Orthopedic postoperative infection profile and antibiotic sensitivity of 2038 patients across 24 countries - Call for region and institution specific surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Purpose: Improper utilization of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis frequently leads to increased risks of morbidity and mortality.This study aims to understand the common causative organism of postoperative orthopedic infection and document the surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol across various institutions in to order to strengthen surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis practice and provide higher-quality surgical care. Methods: This multicentric multinational retrospective study, includes 24 countries from five different regions (Asia Pacific, South Eastern Africa, Western Africa, Latin America, and Middle East). Patients who developed orthopedic surgical site infection between January 2021 and December 2022 were included. Demographic details, bacterial profile of surgical site infection, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern were documented. Results: 2038 patients from 24 countries were included. Among them 69.7 % were male patients and 64.1 % were between 20 and 60 years. 70.3 % patients underwent trauma surgery and instrumentation was used in 93.5 %. Ceftriaxone was the most common preferred in 53.4 %. Early SSI was seen in 55.2 % and deep SSI in 59.7 %. Western Africa (76 %) and Asia-Pacific (52.8 %) reported a higher number of gram-negative infections whereas gram-positive organisms were predominant in other regions. Most common gram positive organism was Staphylococcus aureus (35 %) and gram-negative was Klebsiella (17.2 %). Majority of the organisms showed variable sensitivity to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion: Our study strongly proves that every institution has to analyse their surgical site infection microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of the organisms and plan their surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis accordingly. This will help to decrease the rate of surgical site infection, prevent the emergence of multidrug resistance and reduce the economic burden of treatment.

Predicting early complications in patients with spinal gunshot wounds: A multicenter study.

Introduction: There is a wide variation in the clinical presentation of spinal gunshot wounds ranging from isolated minor stable fractures to extremely severe injuries with catastrophic neurological damage. Research question: we aim to analyze the risk factors for early complications and impact of surgical treatment in patients with spinal gunshot wounds. Material and methods: This is a multicentre retrospective case-control study to compare patients with spinal gunshot wounds who had early complications with those who did not. The following matching criteria were used: sex (1:1), injury level (1:1) and age (±5 years). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. Results: Results: Among 387 patients, 36.9 % registered early complications, being persistent pain (n = 32; 15 %), sepsis/septic shock (n = 28; 13 %), pneumonia (n = 27; 13 %) and neurogenic bladder (n = 27; 12 %) the most frequently reported. After case-control matched analysis, we obtained 133 patients who suffered early complications (cases) and 133 patients who did not as control group, not differing significantly in sex (p = 1000), age (p = 0,535) and injury level (p = 1000), while the 35 % of complications group required surgical treatment versus 15 % of the non-complication group (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of complications were surgical treatment for spinal injury (OR = 3.50, 95 % CI = 1.68-7.30), dirty wound (3.32, 1.50-7.34), GCS ≤8 (3.56, 1.17-10.79), hemodynamic instability (2.29, 1.07-4.88), and multiple bullets (1.97, 1.05-3.67). Discussion and conclusion: Spinal gunshot wounds are associated with a high risk of early complications, especially when spinal surgery is required, and among patients with dirty wound, low level of consciousness, hemodynamic instability, and multiple bullets.

The Use of Osteobiologics in Single versus Multi-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review. OBJECTIVES: In this study we assessed evidence for the use of osteobiologics in single vs multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with cervical spine degeneration. The primary objective was to compare fusion rates after single and multi-level surgery with different osteobiologics. Secondary objectives were to compare differences in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications. METHODS: After a global team of reviewers was selected, a systematic review using different repositories was performed, confirming to PRISMA and GRADE guidelines. In total 1206 articles were identified and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were eligible for analysis. Extracted data included fusion rates, definition of fusion, patient reported outcome measures, types of osteobiologics used, complications, adverse events and revisions. RESULTS: Fusion rates ranged from 87.7% to 100% for bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and 88.6% to 94.7% for demineralized bone matrix, while fusion rates reported for other osteobiologics were lower. All included studies showed PROMs improved significantly for each osteobiologic. However, no differences were reported when comparing osteobiologics, or when comparing single vs multi-level surgery specifically. CONCLUSION: The highest fusion rates after 2-level ACDF for cervical spine degeneration were reported when BMP-2 was used. However, PROMs did not differ between the different osteobiologics. Further blinded randomized trials should be performed to compare the use of BMP-2 in single vs multi-level ACDF specifically.

Management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy and asymptomatic spinal cord compression: an international survey.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVE: Currently there is limited evidence and guidance on the management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and asymptomatic spinal cord compression (ASCC). Anecdotal evidence suggest variance in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to assess current practice and to quantify the variability in clinical practice. METHODS: Spinal surgeons and some additional health professionals completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of AO Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) North American Society. Questions captured experience with DCM, frequency of DCM patient encounters, and standard of practice in the assessment of DCM. Further questions assessed the definition and management of mild DCM, and the management of ASCC. RESULTS: A total of 699 respondents, mostly surgeons, completed the survey. Every world region was represented in the responses. Half (50.1%, n = 359) had greater than 10 years of professional experience with DCM. For mild DCM, standardised follow-up for non-operative patients was reported by 488 respondents (69.5%). Follow-up included a heterogeneous mix of investigations, most often at 6-month intervals (32.9%, n = 158). There was some inconsistency regarding which clinical features would cause a surgeon to counsel a patient towards surgery. Practice for ASCC aligned closely with mild DCM. Finally, there were some contradictory definitions of mild DCM provided in the form of free text. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals typically offer outpatient follow up for patients with mild DCM and/or asymptomatic ASCC. However, what this constitutes varies widely. Further research is needed to define best practice and support patient care.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Traumatic Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Cross-Sectional Study of Spine Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceived feasibility of minimally invasive surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures among spine surgeons in Latin American centers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study on minimally invasive surgical treatment for unstable thoracolumbar fractures. We conducted an online survey of spine surgeons working in Latin American centers, administered between December 16, 2022 and January 15, 2023. A nonprobabilistic sample was selected (snowball sampling). A questionnaire was sent by email and other messaging applications. RESULTS: Data were extracted from 134 surgeons. The majority of the respondents were from Brazil (n = 30, 22.4%), Mexico (n = 24, 17.9%), Argentina (n = 22, 16.4%), and Chile (n = 15, 11.2%). Their mean age was 46.53 years (standard deviation, 9.7; range 31-67) and almost all were males (n = 128, 95.5%). Most respondents were orthopedists (n = 85, 63.4%) or neurosurgeons (n = 49, 36.9%). Most of the respondents (n = 110, 82.1%) reported at least some difficulty using minimally invasive techniques for thoracolumbar fractures. It should be noted that there were significant regional differences between the surgeons' responses (P = 0.017). Chilean surgeons reported better results than others. CONCLUSION: Spinal surgeons from Latin American centers have identified challenges and obstacles to performing minimally invasive surgery for thoracolumbar trauma. The survey found that a majority of respondents experienced some level of difficulty, with regional variations. The most frequently reported difficulties were the high cost of the procedure, patient insurance restrictions, and long insurance approval times.

International and Multicenter Prospective Controlled Study of Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the context of anterior approach to the cervical spine, dysphagia is a common complication and still without a clear distinction of risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of dysphagia after cervical spine surgery. METHODS: Multicenter prospective study evaluated patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery for degenerative pathologies, studying surgical, anesthesia, base disease, and radiological variables (preoperatively, 24 hours, 1 and 3 weeks, and 6 months after surgery), with control group matched. Postoperative dysphagia was assessed by Swallowing Satisfaction Index and Swallowing Questionnaire; besides, based on multiple logistic regression model, a risk factor analysis correlation was applied. RESULTS: In total, 233 cervical patients were evaluated; most common level approached was C5-C6 (71.8%). All showed same decreasing trade for dysphagia incidence-with more cases on cervical group ( P < .05); severe cases were rare. At postoperative day 1, identified risk factors were approach to C3-C4 (4.11, P < .01), loss of preoperative cervical lordosis (2.26, P < .01), intubation attempts ≥2 (3.10, P < .01), and left side approach (1.85, P = .02); at day 7, body mass index ≥30 (2.29, P = .02), C3-C4 (3.42, P < .01), and length of surgery ≥90 minutes (2.97, P = .005); and at day 21, C3-C4 were kept as a risk factor (3.62, P < .01). CONCLUSION: A high incidence level of dysphagia was identified, having a clear decreasing trending (number of cases and severity) through postoperative time points; considering possible risk factors, strongest correlation was the approach at the C3-C4 level-statistically significant at the 24 hours, 7 days, and 21 days assessment.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications After Surgical Treatment of Type B and C Injuries of the Thoracolumbar Spine.

BACKGROUND: Unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries benefit from surgical fixation. However, perioperative complications significantly affect outcomes in surgicallytreated spine patients. We evaluated associations between risk factors and postoperative complications in patients surgically treated for thoracolumbar spine fractures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study collating data from 21 spine centers across 9 countries on the treatment of AOSpine types B and C injuries of the thoracolumbar spine treated via a posterior approach. Comparative analysis was performed between patients with postoperative complications and those without. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 535 patients, at least 1 complication occurred in 43%. The most common surgical complication was surgical-site infection (6.9%), while the most common medical complication was urinary tract infection (13.8%). Among 136 patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scalelevel A disability, 77.9% experienced at least 1 complication. The rate of complications also rose sharply among patients waiting >3 days for surgery (P<0.001), peaking at 68.4% among patients waiting ≥30 days. On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of complications were surgery at a governmental hospital (odds ratio = 3.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.73-6.60), having ≥1 comorbid illness (2.44, 1.61-3.70), surgery delayed due to health instability (2.56, 1.50-4.37), and ASIA Impairment Scalelevel A (3.36, 1.78-6.35), while absence of impairment (0.39, 0.22-0.71), ASIAlevel E (0.39, 0.22-0.67) and, unexpectedly, delay caused by operating room unavailability (0.60, 0.36-0.99) were protective. CONCLUSIONS: Types B and C thoracolumbar spine injuries are associated with a high risk of postoperative complications, especially common at governmental hospitals, and among patients with comorbidity, health instability, longer delays to surgery, and worse preoperative neurologic status.

Unplanned Readmission Following Early Postoperative Complications After Fusion Surgery in Adult Spine Deformity: A Multicentric Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric retrospective study, Level of evidence III. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this multicentric study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of early postoperative complications in adult spinal deformity patients treated with fusion. Additionally, we studied the impact of complications on unplanned readmission and hospital length of stay. METHODS: Eight spine centers from 6 countries in Latin America were involved in this study. Patients with adult spinal deformity treated with fusion surgery from 2017 to 2019 were included. Baseline and surgical characteristics such as age, sex, comorbidities, smoking, number of levels fused, number of surgical approaches were analyzed. Postoperative complications at 30 days were recorded according to Clavien-Dindo and Glassman classifications. RESULTS: 172 patients (120 females/52 males, mean age 59.4 ± 17.6) were included in our study. 78 patients suffered complications (45%) at 30 days, 43% of these complications were considered major. Unplanned readmission was observed in 35 patients (20,3%). Risk factors for complications were: Smoking, previous comorbidities, number of levels fused, two or more surgical approaches and excessive bleeding. Hospital length of stay in patients without and with complications was of 7.8 ± 13.7 and 17 ± 31.1 days, respectively (P 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of early postoperative complications in adult spinal deformity patients treated with fusion was of 45% in our study with 20% of unplanned readmissions at 30 days. Presence of complications significantly increased hospital length of stay.

CT Scan in Subaxial Cervical Facet Injury: Is It Enough for Decision-Making?

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of subaxial cervical facet injuries using the AO Spine Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System is based on CT scan findings. However, additional radiological evaluations are not directly considered. The aim of this study is to determine situations in which spine surgeons request additional radiological exams after a facet fracture. METHODS: A survey was sent to AO Spine members from Latin America. The evaluation considered demographic variables, routine use of the Classification, as well as the timepoint at which surgeons requested a cervical MRI, a vascular study, and/ or dynamic radiographs before treatment of facet fractures. RESULTS: There was 229 participants, mean age 42.9 ± 10.2 years; 93.4% were men. Orthopedic surgeons 57.6% with 10.7 ± 8.7 years of experience in spine surgery. A total of 86% used the Classification in daily practice. An additional study (MRI/vascular study/and dynamic radiographs) was requested in 53.3%/9.6%/43.7% in F1 facet injuries; 76.0%/20.1%/50.2% in F2; 89.1%/65.1%/28.4% in F3; and 94.8%/66.4%/16.6% in F4. An additional study was frequently required: F1 72.5%, F2 86.9%, F3 94.7%, and F4 96.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Spine surgeons generally requested additional radiological evaluations in facet injuries, and MRI was the most common. Dynamic radiographs had a higher prevalence for F1/F2 fractures; vascular studies were more common for F3/F4 especially among surgeons with fewer years of experience. Private hospitals had a lower spine trauma cases/year and requested more MRI and more dynamic radiographs in F1/F2. Neurosurgeons had more vascular studies and dynamic radiographs than orthopedic surgeons in all facet fractures.

[Degenerative cervical myelopathy]. / Mielopatía cervical degenerativa: una patología cada vez más frecuente y que requiere diagnóstico y manejo precoz.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults. Its prevalence is increasing as a result of population aging. The diagnosis of DCM is often delayed or overlooked, resulting in secondary neurologic morbidity. The natural course of DCM typically presents as a gradual neurological deterioration, with symptoms ranging from muscle weakness to complete paralysis, with variable degrees of sensory deficits and sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrophysiological studies allow the assessment of spinal cord function and its structural damage to determine treatment and clinical outcomes. All patients with signs and symptoms consistent with DCM should be referred to a spine surgeon for assessment and tailored treatment. Those patients with mild DCM can be managed non-operatively but require close monitoring and education about potentially alarming signs and symptoms. Surgery is not currently recommended for asymptomatic patients with evidence of spinal cord compression or cervical spinal stenosis on MRI, but they require a structured follow-up. Patients with moderate or severe DCM require surgical decompression to avoid further progression. The objective of this review is to raise awareness of degenerative cervical myelopathy and its increasing prevalence as well as to aid non-surgical healthcare workers for a timely diagnosis and management of this disabling condition.

Unstable Thoracolumbar Injuries: Factors Affecting the Decision for Short-Segment vs Long-Segment Posterior Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Factors influencing the length of spinal instrumentation have been mostly evaluated in burst fractures, receiving more attention than other unstable thoracolumbar injuries. We aimed to evaluate clinical factors affecting surgical decision-making and associated complications. METHODS: This was a multicentric retrospective cohort study. Outcomes of patients with AO Spine injury classification types B2, B3, and C operated through an open posterior-only approach were analyzed. Length of instrumentation was correlated with age, type of injury, comorbidities, level of injury, neurological status, and complications. RESULTS: Among 439 patients, 30.3% underwent short-segment fixation (SSF) and 69.7% underwent long-segment fixation (LSF). Type C injuries were treated with LSF in 89.4% of cases (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age ≤39 years (OR: 2.06), AO spine type B2 (OR: 3.58), and type B3 (OR: 7.48) were statistically significant predictors for SSF, while hypertension (OR: 4.07), upper thoracic injury (OR: 9.48), midthoracic injury (OR: 6.06), and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A (OR: 3.14) were significantly associated with LSF. Patients with SSF had fewer overall complications (27.1% vs 50.9%, P < 0.001) and were less likely to develop pneumonia (6.0% vs 18.3%, P < 0.001) and urinary tract infections (6.8% vs 16.3%, P < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Unstable thoracolumbar injuries were mostly treated by LSF. Length of instrumentation was affected by the type of spinal injury, location of the injury, and neurological status. SSF was associated with lower rates of early complications than LSF. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The decision on the length of fixation in the surgical treatment of unstable thoracolumbar injuries is affected by different factors, and it will impact the rate of postoperative complications.

Granuloma eosinofílico cervical en el adolescente: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Cervical eosinophilic granuloma in adolescents: case report and literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN El granuloma eosinofílico (GE) es una patología infrecuente, sobre todo en adultos, que puede afectar la columna cervical. A pesar de la vasta literatura, esta enfermedad afecta principalmente a la población infantil, y no hay un consenso sobre el manejo en adultos. Con el objetivo de aportar conocimiento respecto a esta patología poco frecuente, se presenta un caso clínico de GE cervical en un paciente de 16 años, a quien se trató de manera conservadora, con buenos resultados y retorno completo a sus actividades. CASO CLÍNICO Un hombre de 16 años, seleccionado de rugby, consultó por dolor cervical axial persistente y nocturno de 6 semanas de evolución, sin trauma evidente. Al examen, destacó dolor a la compresión axial sin compromiso neurológico asociado. Los exámenes de tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM) revelaron lesión lítica en el cuerpo de C3 de características agresivas, de presentación monostótica en tomografía por emisión de positrones-tomografía computada (TEP-TC) compatible con tumor primario vertebral. Se decidió realizar biopsia percutánea bajo TC, para definir el diagnóstico y manejo adecuado, la cual fue compatible con células de Langerhans. Al no presentar clínica ni imagenología de inestabilidad ósea evidente o compromiso neurológico, se manejó con tratamiento conservador, inmovilización cervical, analgesia oral, y seguimiento estrecho. A los cuatro meses de evolución, se presentó con una TC con cambios reparativos del cuerpo vertebral y sin dolor, y logró retomar sus actividad habituales. CONCLUSIONES El diagnóstico de GE es infrecuente a esta edad, y se debe plantear entre diagnósticos diferenciales de lesiones líticas agresivas primarias vertebrales. Es necesario el uso de imágenes, y la biopsia vertebral es fundamental para confirmar el diagnóstico. Su manejo va a depender de la sintomatología, del compromiso de estructuras vecinas, y de la estabilidad de la vértebra afectada. El manejo conservador con seguimiento clínico e imagenológico es una opción viable.

INTRODUCTION Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is a rare, tumor-like lesion, infrequently affecting the cervical spine, particularly in adults. Although vastly described in literature, this pathology mainly affects children, and there is still no consensus on its treatment in older patients. With the goal of contributing to increase the knowledge regarding this infrequent pathology, we present a case of a C3 eosinophilic granuloma in a 16-year-old patient, who was treated conservatively, with good results, including complete return to his previous activities. CLINICAL CASE a 16-year-old male, elite rugby player, presented with a history of persistent neck pain, mainly at night, with no previous trauma. Upon physical examination, he reported neck pain with axial compression of the head, without neurological impairment. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed an aggressive lytic lesion in the C3 vertebral body, a with monostotic presentation on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) compatible with a primary spine tumor. A CT-guided percutaneous biopsy was obtained to establish the diagnosis and provide the proper management. The results were compatible with Langerhans cells. As he presented no symptoms or imaging findings of evident bone instability, as well as no neurological impairment, the patient was treated conservatively, with a cervical brace, oral pain medication and close followup. A CT obtained after four months of treatment showed reparative changes of the C3 vertebral body; at this point, the patient reported no neck pain, so he was able to return to his previous activities. CONCLUSIONS Although an EG is rare at this age, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary vertebral aggressive lytic lesions. Imaging and a vertebral biopsy are paramount to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment modality depends on the symptoms, the involvement of adjacent structures, and the stability of the affected vertebra. Conservative management including clinical and imaging followup is a viable option.

Espondilodiscitis por haemophilus parainfluenzae: un reporte de caso / Spondylodiscitis due to haemophilus parainfluenzae: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HP) es un cocobacilo gram negativo y un patógeno oportunista. Rara vez se asocia a infecciones vertebrales o musculoesqueléticas, y está muy poco reportado en la literatura. PRESENTACIÓN DELO CASO Una mujer de 45 años, sana, que presentaba un historial de dos semanas de lumbalgia progresiva, fiebre, coriza y congestión nasal, y que tenía discitis intervertebral causada por HP, confirmada por dos hemocultivos positivos y hallazgos progresivos de resonancia magnética (RM) de columna lumbar. Los hallazgos de la RM fueron atípicos, y consistían en un absceso del psoas y pequeñas colecciones de líquido epidural e intraespinal anterior asociadas con espondilodiscitis. El diagnóstico inicial se retrasó debido a que la RM inicial no reveló hallazgos que sugirieran un proceso infeccioso. El tratamiento consistió en un ciclo prolongado de administración intravenosa seguida de antibióticos orales, lo que finalmente produjo una buena respuesta clínica. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN El HP es un patógeno muy raro en la espondilodiscitis. No obstante, debe tenerse en cuenta, especialmente en pacientes que presentan lumbalgia y fiebre y/o bacteriemia por microorganismos gram negativos. El estudio inicial debe incluir una RM de la columna con contraste. Aunque es poco común, la espondilodiscitis y un absceso del psoas pueden presentarse concomitantemente. Los antibióticos prolongados son el pilar del tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HP) is a gram-negative coccobacillus and an opportunistic pathogen. It is rarely associated with spinal- and musculoskeletal-site infections, and very little reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION An otherwise healthy, 45-year-old woman who presented with a two-week history of progressive low back pain, fever, coryza and nasal congestion, was found to have intervertebral discitis caused by HP, confirmed by two positive blood cultures and progressive lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The MRI findings were atypical, consisting of a psoas abscess and small anterior epidural and intraspinal fluid collections associated with spondylodiscitis. The initial diagnosis was delayed because the initial MRI failed to reveal findings suggestive of an infectious process. The treatment consisted of a long course of intravenous followed by oral antibiotics, ultimately yielding a good clinical response. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a very rare pathogen in spondylodiscitis. Nonetheless, it should be considered, especially in patients presenting with low back pain and fever and/or gram negative bacteremia. The initial work-up should include contrast-enhanced MRI of the spine. Although rare, spondylodiscitis and a psoas abscess can present concomitantly. Prolonged antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment.

Mielopatía cervical degenerativa: una patología cada vez más frecuente y que requiere diagnóstico y manejo precoz / Degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults. Its prevalence is increasing as a result of population aging. The diagnosis of DCM is often delayed or overlooked, resulting in secondary neurologic morbidity. The natural course of DCM typically presents as a gradual neurological deterioration, with symptoms ranging from muscle weakness to complete paralysis, with variable degrees of sensory deficits and sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrophysiological studies allow the assessment of spinal cord function and its structural damage to determine treatment and clinical outcomes. All patients with signs and symptoms consistent with DCM should be referred to a spine surgeon for assessment and tailored treatment. Those patients with mild DCM can be managed non-operatively but require close monitoring and education about potentially alarming signs and symptoms. Surgery is not currently recommended for asymptomatic patients with evidence of spinal cord compression or cervical spinal stenosis on MRI, but they require a structured follow-up. Patients with moderate or severe DCM require surgical decompression to avoid further progression. The objective of this review is to raise awareness of degenerative cervical myelopathy and its increasing prevalence as well as to aid non-surgical healthcare workers for a timely diagnosis and management of this disabling condition.

An analytical review of contributory factors in intervertebral disc degeneration / Revisão analítica dos fatores contribuintes para degeneração de disco intervertebral / Revisión analítica de los factores que contribuyen a la degeneración del disco intervertebral

ABSTRACT Objective: To summarize current trends in the pathogenesis and management of disc degeneration and suggest areas where more research would be of benefit. Methods: The available literature relevant to Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) was reviewed. PubMed, MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were used to review the literature. Institutional Review Board approval was not applicable for this study. Results: This article summarizes trends in the pathogenesis and factors associated with disc degeneration. Conclusions: The genetic contribution to lumbar disc degeneration is a newer concept, still being researched in different populations around the world. Investigators have demonstrated a familial predisposition in the etiology of lumbar disc degeneration. The effect sizes of most genetic variants are small and, thus, individual gene-environment studies must have very large sample sizes to provide compelling evidence of any interaction. Level of evidence; Narrative review of available literature.

RESUMO Objetivo: Resumir as tendências atuais da patogênese e do tratamento da degeneração do disco e sugerir quais áreas de pesquisa seriam benéficas. Métodos: A literatura disponível relevante para degeneração do disco lombar foi revisada. Os bancos de dados PubMed, MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane e Google Scholar foram usados para revisar a literatura. A aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa não se aplica a este estudo. Resultados: Este artigo resume as tendências da patogênese e os fatores associados à degeneração do disco. Conclusões: A contribuição genética para a degeneração do disco lombar é um conceito mais recente, que ainda é pesquisado em diferentes populações ao redor do mundo. Os investigadores demonstraram uma predisposição familiar na etiologia da degeneração de disco lombar. Os tamanhos de efeito da maioria das variantes genéticas são pequenos e, portanto, os estudos individuais de ambiente genético devem ter tamanhos de amostra suficientemente grandes para fornecer evidências convincentes de qualquer interação. Nível de evidência; Revisão narrativa da literatura.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Resumir las tendencias actuales de la patogénesis y del tratamiento de la degeneración discal y sugerir qué áreas de investigación serían beneficiosas. Métodos: Se revisó al literatura dispobible sobre degeneración discal. Se utilizaron las bases de datos PubMed, MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane y Google Scholar para revisar la literatura. La aprobación del Comité de Ética en Investigación no se aplica a este estudio. Resultados: Este artículo resume las tendencias de la patogénesis y los factores asociados a la degeneración discal. Conclusiones: La contribución genética a la degeneración del disco lumbar es un concepto reciente, que todavía se encuentra en estudio en diferentes poblaciones de todo el mundo. Los investigadores han demostrado una predisposición familiar en la etiología de la degeneración del disco lumbar. Los tamaños de efectos de la mayoría de las variantes genéticas son pequeños y, por lo tanto, los estudios individuales del entorno genético deben disponer de tamaños de muestra lo suficientemente grandes como para proporcionar pruebas convincentes de cualquier interacción. Nivel de evidencia; Revisión narrativa de la literatura.

Management of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy: Results of an Iberian-Latin American survey.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH)/radiculopathy is the most frequent cause of lost workdays in people under 50 years of age. Although there is consensus about how to assess these patients, the optimal management strategy is still debated. METHODS: An online survey was sent to spine surgeons who are members of the Iberian-Latin American Spine Society to assess how they treat LDH with radiculopathy. RESULTS: There were 718 surgeons who answered the survey; 66% reported that 76-100% of their monthly clinic work was due to spine issues. The most frequently used conservative treatment modalities included non-opioid analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (90.5%), followed by physical therapy (55.2%) and pregabalin (41.4%). Notably, 40% of surgeons in the public sector believed that conservative treatment failed if symptoms persisted beyond 6-12 weeks, while 39% of private surgeons deemed conservative management insufficient if it had failed to provide symptomatic relief with 3-6 weeks. Of interest, 78% utilized epidural steroid injections (ESI); 51.7% preferred the transforaminal, 27.2% the interlaminar, and 7.5% the caudal approaches. The most frequent indications for surgery included: cauda equina syndrome, progressive neurological deficits, and intractable pain. Traditional microdiscectomy was the most common technique (68.5%) utilized, followed by 7.5% advocating endoscopic disc resection, and just 6.4% favoring the tubular discectomy. CONCLUSION: There is considerable heterogeneity among Iberian and Latin American spine surgeons in the treatment of LDH/radiculopathy. Although most begin with the utilization of NSAIDs and non-opioid analgesics, followed by ESI (88%), surgery was recommended for persistent symptoms/signs for those failing between 3 and 6 weeks (private sector) versus 6-12 weeks (public sector) of conservative therapy.

Spondylolysis Repair Using a Minimally Invasive Modified Buck Technique with Neuronavigation and Neuromonitoring in High School and Professional Athletes: Technical Notes, Case Series, and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Spondylolysis is a defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra that occurs frequently in high-performance young athletes. Although nonsurgical management is the mainstay of treatment, surgery is an option for patients with persistent symptoms despite multiple cycles of nonsurgical treatment. Performing a minimally invasive technique reduces complications, postsurgery pain, and hospitalization time and leads to a quick recovery. The aim of this study was to report the clinical results of a series of 3 patients treated with a modification of the Buck technique with a minimally invasive approach. METHODS: Three high-performance athletes between 17 and 18 years old who were managed nonsurgically for at least 6 months underwent a modified Buck technique repair with a minimally invasive approach using cannulated compression screws, with neuronavigation and neuromonitoring. Patients were followed at least 6 months with computed tomography scans to assess consolidation and fixation status. Following rehabilitation and in the absence of pain, all 3 athletes returned to their respective sports. No complications were reported. RESULTS: All patients presented with bilateral spondylolysis, at L3 in 1 case and at L5 in 2 cases. Patients received conservative management for 12-36 months before surgery. After surgery, consolidation was obtained at 4 months in all patients, who returned to their sports activities in <6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed technique shows the advantages of performing minimally invasive surgery in young high-performance athletes, ensuring consolidation and early return to sports activity without complications.

Manejo actual de las metástasis vertebrales: un trabajo en equipo / Current management of vertebral metastases: teamwork

La enfermedad metastásica vertebral es frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer avanzado, y conlleva a complicaciones inherentes a su progresión, como lo son la fractura patológica vertebral y la compresión neural metastásica. Se realizó una revisión de los aspectos terapéuticos actuales del manejo de la progresión y de las complicaciones de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral, enfatizando su enfrentamiento sistémico y personalizado. Nuestro objetivo principal es proporcionar información sobre el tratamiento actual de esta afección y la utilidad del manejo sistémico y multidisciplinario.

Metastatic spinal disease is common in patients with advanced cancer, and leads to complications inherent in its progression, such as pathological vertebral fracture and metastatic neural compression. A review of the current therapeutic aspects regarding the progression and complications of metastatic spinal disease was performed, highlighting its systemic, personalized approach. Our aim is to provide information about the current treatment of this condition and the usefulness of its systemic and multidisciplinary management.

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Surgery for the Treatment of Types B and C Thoracolumbar Injuries: A PRISMA Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic and lumbar spine injuries may require surgical management, particularly AO Spine types B and C injuries. Open reduction and fixation using pedicle screws, with or without fusion and/or decompression, is the gold standard surgical treatment for unstable injuries. Recent advances in instrumentation design have resulted in less-invasive surgeries. However, the literature is sparse about the effectiveness of these procedures for types B and C injuries. The objective is to compare the outcomes of conventional open surgery versus minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) for the treatment of AO Spine types B and C thoracolumbar injuries. METHODS: A systematic review of published literature in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed to identify studies comparing outcomes achieved with open versus minimally invasive surgery in AO Spine types B and C thoracolumbar injury patients. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used. RESULTS: Five retrospective case-control studies and 3 prospective studies met selection criteria. In general, most of the studies demonstrated that minimally invasive spine surgery is feasible for types B and C injuries, and associated with potential advantages like reduced blood loss, postoperative pain, and muscle injury, and shorter hospital stays. However, no differences were detected in major outcomes, like neurological status or disability. CONCLUSIONS: Published literature currently suggests that minimally invasive spine surgery is a valid alternative for treating types B and C thoracolumbar injuries. However, further comparative prospective randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish the superiority of one approach over the other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.