Utility of molecular markers in predicting local control specific to lung cancer spine metastases treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report outcomes following spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the significance of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and timing of immune check point inhibitors (ICI) on local failure (LF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 165 patients and 389 spinal segments were retrospectively reviewed from 2009 to 2021. Baseline patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes were abstracted. Primary endpoint was LF and secondary, overall survival (OS) and vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Multivariable analysis (MVA) evaluated factors predictive of LF and VCF. RESULTS: The median follow-up and OS were: 13.0 months (range, 0.5-95.3 months) and 18.4 months (95% CI 11.4-24.6). 52.1% were male and 76.4% had adenocarcinoma. Of the 389 segments, 30.3% harboured an EGFR mutation and 17.0% were PD-L1 ≥ 50%. The 24 months LF rate in PD-L1 ≥ 50% vs PD-L1 < 50% was 10.7% vs. 38.0%, and in EGFR-positive vs. negative was 18.1% vs. 30.0%. On MVA, PD-L1 status of ≥ 50% (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.69, p = 0.004) significantly predicted for lower LF compared to PD-L1 < 50%. Lower LF trend was seen with ICI administration peri and post SBRT (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.16-1.05, p = 0.062). On MVA, polymetastatic disease (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.84-5.85, p < 0.0001) and ECOG ≥ 2 (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.16-3.02, p = 0.011) significantly predicted for worse OS and absence of baseline VCF predicted for lower VCF rate (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10-0.39, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We report a significant association of PD-L1 ≥ 50% status on improved LC rates from spine SBRT in NSCLC patients.

Quality of life issues in patients with bone metastases: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Bones are frequent sites of metastatic disease, observed in 30-75% of advanced cancer patients. Quality of life (QoL) is an important endpoint in studies evaluating the treatments of bone metastases (BM), and many patient-reported outcome tools are available. The primary objective of this systematic review was to compile a list of QoL issues relevant to BM and its interventions. The secondary objective was to identify common tools used to assess QoL in patients with BM, and the QoL issues they fail to address. METHODS: A search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases between 1946 and 27 January 2023 with the keywords "bone metastases", "quality of life", and "patient reported outcomes". Specific QoL issues in original research studies and the QoL tools used were extracted. RESULTS: The review identified the QoL issues most prevalent to BM in the literature. Physical and functional issues observed in patients included pain, interference with ambulation and daily activities, and fatigue. Psychological symptoms, such as helplessness, depression, and anxiety were also common. These issues interfered with patients' relationships and social activities. Items not mentioned in existing QoL tools were related to newer treatments of BM, such as pain flare, flu-like symptoms, and jaw pain due to osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlights that QoL issues for patients with BM have expanded over time due to advances in BM-directed treatments. If they are relevant, additional treatment-related QoL issues identified need to be validated prospectively by patients and added to current assessment tools.

Comparison of major spine navigation platforms based on key performance metrics: a meta-analysis of 16,040 screws.

PURPOSE: The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare available computer-assisted navigation platforms by key performance metrics including pedicle screw placement accuracy, operative time, neurological complications, and blood loss. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using major databases for articles comparing pedicle screw accuracy of computer-assisted navigation to conventional (freehand or fluoroscopy) controls via post-operative computed tomography. Outcome data were extracted and pooled by random-effects model for analysis. RESULTS: All navigation platforms demonstrated significant reduction in risk of breach, with Stryker demonstrating the highest accuracy compared to controls (OR 0.16 95% CI 0.06 to 0.41, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) followed by Medtronic. There were no significant differences in accuracy or most surgical outcome measures between platforms; however, BrainLab demonstrated significantly faster operative time compared to Medtronic by 30 min (95% CI - 63.27 to - 2.47, P = 0.03, I2 = 74%). Together, there was significantly lower risk of major breach in the navigation group compared to controls (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.63, P < 0.0001, I2 = 56%). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing between platforms, Stryker demonstrated the highest accuracy, and Brainlab the shortest operative time, both followed by Medtronic. No significant difference was found between platforms regarding neurologic complications or blood loss. Overall, our results demonstrated a 60% reduction in risk of major breach utilizing computer-assisted navigation, coinciding with previous studies, and supporting its validity. This study is the first to directly compare available navigation platforms offering insight for further investigation and aiding in the institutional procurement of platforms. LEVEL 3 EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of Level 3 studies.

Key Stakeholder Perceptions of Standard vs. Total Cost of Ownership: A Procurement Analysis for Orthopaedic-Powered Instruments.

This study compares standard procurement methodology (SPM) with total cost of ownership (TCO) methodology for the procurement of orthopaedic-powered instruments. The authors conducted semi-structured standardized interviews with key hospital procurement stakeholders following consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Of the 33 hospital procurement stakeholders interviewed, all (100%) reported that SPM would be easier to use than TCO. However, only six (18%) preferred SPM over TCO. Barriers to the adoption of TCO emerged as a theme. Creating TCO frameworks can help to simplify the process for procurement agents and facilitate its adoption in the healthcare sector.

Proposing a quantitative MRI-based linear measurement framework for response assessment following stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with spinal metastasis.

PURPOSE: To provide evidence towards a quantitative response assessment framework incorporating MRI-based linear measurements for spinal metastasis that predicts outcome following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). METHODS: Adult patients with de novo spinal metastases treated with SBRT between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively assessed. The metastatic lesions involving the pedicles, articular processes, lamina, transverse process, spinous process and vertebral body at leach level were measured separately using linear measurements on pre- and all post-SBRT MRIs. The outcome was segment-specific progression (SSP) using SPINO guidelines which was dated to the first clinical documentation of progression, or the date of the associated MRI if imaging was the reason for progression. Random forest analysis for variable selection and recursive partitioning analysis for SSP probability prediction were used. RESULTS: Five Hundred Ninety-three spinal levels (323 patients) from 4081 MRIs were evaluated. The appearance of new T1 hypointensity and increase in Bilsky grade had an odds ratio (OR) of 33.5 and 15.5 for SSP, respectively. Compared to baseline, an increase of > 3 mm in any lesion dimension, combined with a 1.67-fold increase in area, had an OR of 4.6 for SSP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, balanced accuracy and area under the curve of the training model were 96.7%, 89.6%, 28.6%, 99.8%, 93.2% and 0.905 and of the test model were 91.3%, 89.3%, 27.1% 99.6%, 90.3% and 0.933, respectively. CONCLUSION: With further refinement and validation in prospective multicentre studies, MRI-based linear measurements can help predict response assessment in SBRT-treated spinal metastases.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Sacral Metastases: Deviation From Recommended Target Volume Delineation Increases the Risk of Local Failure.

PURPOSE: Although spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is considered a standard of care in the mobile spine, mature evidence reporting outcomes specific to sacral metastases is lacking. Furthermore, there is a need to validate the existing sacral SBRT international consensus contouring guidelines to define the optimal contouring approach. We report mature rates of local failure (LF), adverse events, and the effect of contouring deviations in the largest experience to date specific to sacrum SBRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Consecutive patients who underwent sacral SBRT from 2010 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was magnetic resonance imaging-based LF with a focus on adherence to target volume contouring recommendations. Secondary endpoints included vertebral compression fracture and neural toxicity. RESULTS: Of the 215 sacrum segments treated in 112 patients, most received 30 Gy/4 fractions (51%), 24 Gy/2 fractions (31%), or 30 Gy/5 fractions (10%). Sixteen percent of segments were nonadherent to the consensus guideline with a more restricted target volume (undercontoured). The median follow-up was 21.4 months (range, 1.5-116.9 months). The cumulative incidence of LF at 1 and 2 years was 18.4% and 23.1%, respectively. In those with guideline adherent versus nonadherent contours, the LF rate at 1 year was 15.1% versus 31.4% and at 2 years 18.8% versus 40.0% (hazard ratio [HR], 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.6; P = .003), respectively. On multivariable analysis, guideline nonadherence (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7; P = .008), radioresistant histology (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4-4.1; P < .001), and extraosseous extension (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7; P = .005) predicted for an increased risk of LF. The cumulative incidence of vertebral compression fracture was 7.1% at 1 year and 12.3% at 2 years. Seven patients (6.3%) developed peripheral nerve toxicity, of whom 4 had been previously radiated. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral SBRT is associated with high efficacy rates and an acceptable toxicity profile. Adhering to consensus guidelines for target volume delineation is recommended to reduce the risk of LF.

Topochemical polymerization of phenylacetylene macrocycles: a new strategy for the preparation of organic nanorods.

Soluble organic nanorods were prepared from phenylacetylene macrocycles using the topochemical polymerization of butadiyne moieties placed both inside and outside the macrocycles' skeletons. Macrocycles containing amide groups were self-assembled in a columnar fashion through the formation of an organogel in ethyl acetate. Upon irradiation with UV light, the Raman signals associated with butadiyne units completely vanished, indicating the creation of covalently linked nanorods.

Virtual Fracture Care in Long-Term Care Homes Avoiding Emergency Department Visits.

Long-term care residents with suspected fractures as a result of a fall typically transfer to the emergency department (ED) for diagnostic imaging and care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, transfer to the hospital increased the risk of COVID-19 exposure and resulted in extended isolation days for the resident. A fracture care pathway was developed and implemented to provide rapid diagnostic imaging results and stabilization in the care home, reducing transportation and exposure risk to COVID-19. Eligible residents with a stable fracture would receive a referral to a designated fracture clinic for consultation; fracture care is provided in the care home by long-term care staff. Evaluation of the pathway was completed and demonstrated that 100% of residents did not transfer to the ED and 47% of the residents did not transfer to a fracture clinic for additional care.

Optimizing spine surgery instrument trays to immediately increase efficiency and reduce costs in the operating room.

Background: Over-crowded surgical trays result in perioperative inefficiency and unnecessary costs. While methodologies to reduce the size of surgical trays have been described in the literature, they each have their own drawbacks. In this study, we compared three methods: (1) clinician review (CR), (2) mathematical programming (MP), and (3) a novel hybrid model (HM) based on surveys and cost analysis. While CR and MP are well documented, CR can yield suboptimal reductions and MP can be laborious and technically challenging. We hypothesized our easy-to-implement HM would result in a reduction of surgical instruments in both the laminectomy tray (LT) and basic neurosurgery tray (BNT) that is comparable to CR and MP. Methods: Three approaches were tested: CR, MP, and HM. We interviewed 5 neurosurgeons and 3 orthopedic surgeons, at our institution, who performed a total of 5437 spine cases, requiring the use of the LT and BNT over a 4-year (2017-2021) period. In CR, surgeons suggested which surgical instruments should be removed. MP was performed via the mathematical analysis of 25 observations of the use of a LT and BNT tray. The HM was performed via a structured survey of the surgeons' estimated instrument usage, followed by a cost-based inflection point analysis. Results: The CR, MP, and HM approaches resulted in a total instrument reduction of 41%, 35%, and 38%, respectively, corresponding to total cost savings per annum of $50,211.20, $46,348.80, and $44,417.60, respectively. Conclusions: While hospitals continue to examine perioperative services for potential inefficiencies, surgical inventory will be increasingly scrutinized. Despite MP being the most accurate methodology to do so, our results suggest that savings were similar across all three methods. CR and HM are significantly less laborious and thus are practical alternatives.

A Dedicated Orthopaedic Trauma Room Improves Efficiency While Remaining Financially Net Positive.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of dedicated orthopaedic trauma room (DOTR) implementation on operating room efficiency and finances. DESIGN: Retrospective cost-analysis. SETTING: Single midsized academic-affiliated community hospital in Toronto, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: All patients that underwent the most frequently performed orthopaedic trauma procedures (hip hemiarthroplasty, open reduction internal fixation of the ankle, femur, elbow and distal radius), over a 4-year period from 2016 to 2019 were included. INTERVENTION: Patient data acquired for 2 years before the implementation of a DOTR was compared with data acquired for a 2-year period after its implementation, adjusting for the number of cases performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was surgical duration. The secondary outcome was financial impact, including after-hours costs incurred and opportunity cost of displaced elective surgeries. RESULTS: One thousand nine hundred sixty orthopaedic cases were examined pre- and post-DOTR. All procedures had reduced total operative time post-DOTR (mean improvement of 33.4%). The number of daytime operating hours increased 21%, whereas after-hours decreased by 37.8%. Overtime staffing costs were reduced by $24,976 alongside increase in opportunity costs of $22,500. This resulted in a net profit of $2476. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the premise that DOTRs improve operating room efficiency and can be cost efficient. Our study also specifically addresses the hesitation regarding potential loss of profit from elective surgeries. Widespread implementation can improve patient care while still remaining financially favorable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Machine learning models can predict subsequent publication of North American Spine Society (NASS) annual general meeting abstracts.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Academic meetings serve as an opportunity to present and discuss novel ideas. Previous studies have identified factors predictive of publication without generating predictive models. Machine learning (ML) presents a novel tool capable of generating these models. As such, the objective of this study was to use ML models to predict subsequent publication of abstracts presented at a major surgical conference. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Database study. METHODS: All abstracts from the North American Spine Society (NASS) annual general meetings (AGM) from 2013-2015 were reviewed. The following information was extracted: number of authors, institution, location, conference category, subject category, study type, data collection methodology, human subject research, and FDA approval. Abstracts were then searched on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for publication. ML models were trained to predict whether the abstract would be published or not. Quality of models was determined by using the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). The top ten most important factors were extracted from the most successful model during testing. RESULTS: A total of 1119 abstracts were presented, with 553 (49%) abstracts published. During training, the model with the highest AUC and accuracy metrics was the partial least squares (AUC of 0.77±0.05, accuracy of 75.5%±4.7%). During testing, the model with the highest AUC and accuracy was the random forest (AUC of 0.69, accuracy of 67%). The top ten features for the random forest model were (descending order): number of authors, year, conference category, subject category, human subjects research, continent, and data collection methodology. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study attempting to use ML to predict the publication of complete articles after abstract presentation at a major academic conference. Future studies should incorporate deep learning frameworks, cognitive/results-based variables and aim to apply this methodology to larger conferences across other fields of medicine to improve the quality of works presented.

Morbidity and mortality of traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries in a geriatric cohort.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Major trauma presentations have seen a demographic shift recently from the young to the elderly, with significant associated neurological deficit. AIMS: To review the presentation and outcome of elderly patients presenting with cervical spinal injuries and associated neurological deficit that underwent surgical intervention in order to optimise treatment strategies. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at a national tertiary referral centre to analyse admission trends from June 2016 to July 2020 for outcomes of elderly patients (≥ 65) presenting with traumatic cervical spine injuries associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common mechanisms of injury (MOIs) were falls from standing (38.1%) and falls from height (≥ 2 m) (33.3%). Complete SCIs had increased mean LOS (57.6 vs 21.6 days; p = 0.013), postoperative complications (100% vs 60.6%; p = 0.022), life-threatening complications (57.1% vs 9.1%; p = 0.001), and 90-day mortality (37.5% vs 5.9%; p = 0.007) compared to incomplete SCIs. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with complete SCIs have poorer outcomes and mortality than those with less extensive SCIs. They require more resources, have greater risk of complications, and have higher mortality than those with incomplete SCIs, with subsequent implications on optimal treatment strategies. More robust studies are needed to derive improved risk stratification tools for geriatric patients with spinal injuries.

30 Gy in 4 Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Fractions for Complex Spinal Metastases: Mature Outcomes Supporting This Novel Regimen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We designed a 30 Gy in 4 fractions stereotactic body radiotherapy protocol, as an alternative option to our standard 2-fraction approach, for primarily large volume, multilevel, or previously radiated spinal metastases. We report imaging-based outcomes of this novel fractionation scheme. METHODS: The institutional database was reviewed to identify all patients who underwent 30 Gy/4 fractions from 2010 to 2021. Primary outcomes were magnetic resonance-based vertebral compression fracture (VCF) and local failure per treated vertebral segment. RESULTS: We reviewed 245 treated segments in 116 patients. The median age was 64 years (range, 24-90). The median number of consecutive segments within the treatment volume was 2 (range, 1-6), and the clinical target volume (CTV) was 126.2 cc (range, 10.4-863.5). Fifty-four percent had received at least 1 previous course of radiotherapy, and 31% had previous spine surgery at the treated segment. The baseline Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score was stable, potentially unstable, and unstable for 41.6%, 51.8%, and 6.5% of segments, respectively. The cumulative incidence of local failure was 10.7% (95% CI 7.1-15.2) at 1 year and 16% (95% CI 11.5-21.2) at 2 years. The cumulative incidence of VCF was 7.3% (95% CI 4.4-11.2) at 1 year and 11.2% (95% CI 7.5-15.8) at 2 years. On multivariate analysis, age ≥68 years ( P = .038), CTV volume ≥72 cc ( P = .021), and no previous surgery ( P = .021) predicted an increased risk of VCF. The risk of VCF for CTV volumes <72 cc/≥72 cc was 1.8%/14.6% at 2 years. No case of radiation-induced myelopathy was observed. Five percent of patients developed plexopathy. CONCLUSION: 30 Gy in 4 fractions was safe and efficacious despite the population being at increased risk of toxicity. The lower risk of VCF in previously stabilized segments highlights the potential for a multimodal treatment approach for complex metastases, especially for those with a CTV volume of ≥72 cc.

Dose-Escalated 2-Fraction Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: 28 Gy Versus 24 Gy in 2 Daily Fractions.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for spine metastases improves pain response rates compared with conventional external beam radiation therapy; however, the optimal fractionation schedule is unclear. We report local control and toxicity outcomes after dose-escalated 2-fraction spine SBRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A prospectively maintained institutional database of over 600 patients and 1400 vertebral segments treated with spine SBRT was reviewed to identify those prescribed 28 or 24 Gy in 2 daily fractions. The primary endpoint was magnetic resonance imaging based local failure (LF), and secondary endpoints included overall survival and vertebral compression fracture (VCF). RESULTS: A total of 947 treated vertebral segments in 482 patients were identified, of which 301 segments in 159 patients received 28 Gy, and 646 segments in 323 patients received 24 Gy in 2 fractions. Median follow-up per patient was 23.5 months, and median overall survival was 49.1 months. In the 28 Gy cohort, the 6-, 12-, and 24-month cumulative incidences of LF were 3.5%, 5.4%, and 11.1%, respectively, versus 6.0%, 12.5%, and 17.6% in the 24 Gy cohort, respectively (P = .008). On multivariable analysis, 24 Gy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.525; 95% confidence interval, 1.039-2.238; P = .031), paraspinal disease extension (HR, 1.422; 95% confidence interval, 1.010-2.002; P = .044), and epidural extension in either radioresistant or radiosensitive histologies (HR, 2.117 and 1.227, respectively; P = .003) were prognostic for higher rates of LF. Risk of VCF was 5.5%, 7.6%, and 10.7% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and was similar between cohorts (P = .573). Spinal malalignment (P < .001), baseline VCF (P = .003), junctional spine location (P = .030), and greater minimum dose to 90% of planning target volume were prognostic for higher rates of VCF. CONCLUSIONS: Dose escalation to 28 Gy in 2 daily fractions was associated with improved local control without increasing the risk of VCF. The 2-year local control rates are consistent with those predicted by the Hypofractionated Treatment Effects in the Clinic spine tumor control probability model, and these data will inform a proposed dose escalation randomized trial.

SPINE20 recommendations 2023: One Earth, one family, one future WITHOUT spine DISABILITY.

Introduction: The purpose is to report on the fourth set of recommendations developed by SPINE20 to advocate for evidence-based spine care globally under the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future WITHOUT Spine DISABILITY". Research question: Not applicable. Material and methods: Recommendations were developed and refined through two modified Delphi processes with international, multi-professional panels. Results: Seven recommendations were delivered to the G20 countries calling them to:-establish, prioritize and implement accessible National Spine Care Programs to improve spine care and health outcomes.-eliminate structural barriers to accessing timely rehabilitation for spinal disorders to reduce poverty.-implement cost-effective, evidence-based practice for digital transformation in spine care, to deliver self-management and prevention, evaluate practice and measure outcomes.-monitor and reduce safety lapses in primary care including missed diagnoses of serious spine pathologies and risk factors for spinal disability and chronicity.-develop, implement and evaluate standardization processes for spine care delivery systems tailored to individual and population health needs.-ensure accessible and affordable quality care to persons with spine disorders, injuries and related disabilities throughout the lifespan.-promote and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices (including physical activity, nutrition, smoking cessation) to improve spine wellness and health. Discussion and conclusion: SPINE20 proposes that focusing on the recommendations would facilitate equitable access to health systems, affordable spine care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce, and education of persons with spine disorders, which will contribute to reducing spine disability, associated poverty, and increase productivity of the G20 nations.

Modeling attachment and compressive loading of locking and non-locking plate fixation: a finite element investigation of a supracondylar femur fracture model.

This study developed a finite element (FE) model of simulated locking plate fixation to examine the strain response following supracondylar femoral plate attachment and under compressive loading. An implicit FE model of a synthetic femur with a distal fracture gap stabilized with a lateral plate was evaluated following attachment and 500 N loading, considering locking and non-locking proximal screws configurations. Screw pre-tension values of 60 N for both distal and proximal non-locking screws yielded good agreement with plate experimental strain data in attached (unloaded) and loaded conditions. The results highlight the importance of pre-tensioning in modeling plate attachment using non-locking screws.

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spine Decompression Surgery: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the current spine surgery literature to establish a definition for adequate spine decompression using intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) imaging. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: IOUS remains one of the few imaging modalities that allows spine surgeons to continuously monitor the spinal cord in real-time, while also allowing visualization of surrounding soft tissue anatomy during an operation. Although this has valuable applications for decompression surgery in spinal canal stenosis, it remains unclear how to best characterize adequacy of spinal decompression using IOUS. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of multiple databases including: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Strategy. Our search terms were spine, spinal cord diseases, decompression surgery, ultrasonogra-phy, and intraoperative period. We were interested in studies that used intraoperative use of ultrasound imaging in spinal decompression surgery for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Study quality was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). RESULTS: Our search strategy yielded 985 of potentially relevant publications, 776 underwent title and abstract screening, and 31 full-text articles were reviewed. We found IOUS to be useful in spine surgery for decompression of degenerative cases in all regions of the spine. The thoracic spine was unique for IOUS-guided decompression of fractures, and the lumbar spine for decompressing nerve roots. Although we did not identify a universal definition for adequate decompression, there was common description of decompression that qualitatively described the ventral aspect of the spinal cord being "free floating" within the cerebrospinal fluid. Other measurable definitions, such as spinal cord diameter or spinal cord pulsatility, were not good definitions given there was insufficient evidence and/or poor reliability. CONCLUSION: The systematic review examines the current literature on IOUS and spinal decompression surgery. We identified a common qualitative definition for adequate decompression involving a "free floating" spinal cord within the cerebrospinal fluid which indicates that the spinal cord is free from contact of the anterior elements.Level of Evidence: 1.

Translational feasibility and efficacy of nasal photodynamic disinfection of SARS-CoV-2.

The lack of therapeutic options to fight Covid-19 has contributed to the current global pandemic. Despite the emergence of effective vaccines, development of broad-spectrum antiviral treatment remains a significant challenge, in which antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may play a role, especially at early stages of infection. aPDT of the nares with methylene blue (MB) and non-thermal light has been successfully utilized to inactivate both bacterial and viral pathogens in the perioperative setting. Here, we investigated the effect of MB-aPDT to inactivate human betacoronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in a proof-of-principle COVID-19 clinical trial to test, in a variety of settings, the practicality, technical feasibility, and short-term efficacy of the method. aPDT yielded inactivation of up to 6-Logs in vitro, as measured by RT-qPCR and infectivity assay. From a photo-physics perspective, the in vitro results suggest that the response is not dependent on the virus itself, motivating potential use of aPDT for local destruction of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. In the clinical trial we observed variable effects on viral RNA in nasal-swab samples as assessed by RT-qPCR attributed to aPDT-induced RNA fragmentation causing falsely-elevated counts. However, the viral infectivity in clinical nares swabs was reduced in 90% of samples and undetectable in 70% of samples. This is the first demonstration based on quantitative clinical viral infectivity measurements that MB-aPDT is a safe, easily delivered and effective front-line technique that can reduce local SARS-CoV-2 viral load.

Mature Local Control and Reirradiation Rates Comparing Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy With Conventional Palliative External Beam Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) improves complete pain response for painful spinal metastases compared with conventional external beam radiation therapy (cEBRT). We report mature local control and reirradiation rates in a large cohort of patients treated with SBRT versus cEBRT enrolled previously in the Canadian Clinical Trials Group Symptom Control 24 phase 2/3 trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred thirty-seven of 229 (60%) patients randomized to 24 Gy in 2 SBRT fractions or 20 Gy in 5 cEBRT fractions were retrospectively reviewed. By including all treated spinal segments, we report on 66 patients (119 spine segments) treated with SBRT and 71 patients (169 segments) treated with cEBRT. The primary outcomes were magnetic resonance-based local control and reirradiation rates for each treated spine segment. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 11.3 months (interquartile range, 5.3-27.7 months), and median overall survival in the SBRT and cEBRT cohorts were 21.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.3, upper bound not reached) and 18.9 (95% CI, 12.2-29.1) months (P = .428), respectively. The cohorts were balanced with respect to radioresistant histology and presence of mass (paraspinal and/or epidural disease extension). Risk of local failure after SBRT versus cEBRT at 6, 12, and 24 months were 2.8% (95% CI, 0.8%-7.4%) versus 11.2% (95% CI, 6.9%-16.6%), 6.1% (95% CI, 2.5%-12.1%) versus 28.4% (95% CI, 21.3%-35.9%), and 14.8% (95% CI, 8.2-23.1%) versus 35.6% (95% CI, 27.8%-43.6%), respectively (P < .001). cEBRT (hazard ratio [HR], 3.48; 95% CI, 1.94-6.25; P < .001) and presence of mass (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.29-3.31; P = .002) independently predicted local failure on multivariable analysis. The 1-year reirradiation rates and median times to reirradiation after SBRT versus cEBRT were 2.2% (95% CI, 0.4-7.0%) versus 15.8% (95% CI, 10.4%-22.3%) (P = .002) and 22.9 months versus 9.5 months, respectively. cEBRT (HR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.27-5.30; P = .009) and radioresistant histology (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.12-3.60; P = .020) independently predicted for reirradiation. Eight of 12 iatrogenic vertebral compression fractures were after SBRT and 4 of 12 after cEBRT; grade 3 adverse fracture effects were isolated to the SBRT cohort (5 of 12). CONCLUSIONS: Risk of local failure and reirradiation is lower with SBRT compared with cEBRT for spinal metastases. Although the iatrogenic vertebral compression fracture rates were within expectations, grade 3 vertebral compression fractures were isolated to the SBRT cohort.