Congenital spine deformities: timing of insult during development of the spine in utero.

The development of the spine and spinal cord occurs at the earliest weeks of gestation. Their development not only affects each other but also are most likely associated with anomalies in other systems. It is essential to recognize the stages of spine development to understand the cause of congenital spinal deformities and their influences on the postnatal growing spine. A vast majority of congenital spinal problems are not evident clinically. For instance, the presence of neural axis abnormalities, such as spinal dysraphism or syringomyelia, may be so subtle that patients never seek medical care. Certain vertebral formation disorders such as hemivertebrae may remain asymptomatic throughout life if they are balanced while those with congenital bars may develop severe deformity. Major defects in the spine are often associated with abnormalities of the other organs such as cardiovascular and genital urinary system that warrants close attention by multidisciplinary specialists. A thorough understanding of the basics of embryology, which serves as a window into the development of the spine, is necessary to enable the practitioner to appreciate why, when, and where the numerous spine deformities develop in utero. Besides, certain developmental defects manifest in adulthood including spondylolysis, degenerative disc disease, congenital spinal stenosis, and even tumors like cordoma. Thus, understanding embryology can assist to establish the proper diagnosis and ensure optimal treatment.

Severity and Outcome of Neurologic Deficits in Patients with Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: A Systematic Review.

Patients with advanced pyogenic spondylodiscitis can present with neurologic deficits. However, the prevalence, severity, and outcome of the neurologic deficits are not well known. A systematic review was performed to improve the knowledge of this commonly encountered clinical scenario. The considerable number of severe neurologic deficits in addition to their poor recovery, even after surgical intervention, demonstrates that the early diagnosis of pyogenic spondylodiscitis is crucial. Prompt surgical intervention is likely associated with a greater chance of improvement of neurologic status than nonsurgical treatment.

Changes in Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Use in Posterior Fusion Over the Past Two Decades.

Background In 2011, studies suggested that complications and cancer rates associated with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) were greater than previously reported. However, later studies reported complication rates similar to prior literature and no increased cancer rate. We evaluated the pattern of clinical utilization of BMP in posteriorly based lumbar fusion by comparing two periods: 2002-2004 and 2017-2019. Methods Patients who received BMP from 2002-2004 (Early) and 2017-2019 (Late) from a single multi-surgeon institution who had a lumbar fusion were identified. One hundred patients from each cohort were randomly selected. Mean total BMP used at each level and the proportion of BMP placed in the interbody space versus posterolateral gutters were evaluated. Results In the transforaminal lumbar intebody fusion (TLIF) cohort, the total BMP dose in the Late group (6.15 mg) was nearly half of that used in the Early group (12.04 mg, p<0.000). The amount of BMP used in the posterolateral gutters remained similar (Early: 4.01 mg vs Late: 3.38 mg, p=0.222). The amount of BMP used in the interbody space was less in the Late group (2.76 mg) compared to the Early group (8.03 mg, p<0.000). In the posterior spinal fusion (PSF) cohort, the total BMP dose remained similar between the Early (11.96 mg) and the Late groups (10.82 mg, p=0.007). Conclusion Change in the use of BMP in TLIF cases was driven by the complications reported in the literature with no change in outcome. A similar impetus was not seen for PSF.

Application of Oscillating Saw for Lumbar en Bloc Laminectomy: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: An oscillating bone saw is rarely used to perform laminectomy. The purpose of this study was to describe a relatively quick and harmless technique for multilevel laminectomy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using an oscillating bone saw to find out how this instrument affects the time of surgery and rate of complications. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 45 patients with LSS who required multilevel laminectomy. The bones were cut using an oscillating sagittal saw equipped with a fine 1-cm blade. Posterolateral fusion was performed if any evidence of spinal instability occurred, or the correction of deformity was addressed. The time spent for laminectomy from initial cutting to the whole bone removal (T1) and the duration of laminectomy (i.e., from initiation to the end of decompression; T2) were recorded for the corresponding level. The volume of harvested autograft was also measured, and any dural injuries were reported. RESULTS: Posterolateral fusion was performed on 32 (71.1%) patients. The mean T1 and T2 per level were estimated at 70.5±5.4 and 157.5±12.1 sec, respectively. In addition, the mean volume of harvested autograft per level was obtained as 3.5±1.2 cc. No durotomy was observed during laminectomy using an oscillating bone saw. However, a dural tear occurred in one patient when a Kerisson punch was utilized for ligamentum flavum removal and foraminotomy. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that laminectomy by means of the oscillating bone saw is a safe procedure that provides a sufficient volume of harvested autograft for fusion. This technique could also induce a remarkable reduction in the time of surgery.

Growth-preserving instrumentation in early-onset scoliosis patients with multi-level congenital anomalies.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVES: To assess final outcomes in patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) who underwent growth-preserving instrumentation (GPI). Various types of growth-preserving instrumentation (GPI) are frequently employed, but until recently had not been utilized long enough to assess final outcomes. METHODS: GPI "graduates" with multi-level congenital curves were identified. Graduation was defined as a final fusion or 5 years of follow-up without planned future surgeries. Outcomes included radiographic parameters and complications. RESULTS: 26 patients were included. 11 had associated diagnoses; eight had fused ribs. 17 were treated with traditional growing rods, seven with vertically expandable prosthetic ribs, and two with Shilla procedures. The mean GPI spanned 12.3 levels including 10.7 motion segments, age at index surgery was 5.5 years, treatment spanned 7.5 years, and follow-up was 9.2 years. 24 patients underwent final fusion. Mean major curve decreased from 73° to 49° with index surgery (p < 0.01) and remained unchanged through a final follow-up. Final major curve was < 40° in 9 patients (35%), 40°-60° in 11 patients (42%), and > 60° in 6 patients (23%). None worsened throughout treatment. Mean T1-T12 height increased 2.4 cm with index surgery (p = 0.02) and 5.4 cm total (p < 0.01). T1-T12 height increased in all patients and was ultimately < 18 cm in 10 patients (38%), 18-22 cm in 10 patients (38%), and > 22 cm in 6 patients (23%). On average, there were 2.6 complications per patient, including 1.7 implant failures. 12 patients (46%) experienced ≥ 3 complications; four patients (15%) experienced none. CONCLUSION: We observed successful prevention of deformity progression but substantial residual deformity among GPI graduates with multi-level congenital EOS. Most coronal curve correction was attained during GPI implantation; thoracic height improved throughout treatment. While some favorable results were found, treatment strategies allowing improved deformity correction would be valuable for this challenging population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic-III.

Paper #10: 3D Assessment of Spine Growth in Early Onset Scoliosis during Growing Rod Lengthening.

Measuring the true spine growth during growing rod (GR) lengthening is limited with 2D radiographs. With 3D imaging, this study demonstrates that during GR lengthening the spine lengthens and vertebra increase in size suggesting spinal growth that matches the relative increase in rod length during the distraction period.

Paper #36: Multi-level Congenital Deformities in Early Onset Scoliosis: Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes in Growth Friendly Graduates.

Treatment of complex congenital scoliosis with growth friendly instrumentation led to only modest correction of major curves, residual imbalance, minimal gain in spine and thoracic height and a high incidence of complications. It is unknown whether this treatment improves upon the natural history or early fusion.

Spontaneous corynebacterium spondylodiskitis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous Corynebacterium spondylodiskitis is an unusual diagnosis of spondylodiskitis, especially in healthy patients without any significant past medical history. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe the case of a 78-year-old man with progressive low back pain for 3 months, irradiating down the lower limbs through L5 and S1 root pathways, associated with distal muscle weakness in both lower limbs. He had no history of trauma or medical problems. Laboratory investigation revealed elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, without leukocytosis. The magnetic resonance findings demonstrated an extensive L5-S1 spondylodiskitis and L4-L5 anterolisthesis. Prior to spinopelvic fixation and posterolateral fusion, a substantial debridement was performed. The obtained tissue samples were submitted to pathological and microbiological studies, which identified Corynebacterium infection. RESULTS: One month after surgery, the pain diminished dramatically and the CRP titer diminished significantly. CONCLUSION: Although cases are very rare, spontaneous Corynebacterium spondylodiskitis, with substantial invasion of the spine, may develop in patients lacking any history of medical or surgical problems.

Congenital Posterior Spinal Agenesis Leads to L2-L3 Instability: a Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Congenital absence of posterior elements of the lumbar column is an extremely uncommon anomaly and we found no any reported cases of incomplete congenital absence of the posterior elements of lumbar vertebra in the literature.  Here, we present a case with congenital absence of posterior elements of lumbar vertebra. The patient was a 51-year-old man with a history of 20 years of back pain. Imaging of the lumbar spine revealed instability in L2 and L3 and there was evidence of retrolisthesis, agenesis of pars interarticularis, spinous processes, lamina, transverse processes and facets at L2 and L3. The patient underwent lumbar discectomy and posterior spinal fixation and instrumentation was then done using pedicle screw fixation. Four pedicle screws, two rods, and one cross link were employed to bilaterally fix the L2 and L3 and then we used autograft and allograft bone for interbody fusion, substitutes from iliac crest for posterior fusion. There were no postoperative complications, and at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up, his leg and back pain had improved, and the patient did not need any analgesic for pain relief. Complete congenital absence of the lumbar posterior element has been rarely reported in the literature. Patients whose congenital anomalies lead to segmental instability are surgical fusion candidates, but if these anomalies occur in pars interarticularis such as spondylolysis isthmus, fixation and inter segmental fusion techniques are useful.

Case report: a new surgical approach to cervical hyperlordosis.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical hyperlordosis is a rare pediatric deformity leading to gaze and postural disturbances. The cornerstone of treatment consists of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) combined with positional traction. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a new surgical approach in a 7-year-old female patient suffering from stiff cervical hyperlordosis, desiring to correct forward head posture as well as gaze disturbance. The patient had a chief complaint of restricted range of motion of the neck for the past 4 years. Posture examination revealed several abnormalities, including apparent thoracic hump with shifting to right side, slight elevation of the right shoulder, with back pain. She also had difficulties performing her assignments. Radiological investigations revealed a 95˚ cervical lordosis and forward head posture (FHP) assessed by two separate measurements. There was no considerable response to conservative treatment, (which included 30 sessions of SMT combined with positional traction). Consequently, she underwent radical resection of cervical paraspinal muscles, followed by halo traction. She was discharged with a halo-vest. Specific instructions for home exercise were provided to the patient. Post-trial radiographs showed a reduction of cervical lordosis to 51˚ and a reduction in FHP of 73 mm. The symptoms were alleviated at the end of the treatment. DISCUSSION: This new approach appeared to correct postural abnormalities, and had an obvious positive effect on the patient's chief complaint.