Age is Associated with Level of First-Time Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Ordinal Analysis of Factors Influencing Timing of Cervical Degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic cervical spondylosis is often treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, few factors can predict which cervical level will degenerate and require intervention. This analysis evaluates preprocedural factors associated with level of first-time single-level ACDF. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent single-level ACDF without prior history of spine surgery. Mann Whitney U-tests and Spearman rank-order correlation were performed for analyses of associations between variables of interest and ACDF level. Adjusted odds-ratios were calculated by proportional-odds logistic regression, with age, sex, body mass index, current tobacco use, history of neck trauma, preoperative radicular symptoms, and preoperative myelopathic symptoms as covariates. RESULTS: One hundred forty-one patients met inclusion criteria, and age demonstrated a negative correlation with ACDF level, such that younger patients tended to have ACDF performed at inferior subaxial levels (P = 0.0006, rho = -0.31, moderately strong relationship). Patients with preoperative radicular symptoms and myelopathic symptoms were more likely to have ACDF performed at inferior (P = 0.0001) and superior (P < 0.0001) levels, respectively. Patient sex, body mass index, current tobacco use, and history of neck trauma were not predictive of ACDF level. When adjusting for the above variables in a proportional-odds ordinal logistic regression model, a one-year increase in age conferred a 4% increase in the odds of requiring an ACDF at a given superior level compared to the adjacent inferior level. CONCLUSIONS: Age is correlated with level of first-time single level ACDF. Individual subaxial levels may have unique biomechanical properties that influence degeneration.

Basilar Impression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Features, Operative Strategies and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Basilar Impression (BI) is a rare yet debilitating abnormality of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), known to cause life-threatening medullary brainstem compression. Our study analyzes surgical approaches for BI and related outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science electronic databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to critically assess primary articles examining BI. RESULTS: We analyzed 87 patients from 65 articles, mostly female (55.17%) with a mean age of 46.31 ± 17.94 years, commonly presenting with motor (59.77%) and sensory deficits (55.17%). Commonly employed procedures included posterior occipitocervical fusion (24.14%), anterior decompression (20.69%), and combined anterior decompression with posterior fusion (21.84%). Patients who underwent anterior approaches were found to be older (55.38 ± 17.67 vs. 45.49 ± 18.78 years, p < 0.05) and had a longer duration from symptom onset to surgery (57.39 ± 64.33 vs. 26.02 ± 29.60 months, p < 0.05) compared to posterior approaches. Our analysis revealed a significant association between a longer duration from symptom onset to surgery and an increased likelihood of undergoing odontoidectomy and decompression (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, p < 0.05). Furthermore, after adjusting for all other covariates, a history of rheumatoid arthritis and the use of a posterior approach were significantly associated with an elevated risk of postoperative complications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment approach to complex CVJ disease should be tailored to the surgeon's experience and the nature of the compressive pathology.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are related to adult idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is considered one of the most prevalent spinal diseases. Even though the cause of AIS is yet to be determined, family history and sex have shown conclusive associations. Multiple studies have indicated that AIS is more prevalent in families where at least one other first-degree relative is similarly affected, indicating a possible genetic etiology to AIS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles were collected from 3 different search engines and then processed in 2 stages for final article selection for quantitative analysis. Five different genetic models were represented to show the association between the different SNPs and AIS. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was examined using Fisher exact test, with significance set at P <0.05. The final analysis paper's quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Kappa interrater agreement was calculated to evaluate the agreement between authors. RESULTS: The final analysis comprised 43 publications, 19412 cases, 22005 controls, and 25 distinct genes. LBX1 rs11190870 T>C and MATN-1 SNPs were associated with an increased risk of AIS in one or all of the 5 genetic models. IGF-1 , estrogen receptor alfa, and MTNR1B , SNPs were not associated with AIS in all 5 genetic models. Newcastle Ottawa Scale showed good quality for the selected articles. Cohen k = 0.741 and Kappa interrater agreement of 84% showed that the writers were in strong agreement. CONCLUSIONS: There seem to be associations between AIS and genetic SNP. Further larger studies should be conducted to validate the results.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Multilevel Pediculosynthesis for Treatment of Contiguous Pedicle Stress Fractures: Technical Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Nontraumatic pedicle fracture is uncommon, with sparsely described cases of conservative management versus surgical treatment by open fusion or percutaneous fixation. METHODS: We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with nontraumatic L4 and L5 pedicle fracture who developed additional pedicle fractures at L3 while undergoing conservative management in a brace. The patient underwent percutaneous pediculosynthesis with screw fixation without fusion at L3-5 bilaterally. RESULTS: The treatment led to fracture healing with good radiographic result and resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A trial of conservative management is typically warranted in most cases of nontraumatic pedicle fracture, but there is risk of refractory or progressive symptoms and subsequent fracture. Minimally invasive fixation is a viable surgical option that can be used in multilevel fractures.

Open Paddle Lead Trial for Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an accepted treatment for certain chronic pain syndromes. It is imperative that patients undergo a stimulation screening trial. For trial stimulation, typically patients undergo a percutaneous lead placement. Due to technical considerations, there exists a subset of patients who are not candidates for a percutaneous trial. OBJECTIVE: We present our experience with open paddle trial for spinal cord stimulation and review the characteristics of this patient population as well as the technique and efficacy of an open paddle lead trial for spinal cord stimulation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 25 patients undergoing a paddle lead trial for spinal cord stimulation from September 2014 to September 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent a paddle lead trial for spinal cord stimulation. The average age was 61 with a range of 40 to 82 years; 19 were women and 6 were men. Twenty-two patients (88%) had failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Nine patients had attempted percutaneous trials that were unsuccessful, and 14 patients had extensive hardware and/or scar tissue, necessitating an open paddle trial. Twenty-three (92%) patients had a positive trial and went on to permanent implantation. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature is a major limitation as well as loss to follow-up on several patients. CONCLUSION: Patients, who have either failed or are deemed suboptimal for percutaneous trialing for spinal cord stimulation, should be considered for open paddle lead trialing. A multidisciplinary approach improves communication and helps to identify that subset of patients who otherwise may be left to pursue conservative measures only.

Applying 3-Dimensional Printing and Modeling for Preoperative Reconstruction and Instrumentation Placement Planning in Complex Deformity Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have enabled the development of customized instrumentation and surgical training platforms. However, no existing studies have assessed how patient-specific 3D-printed spine models can facilitate patient education and operative planning in complex spinal deformity correction. OBJECTIVE: To present a cost-effective technique for constructing personalized 3D-printed spine models for patients with severe spinal deformities and to outline how these models can promote informed consent, trainee education, and planning for instrumentation placement and alignment correction. METHODS: We present 2 patients who underwent surgical correction of progressive thoracolumbar deformities. Full-scale 3D-printed models of each patient's spine were produced preoperatively and used during clinic evaluations, surgical planning, and as intraoperative references. RESULTS: Each model took 9 days to build and required less than 60 US dollars of material costs. Both patients were treated with a posterior approach and contiguous multilevel osteotomies. Postoperatively, their alignment parameters and neurological deficits improved. CONCLUSION: Personalized 3D-printed spine models can aid in patient education, surgical training, visualization, and correction of complex spinal deformities.

The Clinical Use of Serum Biomarkers in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review Stratified by Injury Severity.

BACKGROUND: Serum biomarkers have gained significant popularity as an adjunctive measure in the evaluation and prognostication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, a concise and clinically oriented report of the major markers in function of TBI severity is lacking. This systematic review aims to report current data on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of blood-based biomarkers across the spectrum of TBI. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed/Medline electronic database was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We excluded systematic reviews and meta-analyses that did not provide novel data. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association criteria were used to assess levels of evidence. RESULTS: An initial 1463 studies were identified. In total, 115 full-text articles reporting on 94 distinct biomarkers met the inclusion criteria. Glasgow Coma Scale scores, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, and injury severity scores were the most used clinical diagnostic variables. Glasgow Outcome Scores and 1-, 3-, and 6-month mortality were the most used clinical prognostic variables. Several biomarkers significantly correlated with these variables and had statistically significant different levels in TBI subjects when compared with healthy, orthopedic, and polytrauma controls. The biomarkers also displayed significant variability across mild, moderate, and severe TBI categories, as well as in concussion cases. CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes existing high-quality evidence that supports the use of severity-specific biomarkers in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of TBI. These data can be used as a launching platform for the validation of upcoming clinical studies.

Compressive Cervical Myelopathy in Patients With Demyelinating Disease of the Central Nervous System: Improvement After Surgery Despite a Late Diagnosis.

Objective We aimed to assess the impact of surgical intervention on outcome in patients diagnosed with demyelinating disorders and cervical degenerative disease warranting surgical intervention. Methods The records of patients with a diagnosis of a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system who underwent cervical spine surgery at a single institution from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed. Demyelinating disease included multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica, and transverse myelitis (TM). The dates of initial spine symptom onset, recognition of spinal pathology by the primary provider, referral to spine surgery, and spine surgery procedures were collected. Hospital length of stay (LOS) and postoperative outcomes and complications were recorded. Results A total of 19 patients with a diagnosis of demyelinating disorders underwent cervical spine surgery at our institution. Seventeen patients had MS. The average time interval between a documented diagnosis of myelopathy or radiculopathy and referral to the Spine clinic was 67.95 months (M=40, SD=64.87). Twelve patients had imaging studies depicting degenerative spine disease that would warrant surgical intervention at the time of examination by their primary physician. The average delay for referral to the Spine clinic for these patients was 16.5 months (M=5; SD=25.36). More than 89% of patients experienced significant neurologic improvement postoperatively. Conclusions There is a delay in the recognition of cervical spine disease amenable to a surgical resolution in patients with demyelinating disorders. Surgical treatment can lead to significant clinical improvement in this patient population even if delayed, and likely carries similar risk to that of the general population.

Spinal cord stimulation as alternative treatment for chronic post-herniorrhaphy pain.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for patients with intractable post-herniorrhaphy pain which conventional treatment failed to ameliorate. PROCEDURE: The patients underwent an uneventful spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial with percutaneous placement of two eight-electrode epidural leads (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA) to level T7-T8-T9. RESULTS: Upon experiencing excellent pain relief over the next two days during the trial, the patients were implanted with permanent leads and rechargeable or non-rechargeable generators two to four weeks later and reported sustained pain relief during following 12 months after implantation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that SCS offers an alternative treatment option for intractable post-herniorrhaphy pain. This type of treatment should be considered for use in a select group of patients when all conventional treatments failed.

Electronic Communication Patterns Could Reflect Preoperative Anxiety and Serve as an Early Complication Warning in Elective Spine Surgery Patients with Affective Disorders: A Retrospective Analysis of a Cohort of 1199 Elective Spine Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The analysis of perioperative electronic patient portal (EPP) communication may provide risk stratification and insight for complication prevention in patients with affective disorders (ADs). We aimed to understand how patterns of EPP communication in patients with AD relate to preoperative narcotic use, surgical outcomes, and readmission rates. METHODS: The records of adult patients who underwent elective spinal surgery between January 2010 and August 2017 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed for analysis. Primary outcomes included preoperative narcotic use, the number of perioperative EPP messages sent, rates of perioperative complications, hospital length of stay, emergency department (ED) visits within 6 weeks, and readmissions within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 1199 patients were included in the analysis. Patients with an AD were more likely to take narcotics before surgery (51.69% vs. 41%, P < 0.001) and to have active EPP accounts (75.36% vs. 69.75%, P = 0.014) compared with controls. They were also more likely to send postoperative messages (38.89% vs. 32.75%, P = 0.030) and tended to send more messages (0.67 vs. 0.48, P = 0.034). The AD group had higher rates of postoperative complications (8.21% vs. 3.98%, P = 0.001), ED visits (4.99% vs. 2.43%, P = 0.009), and readmissions postoperatively (2.49% vs. 1.38%, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: AD patients have specific patterns of perioperative EPP communication. They are at a higher risk of postoperative complications. Addressing these concerns early may prevent more serious morbidity and avoid unnecessary ED visits and readmissions, thus reducing costs and improving patient care.

Pseudomeningocele and percutaneous intrathecal lead placement complication for spinal cord stimulator.

The incidence of symptomatic percutaneous intrathecal subarachnoid lead placement for spinal cord stimulator is almost an unheard of complication in the literature. We present the first case of a spinal cord stimulator implant with a complication of symptomatic intrathecal subarachnoid lead placement with a pseudomeningocele. This complication was found with myelogram and addressed by replacement with a new spinal cord stimulator implant with paddle leads instead of percutaneous leads and obliterating the pseudomeningocele tract. Technique for epidural lead placement is discussed. This case illustrates a spinal cord stimulator implant complication of intrathecal percutaneous lead placement with pseudomeningocele and its recognition and treatment involving replacement of the system while minimizing risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Intraoperative neuromonitoring and interrogation of the spinal cord stimulator system during implantation are effective tools for accurate epidural lead placement.

Traumatic Lumbar Interdural Cyst with Intradural Expansion and Compression of the Cauda Equina: Case Report and Surgical Video.

Intradural arachnoid cysts are common entities that can be congenital, or caused by infectious, inflammatory, or even traumatic processes. However, true "inter"-dural cysts formed between the two lamellae of the lumbar dura without any fistulous arachnoid connection are rare. We present the case of a post-traumatic interdural cyst formation of the lumbar spine that compressed the roots of the cauda equina causing acute unrelenting pain. The cyst walls were formed by the true dural layers, and the cavity was filled with blood degradation products without any arachnoid connection to the subdural space. A commented video that details the diagnostic and surgical aspects of this case, alongside intraoperative footage is provided.

Intraneural Posterior Interosseous Nerve Lipoma with Complete Paralysis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

An intraneural posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) lipoma is a rare entity consisting of two types and only two previously reported cases. Treatment involves total excision for the well-encapsulated "true intraneural lipomas" type and subtotal resection for the other type, fibrolipomatous hamartomas of the nerve. We present the management and surgical treatment of a case that illustrates a variation of the traditional posterolateral surgical approach for the complete excision of an intraneural PIN lipoma-contrary to the more commonly used anterior approach in literature-along with a literature review of intraneural PIN lipomas.

Osteodiskitis of Lumbar Spine Due to Migrated Fractured Inferior Vena Cava Filter.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism can be a significant cause of morbidity in the trauma population. Medical and surgical specialties have been pushing the indication for prophylactic filter placement. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 36-year-old man presented with axial lower back pain with a radicular right L2 component after lifting a heavy object. He had a history of penetrating brain trauma 3 years prior, with placement of a prophylactic inferior vena cava filter. His radiograph, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed fracture of his filter, with migration of the fractured fragment through the inferior vena cava and into the L2-L3 disk space, and surrounding bony lysis and severe osteodiskitis. He was treated medically with intravenous and then oral antibiotics and improved clinically and radiographically. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative use of filter devices and early retrieval once their indication expires are paramount to avoid unnecessary complications.

Spinal Cord Compression Secondary to Epidural Fibrosis Associated with Percutaneously Placed Spinal Cord Stimulation Electrodes: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Spinal cord stimulation is a safe method for treating chronic pain syndromes. Spinal cord stimulators can be placed either surgically by creating a laminectomy defect for paddle leads or percutaneously by inserting electrodes. They are usually not associated with major complications. There have been several reports of epidural fibrosis formation after paddle lead placement but only 1 case of excessive fibrosis following percutaneous lead placement. We describe the unique case of excessive cervical fibrosis formation with creation of tolerance phenomenon, clinically significant stenosis, cord compression, and myelopathy after percutaneous lead placement, which improved after surgical removal of the implant. We also reviewed the PubMed and Medline databases for all cases of significant epidural fibrosis related to spinal cord stimulator lead placement, including both surgically implanted paddles and percutaneously implanted leads. This is an uncommon complication after placement of spinal cord stimulators, but it can carry a clinically significant impact and be the source of severe morbidity. It should especially be suspected if the successful placement of the device is followed by development of a "tolerance" phenomenon, with progressive loss of satisfactory pain control and development of new myelopathic symptoms.

A case report of subcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of axial back pain associated with postlaminectomy syndrome.

Objective. This article aims to present a case of the use of an alternative form of neuromodulation for the treatment of axial back pain associated with postlaminectomy syndrome. Materials and Methods. An elderly patient with long-standing axial back pain in the setting of a prior decompressive laminectomy presented for evaluation and treatment. After failing to obtain significant benefit from more conservative measures, a trial of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) was performed. Results. The patient reported > 75% relief of his pain during the seven-day trial period, and accordingly a permanent PNS system was implanted. The permanent system consisted of four Medtronic Quad Plus leads, two on each side of midline oriented horizontally over the L4-5 paraspinous muscles. Our patient was ultimately weaned off of all narcotic medications and, at one year follow-up, continues to report > 90% reduction of pain.

Subcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation treatment for chronic pelvic pain.

Two cases of chronic pelvic pain of unknown etiology with symptoms referable to the low abdominal wall are presented. These patients are often difficult to manage because of multiple causes and multiple pathways for pain transmission from the pelvis. In these cases, the patients' complaints were refractory to medication management, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blockade. After careful evaluation, a successful trial of peripheral nerve stimulation was followed by permanent implantation of low abdominal subcutaneous leads and a pulse generator device. The patients reported excellent relief of their chronic pelvic pain. The use of neuromodulation via peripheral stimulation deserves further investigation as an alternative to spinal cord stimulation for chronic pelvic pain.