compared to the control patients pre-OP, a significantly higher elevation of the 4 cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 (p70), and VEGF as well as CRP were found in the VO patients, showing an area under the curve > 0.80 pre-OP. No significant differences were observed between VO patients with high and low virulent bacteria with respect to all 5 elevated biomarkers. This is the first prospective study in which a broad spectrum of 27 cytokines was analysed via multiplex assay using sera from patients with and without VO. Our results show that, in addition to CRP, 4 different cytokines were significantly altered in VO but not control patients. The results implicate that these candidate cytokines may be used in a multiplex assay for discrimination between VO and degenerative diseases of the spine.

Quality of life and mortality after surgical treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO): a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) has a high mortality and leads to chronic pain and functional disability. Surgical treatment is often necessary. To date, little is known about the consequences of surgery on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and mortality rates of surgically treated VO patients for a period of 2 years. METHODS: Patients with VO undergoing surgical treatment in a tertiary referral hospital from 2008 to 2015 were included prospectively. Data were collected before (T0) as well as 1 year (T1) and 2 years (T2) post-surgery. Within the European Spine Tango registry, prospective patient and QoL data were collected using validated outcome scores: Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form 36/EuroQol, Visual Analog Scale, and Core Outcome Measures Index. RESULTS: From 195 patients surgically treated for VO, QoL data were available from 136 patients at T0, 100 patients at T1, and 82 patients at T2, respectively. The 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 20% and 23%. Mainly all QoL outcome scores showed significant improvement at T1 and did not change significantly from T1 to T2. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of VO patients leads to significantly improved QoL. Nevertheless, QoL levels were below those of the general population. Our results underscore that spine disability questionnaires measuring QoL are mandatory to demonstrate comprehensively the severity of this entity. Our study confirms a high mortality and points out the role of VO as a potentially life-threatening condition.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis After Spine Surgery: A Disease With Distinct Characteristics.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the 2-year survival and to identify clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with native vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) as compared to postoperative VO to find further strategies for improvement of the management of VO. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A relevant subgroup (20%-30%) of patients with VO has a history of spine surgery. Infection in these patients might be clinically different from native VO. However, clinical, microbiological, and outcome characteristics of this disease entity have not been well studied as most trials either excluded these patients or are limited by a small cohort and short observation period. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, patients who presented at a tertiary care center with symptoms and imaging findings suggestive of VO were reviewed by specialists in infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, and orthopedics to confirm the diagnosis and followed prospectively for a period of 2 years. Statistical analysis for group comparisons, survival analysis, and uni- and multivariable Cox regression models were performed. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the patients with VO (56/189) reported a history of spine surgery in the same segment. Patients with postoperative infection had a lower ASA score (American Society of Anesthesiologists) (P = 0.01) and were less likely to suffer from comorbidities compared to native cases (P = 0.003). Infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (33.3 vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001) and other bacteria of the skin flora (15.2 vs. 0%, P = 0.002) were more prevalent in postoperative patients. Suffering from native VO increased the 2-year mortality risk 3-fold, also when adjusted for the remaining risk factors ASA score and number of comorbidities (hazard ratio 2.916 [95% confidence interval 1.215 -6.999], P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Beside clear microbiological differences, the significant better 2-year survival supports the concept of postoperative VO presenting a distinct disease entity. The subtle disease presentation of patients with postoperative VO should not attenuate clinical suspicion of physicians. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The diagnostic value of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) for the discrimination of vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine.

BACKGROUND: There is still a challenge in discriminating between vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine. To this end, we determined the suitability of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and compared the diagnostic potential of suPAR to CRP. METHODS: Patients underwent surgical stabilization of the lumbar and/or thoracic spine with removal of one or more affected intervertebral discs, as therapy for vertebral osteomyelitis (n = 16) or for erosive osteochondrosis (control group, n = 20). In this prospective study, we evaluated the suPAR and CRP levels before (pre-OP) and after surgery (post-OP) on days 3-5, 6-11, 40-56, and 63-142. RESULTS: The suPAR levels in vertebral osteomyelitis patients were significantly higher than those from controls pre-OP, 3-5 days post-OP, and 6-11 days post-OP. Significantly higher CRP levels were observed in the vertebral osteomyelitis group than in the controls pre-OP and 6-11 days post-OP. Levels of suPAR and CRP correlated positively in all patients in the pre-OP period: r = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.37-0.79), p < 0.0001. The values for the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for pre-OP and the overall model post-OP were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.76-1.00) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71-0.97) for suPAR, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.85-1.00) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62-0.93) for CRP, and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-1.00) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82-1.00) for the combination of suPAR and CRP. The AUC for suPAR pre-OP revealed an optimum cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of 2.96 ng/mL, 0.69, 1.00, 0.80, and 1.00, respectively. For CRP, these values were 11.58 mg/L, 0.88, 0.90, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present results show that CRP is more sensitive than suPAR whereas suPAR is more specific than CRP. Moreso, our study demonstrated that improvement in the diagnostic power for discrimination of vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine can be achieved by a combination of both suPAR and CRP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02554227, posted Sept. 18, 2015, and updated Aug. 13, 2019.

To fuse or not to fuse: a survey among members of the German Spine Society (DWG) regarding lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment methods for degenerative spondylolisthesis (decompression versus decompression and fusion) have been critically debated. The medical care situation is almost unknown for either treatment. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide information regarding the use of parameters for decision-making and the employment of surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was performed among members of the German-Spine-Society (DWG). Information regarding participant characteristics (specialty, age, DWG certification status, number of spine surgeries performed at the participant's institution each year, institutional status), estimates of the use of both treatment options, clinical and morphological decision-making criteria for additive fusion, and the surgical technique used was queried. RESULTS: 305 members (45% neurosurgeons/ 55% orthopedic or trauma surgeons) participated in the present study. The participants estimated that in 41.7% of the cases, decompression only was required, while 55.6% would benefit from additional fusion. Among the participants, 74% reported that low back pain was an important indicator of the need for fusion if the numerical rating scale for back pain was at least 6/10. The most commonly used decompression technique was minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy, whereas open approach-based interbody fusion with transpedicular fixation and laminotomy was the most frequently used fusion technique. Specialty, age, certification status, and institutional status had a partial effect on the responses regarding indications, treatment and surgical technique. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey depicts the diversity of approaches to surgery for degenerative spondylolistheses in Germany. Considerable differences in treatment selection were observed in relation to the participants' educational level and specialty.

Clinical experiences with a PEEK-based dynamic instrumentation device in lumbar spinal surgery: 2 years and no more.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic spine implants were developed to prevent adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) and adjacent segment disease (ASDi). Purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of "topping off" devices following lumbar spinal fusion procedure using a PEEK-based dynamic rod system. Moreover, this study focused on the hypothesis that "topping off" devices can prevent ASD. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized study included patients with indication for single-level lumbar fusion and radiological signs of ASD without instability. The exclusion criteria were previous lumbar spine surgery and no sign of disc degeneration in the adjacent segment according to magnetic resonance imaging. All patients were treated with single-level lumbar interbody fusion and dynamic stabilization of the cranial adjacent segment. Patients underwent a clinical examination and radiographs preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Analyses were performed on clinical data collected with the German Spine Registry using the core outcome measure index (COMI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients (6 male and 16 female) with an average age of 57.6 years were included in the study; 20 patients completed the follow-up (FU). The average COMI score was 9.0 preoperatively, 4.2 at the 1-year FU, and 4.7 at the 2-year FU. The average preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain were 7.7 and 7.1, respectively. At the 1-year FU, the scores were 4.25 for back pain and 2.2 for leg pain, and at the 2-year FU, the scores were 4.7 for back pain and 2.3 for leg pain. At FU, failure of the dynamic topping off implant material was verified in four cases, and ASD of the segment cranial to the topping off was confirmed in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate significant improvements in clinical outcomes and pain reduction after lumbar spinal fusion with topping off at 2 years after surgery. However, the implant failed due to the high rate of implant failure and the development of ASD in the segment cranial to the dynamic stabilized segment.

The impact of obesity measured by outer abdominal fat on instability of the adjacent segments after rigid pedicle screw fixation.

Previous studies have shown coherence between obesity and higher rates of complications following spinal surgery. However, there is a lack of information about the influence of obesity and the mass of outer abdominal fat (OAF) on adjacent segment instability after spinal fusion surgery. Radiographs of 194 patients with spinal fusion surgery were assessed retrospectively. Radiographs were performed after surgery during two years' follow-up and signs of adjacent segment instability were documented. Patients were classified regarding their BMI and extent of OAF was assessed using CT at the umbilical level. In 20 patients (10.3%) instability of adjacent segments occurred during followup. In this cohort mean OAF was significantly thicker (28.07 mm) compared to the patients without instability (22.39) (P=0.038). A total of 45% of patients with instability showed OAF of more than 30 mm at time of intervention compared to 10% in those without signs of instability. There exists significant correlation between the extent of OAF and development of adjacent segment instability postoperatively. Thus, weight reduction before spinal surgery could potentially decrease risk of adjacent segment instability.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion versus Dynamic Hybrid Instrumentation: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the radiologic and clinical outcomes after lumbar fusion intervention and to compare the established posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique and dynamic hybrid instrumentation (topping off). METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial, all patients who presented with degenerative changes to the lumbar spine (L2-S1) were included and randomized in 2 groups: patients who underwent the 360°-fusion procedure in PLIF (group 1: control group) and those patients who underwent fusion surgery with additional hybrid instrumentation (Dynesys-Transition-Optima [Zimmer Spine Inc., Denver, Colorado, USA]) cranial to the rigid fixed segment (group 2: intervention group). Patients' demographics were documented and follow-up visits were conducted after 6 weeks and then stepwise after 6 up to 36 months. Each follow-up visit included assessment of quality of life and pain using specific questionnaires (Core Outcome Measurements Index, Short-Form 36, and Oswestry Disability Index) as well as radiologic evaluation with the focus on the adjacent level alteration. RESULTS: Fifteen patients per group met the inclusion criteria, and after 36 months, the loss to follow-up was 20%. At the maximum follow-up time, the overall risk for adjacent segment degeneration was substantial (i.e., 24.14%), independent of the surgical procedure. Material failure was observed in 17.24%. Although no significant difference was observed between both groups, all patients presented with postoperative improvement regarding the clinical scores. CONCLUSIONS: The present study cannot support the safety of dynamic hybrid devices in those cases if the reduction of adjacent segment degeneration is the main target, especially regarding the reported implant failure rates and the similar clinical outcomes between the both groups.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Facet Joint Violation in Open Versus Minimally Invasive Procedures During Pedicle Screw Placement in Patients with Trauma.

OBJECTIVE: A possible risk factor for premature facet joint degeneration or adjacent segment degeneration after surgical treatment of spine fractures is facet joint violation (FV) during insertion of pedicle screws. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for FV in the thoracic and lumbar spine after minimally invasive screw insertion or open instrumentation (OI). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients with spine fractures requiring posterior stabilization was performed. After patients were allocated to the thoracic/lumbar group, FV was defined as an involvement caused by the positioning of a pedicle screw and its severity as determined by computed tomography was assessed by using a customized scoring system. Gender, age, and body mass index as well as segmental facet joint angle and the instrumentation system used (side-loading [SL] vs. top-loading) were considered as individual factors. RESULTS: In total, 1099 pedicle screws were evaluated and an FV was identified in 433 instrumentations (39.0%). OI was used in 61.1% (n = 671) and an SL system was inserted in 45.0% (n = 494). In both, the thoracic (odds ratio [OR], 1.663; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.119-2.472; P = 0.012) and the lumbar spine (OR, 0.494; 95% CI, 0.317-0.771; P = 0.002), OI was associated with a lower risk of FV. The violation rate was significantly higher when using a SL system (thoracic spine: OR, 1.822; 95% CI, 1.163-2.854; P = 0.009; lumbar spine: OR, 0.311; 95% CI, 0.203-0.477; P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FV is a common complication after thoracic and lumbar spine surgery. Although both, the SL instrumentation and a minimally invasive procedure increases its occurrence, the patient characteristics do not affect the rate of FV.

Computer tomography-based morphometric analysis of the cervical spine pedicles C3-C7.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to examine the specific dimensions of cervical pedicles in a large Caucasian cohort on high dissolving CT scans. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 100 cervical spine CT scans with a maximum slice thickness of 1 mm in axial, sagittal, and coronal reconstructions was performed. The pedicle axial length (PAL), inner and outer pedicle diameter (IPD/OPD), pedicle sagittal and transverse angle (PSA/PTA), pedicle height (PH), pedicle width (PW), and the cortical thickness (COT) at different margins were measured by two independent observers. A total of 1000 cervical pedicles (C3-C7) of 52 male (age 58 ± 17.47 years, height 177.97 ± 8.17 cm) and 48 female patients (age 57 ± 19.07 years, height 165.50 ± 7.44) were measured. RESULTS: Cortical thickness at the medial limitation of the pedicle was 1.77 ± 0.43 and 0.90 ± 0.36 mm at the lateral limitation (p < 0.001). The mean PAL ranged from 30.5 mm at C4 level to 35.3 mm at C6 level. PW and PAL were smaller in the female than in the male patients. The smallest values for PW were at C3 with 29.17% of males and 52.88% of females < 4.5 mm. The percentage of patients with PW < 4.5 mm decreased caudally with less than 10% of pedicles below C4 in male participants and below C6 in female participants. Mean PTA ranged from 34.6° to 48.02° peaking at C4 and C5 levels. No gender-specific difference was found for PTA and PSA (p ≥ 0.13). IPD and OPD were larger in males (p < 0.001), and body height correlated significantly with IPW (p ≤ 0.019) and OPW (p ≤ 0.003). The interrater reliability was very good for PW, PH, and IPD (0.84-0.86), good for OPD, PTA, and PSA (0.64-0.79), and moderate for PAL (0.54) and cortical thickness (0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Peculiarities of pedicle dimension of this central European cohort are comparable to morphometric studies in other ethnicities. Preoperative planning before cervical pedicle screw insertion on fine-cut CT scans demonstrates good interrater reliability for all important dimensions and angulations. More than half of female patients and almost a third of male patients had a PW of less than 4.5 mm at C3 level. Even though this percentage decreases caudally, pedicle screws might not be safe to insert in a noteworthy percentage of patients.

The Influence of Parkinson Disease on Lumbar Decompression Surgery: A Retrospective Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is a major risk factor during spine surgery, and its frequency is increasing as the population ages. The study aim was to examine the influence of PD specifically on lumbar decompression surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with PD who underwent elective lumbar decompression surgery at 2 university hospital departments between December 2003 and July 2016. For each patient, 2 controls without PD were selected randomly among those who were matched for sex and age and had a similar year of surgery (±3) and comorbidity profile. The main outcomes were complications and reoperation rate. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 1.2 ± 1.6 years in the PD group (n = 36) and 1.4 ± 2.1 years in the control group (n = 72). The overall complication rate was 47.2% in the PD group and 19.4% in the control group (P < 0.01). The reoperation rate was 27.8% in the PD group and 9.7% in the control group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significantly greater rate of perioperative complications in patients with PD undergoing elective decompression surgery. Although the difference in major complication rates was minimal, minor complications were more frequent in patients with PD.

Incidental durotomy in decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis: incidence, risk factors and effect on outcomes in the Spine Tango registry.

PURPOSE: The three aims of this Spine Tango registry study of patients undergoing decompression for spinal stenosis were to: report the rate of dural tear (DT) stratified by treatment centre; find factors associated with an increased likelihood of incurring a DT; and compare treatment outcomes in relation to DT (none vs. repaired vs. unrepaired DT). METHODS: Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between DT and patient and treatment characteristics. Patient-rated and surgical outcomes were compared in patients with no DT, repaired DT, and unrepaired DT, while adjusting for case-mix. RESULTS: DT occurred in 328/3254 (10.1%) of included patients. The rate for all 29 contributing hospitals was within 95% confidence intervals of the average. The likelihood of DT increased by 2% per year of age, 1.78 times with previous spine surgery, 1.67 for a minimally/less invasive surgery, 1.58 times with laminectomy, and 1.40, and 2.12 times for BMI 31-35, and >35 in comparison with BMI 26-30, respectively. The majority of DTs (272/328; 82.9%) were repaired. Repairing the DT was associated with a longer duration of surgery (p < 0.001). More patients with repaired than with unrepaired DTs were satisfied with treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no association between DT and patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: The unadjusted rate of incidental DT during decompression for LSS was homogeneous across the participating centres and was associated with age, BMI, previous surgery at the same spinal level, minimally/less invasive surgery, and laminectomy. Non-repair of DTs had no negative association with treatment outcome; however, the unrepaired DTs may have been those that were smaller in size.

[Quality of Life and Functional Outcome after Microsurgical Decompression in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: a Register Study]. / Lebensqualität und funktionelles Ergebnis nach mikrochirurgischer Dekompression bei lumbaler Spinalkanalstenose ­ eine Registerstudie.

Introduction Because of recent increases in life expectancy, lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has become one of the most common degenerative changes in the spine. In patients not responding to conservative therapy, microsurgical decompression is the gold standard of operative treatment for degenerative LSS. The goal of the current study is to evaluate quality of life after microsurgical decompression for LSS, using data from the DWG Register (previously Spine Tango). Methods 36 patients were included in this single-center, prospective, observational study from January 2013 to June 2014. Data were collected from the Spine Tango or DWG Register. The core outcome measure index (COMI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the quality of life questionnaire EuroQoL-5D were used. Data were collected prior to surgery as well as six weeks, six months, and twelve months after the operation. Results The patient cohort comprised 13 females and 23 males (36.1 and 63.9 %). Complete 12-month follow-up data on 21 patients were available for analysis. Compared to preoperative measures, the COMI score increased 8.1 ± 1.5 over the entire follow up, with 4.5 ± 3.1 at 6 weeks (p < 0.001), 4.8 ± 3.1 at 6 months, and 3.8 ± 3.2 at 12 months. ODI scores, measuring spinal function impairment, were significantly better than preoperative values overall (47.5 ± 17.3) and after 6 weeks (29.1 ± 22.4; p < 0.005), 6 months (30.0 ± 19.3), and 12 months (23.8 ± 18.2). Quality of life measures improved in a similar manner (preoperative: 0.36 ± 0.38; 6 weeks: 0.57 ± 0.34 (p < 0.019); 6 months: 0.62 ± 0.28; 12 months: 0.67 ± 0.31). Conclusion Our study shows that LSS patients without previous surgery and neurologic deficits can expect significant pain relief and improved quality of life already six weeks after undergoing stabilizing decompression. There was an increase in positive postoperative effects over 12 months. The DWG Register provides a standardized and validated means to compare non-operative and operative treatments of the spine over the long term.

In vivo analysis of coracoid and subacromial shoulder impingement mechanism during clinical examination.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the mechanisms of shoulder impingement created by clinical tests is crucial to accurately evaluate the condition. The objective of this study was to relate mechanisms of subacromial and coracoid impingement occurring in positions of the shoulder during clinical examination, in quantitative and qualitative terms. METHODS: A 1.0T open magnetic resonance imaging system was used in 18 female and 19 male subjects, to determine the distances between the humeral head and the acromion or coracoid, and contact with the rotator cuff (RC). Measurements were taken with the shoulder in neutral, "Hawkins", "Neer", and 90° abduction/15° internal rotation (horizontal impingement test) positions. Additionally, impingement was classified based on the grade of RC contact with the acromion or coracoid. RESULTS: In the Hawkins position, distance between the supraspinatus and the coracoid was closest (14.5 ± 4.5 mm), while the coracohumeral distance (CHD) narrowed (p < 0.001). In the horizontal impingement test position, the minimum distance between the subscapularis and coracoid was found, whereas the CHD increased (27.4 ± 5.7 mm). In the Neer and Hawkins positions, the space between the greater tuberosity and acromion was significantly narrowed, which was also the case in the horizontal impingement test position compared to neutral position (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Shoulder movements of forward flexion and internal rotation (Hawkins test) and abduction and internal rotation (horizontal impingement test) can lead to different coracoid impingement mechanisms during clinical examination. The Hawkins, Neer, and horizontal impingement tests lead to comparable narrowed acromiohumeral distances and subacromial contact of the RC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

Predictors of improvement in quality of life and pain relief in lumbar spinal stenosis relative to patient age: a study based on the Spine Tango registry.

BACKGROUND: An open decompression is the most common treatment for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS), even in the elderly. However, it is not clear whether the treatment outcome is age dependent. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the improvement in quality of life (QoL) and pain relief, after open decompression for LSS in relation to patient age. METHODS: The study was performed on the basis of Spine Tango registry data. The database query resulted in 4768 patients from 40 international Spine Tango centres. The patients were subdivided into three age groups: (1) 20-64, (2) 65-74, and (3) ≥75 years. In multivariate logistic regression models, predictors for improvement in QoL and achievement of the minimum clinically relevant change in pain of two points were analysed. RESULTS: All groups benefited from significant improvement in QoL and back and leg pain relief. Age group had no significant influence on the outcomes. The preoperative status of each outcome was a predictor for its own postoperative outcome. Fewer previous surgeries, rigid or dynamic stabilization, and lower patient comorbidity also had a partially predictive influence for one or the other outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that all age groups significantly benefit from the open decompressive treatment of LSS. Age group had no significant influence on any outcome.

Spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury in children is associated with severe morbidity and immense socioeconomic burden. In spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormalities (SCIWORA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect intramedullary or extramedullary pathologies or show absence of neuroimaging abnormalities. However, the prognostic and therapeutic consequences of specific MRI patterns are unclear. A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed to examine patient characteristics and imaging patterns of pediatric SCIWORA and to evaluate the prognostic value of a MRI-based classification system. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on SCIWORA in children. Inclusion criteria were (1) traumatic spinal cord injury with acute neurologic deficit, (2) absence of fractures and/or dislocations of the spine, and (3) an immature skeleton or age of less than 18 years. MRI patterns and clinical course were correlated. RESULTS: Forty articles reporting 114 patients were identified. At admission, neurologic deficit assessed by the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale was A in 28%, B in 17%, C in 31%, and D in 25%. At final follow-up, these were 19%, 6%, 10%, and 16%, respectively. In 43%, no MRI abnormalities (Type I) were detected, and 57% exhibited abnormal scan results (Type II): 6% revealed extraneural (Type IIa), 38% intraneural (Type IIb), and 13% combined abnormalities (Type IIc). At admission and follow-up, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale differed significantly between the imaging types. CONCLUSION: This systematic review emphasizes the prognostic value of spinal MRI for children with SCIWORA. It highlights the role of the MRI classification system in improving the comparability and interpretability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, level IV.

Indications and contraindications: interspinous process decompression devices in lumbar spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Interspinous process decompression devices (IPD) allow a minimally invasive treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), but their use is discussed highly controversial. Several level I studies suggest that IPD implantation is a viable alternative for both conservative treatment and decompression, but clear indications and contraindications are still missing. This study was designed to explore the perspectives and limitations of IPDs and to evaluate the role of these devices in general. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on a questionnaire sent to all hospitals registered in the German Hospital Address Register 2010 with an orthopedic, neurosurgerical, or spine surgery department (n = 1,321). The questionnaire was reviewed by experienced spine surgeons and statisticians, and included both single-response, close-ended, and multiple-response open-ended questions. RESULTS: We received 329 (24.9%) entirely analyzable questionnaires. A total of 164 respondents (49.8%) stated that IPDs are a treatment option for LSS, and 135 of the 164 respondents (82.3%) use them. Poor clinical experience (60%) and lack of evidence (53.9%) are the main reasons cited for not using IPDs. We detected a high negative correlation between the size of the hospital, the number of outpatients and inpatients treated for LSS and other spine pathologies, and the use of IPDs (p = 0.001). Most respondents prefer the combination of open decompression and IPD (64.4%; n = 87). A total of 9.6% (n = 13) of the users favor IPD implantation as a stand-alone procedure. Overall, 25.9%  n = 35 use both options. Most surgeons aim to relieve the facet joints (87.7%) and to stabilize a preexisting instability (75.4%). They recommend IPDs in the segments L2-L3 (77%), L3-L4 (98.5%), and L4-l5 (99.3%) and consider that IPD implanation also could be done at the L5-S1 segment (40.1%). Overall, 64.4% (n = 87) of the users recommend limiting IPD implantation to two segments. Infection (96.3%), fracture (94.8%), isthmic spondylolisthesis (77%), degenerative spondylolisthesis (higher than Meyerding I [57%]), lumbar spine scoliosis (48.1%), and osteoporosis (50.4%) are seen as contraindications for IPD. CONCLUSION: No clear consensus exists among spine surgeons concerning the use of IPD for LSS treatment. The study showed that hospital-related parameters also influence decision making for or against the use of IPDs. However, despite the lack of evidence, the indications and contraindications which had been identified in the present study might contribute to improved outcomes after IPD implantation or at least prevent harm to patients.

Single-Shot Epidural Injections in the Management of Radicular Pain.

Epidural injections are commonly used in the treatment of chronic low back pain due to symptomatic lumbar spinal disorders. The aim of the present investigation was to study their therapeutic value for different age subgroups. A consecutive series of 356 patients were treated with at least one injection, and assessed before and after injection. Significant pain reduction was observed in all age groups following a series of injections with the greatest reduction after the first one. Especially in patients younger than 50 years, pain medication could be reduced substantially. Surgery was performed in 19.4% of patients (n=69) following a series of SSPDA injections. In the current study, interlaminar steroid injections for treatment of chronic low back and radicular pain caused sufficient improvement and significant reduction of medication especially in younger patients.

Clinical benefit and improvement of activity level after reconstruction surgery of Charcot feet using external fixation: 24-months results of 292 feet.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of Charcot feet remains a surgical challenge. The goal of this study was to investigate safety and clinical benefit from reconstruction of Charcot feet using an external fixator. There is limited valid data regarding long-term outcomes for Charcot foot procedures. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 292 Charcot feet (282 patients) undergoing reconstructive procedures in our clinic from 1996-2010 were included (93 female, 189 male, mean age 57.9 years). Average follow-up was 24.1 months. Exclusion criteria were previous major amputation on the same side. All patients underwent surgery using a Hoffmann II external fixator for six to eight weeks with offloading. The fixator was then removed, and a customized AFO with full weight bearing was applied for another 11 months. After one year, patients received customized orthopedic shoes. RESULTS: Initial amputations were avoided. Patient activity improved significantly by more than 1 level (SD 0.67, p < .001) according to the Hoffer activity score for lower limb amputees. The most common minor complication was persistent or recurrent ulceration in 67 feet (23%). Secondary amputation (after failure of external fixation) was required in only 12 patients (6.2%). Orthopedic shoes were used by approximately 34% of patients 18 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive surgery of Charcot feet using external fixation is a safe and economically feasible procedure. Activity levels improved significantly by more than 1 level (p < 0.01), severe complications were rare, and secondary amputation was required in only 12 patients (6.2%) of a high-risk patient population. Use of an external fixator offers the advantage that all extraneous material is removed after six weeks; thus, there is no risk of broken screws or plates and the associated potential complications.