Factors influencing discharge against medical advice (DAMA) in traumatic brain injury patients requiring decompressive surgery: a comprehensive analysis.

raumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health concern, particularly affecting young individuals, and is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite improvements in treatment infrastructure, many TBI patients choose discharge against medical advice (DAMA), often declining necessary surgical interventions. We aimed to investigate the factors that can be associated with DAMA in TBI patients that were recommended to have surgical treatment. This study was conducted at single tertiary university center (2008-2018), by retrospectively reviewing 1510 TBI patients whom visited the emergency room. We analyzed 219 TBI surgical candidates, including 50 declining surgery (refused group) and the others whom agreed and underwent decompressive surgery. Retrospective analysis covered demographic characteristics, medical history, insurance types, laboratory results, CT scan findings, and GCS scores. Statistical analyses identified factors influencing DAMA. Among surgical candidates, 169 underwent surgery, while 50 declined. Age (60.8 ± 17.5 vs. 70.5 ± 13.8 years; p < 0.001), use of anticoagulating medication (p = 0.015), and initial GCS scores (9.0 ± 4.3 vs. 5.3 ± 3.2; p < 0.001) appeared to be associated with refusal of decompressive surgery. Based on our analysis, factors influencing DAMA for decompressive surgery included age, anticoagulant use, and initial GCS scores. Contrary to general expectations and some previous studies, our analysis revealed that the patients' medical conditions had a larger impact than socioeconomic status under the Korean insurance system, which fully covers treatment for TBI. This finding provides new insights into the factors affecting DAMA and could be valuable for future administrative plans involving national insurance.

Full endoscopic surgery for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) in the cervical ligamentum flavum: report of two cervical myelopathy cases.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), known as pseudogout, is characterized by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in musculoskeletal structures, primarily joints. While CPPD commonly affects various joints, involvement in the cervical spine leading to myelopathy is rare. Surgical intervention becomes necessary when conservative measures fail, but reports on full endoscopic surgeries are extremely rare. We present two successful cases where full endoscopic systems were used for CPPD removal in the cervical spine. The surgical technique involved a full endoscopic approach, adapting the previously reported technique for unilateral laminotomy bilateral decompression. Full-endoscopic removal of cervical CPPD inducing myelopathy were successfully removed with good clinical and radiologic outcomes. The scarcity of endoscopic cases for cervical ligamentum flavum CPPD is attributed to the condition's rarity. However, our successful cases advocate for endoscopic surgery as a potential primary treatment option for CPPD-induced cervical myelopathy, especially in elderly patients or those with previous cervical operation histories. This experience encourages the consideration of endoscopic surgery for managing cervical ligamentum flavum CPPD as a viable alternative.

Comparison of the efficacy in improving trigeminal neuralgia in petroclival meningioma between microsurgery and radiosurgery: a meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review studies in the literature to assess the superiority between microsurgery and radiosurgery regarding the efficacy in improving petroclival meningioma (PCM)-related trigeminal neuralgia (TN). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane clinical trial databases were systematically searched from the inception until December 08, 2022. The overall proportion of patients with improved TN after treatment in all six included studies was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-76.9%). Higgins I2 statistics showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 90%). Subgroup analysis showed that the proportion of improved TN was higher in the microsurgery group than that in the radiosurgery group (89%; 95% CI, 81-96.5% vs. 37%, 95% CI, 22-52.7%, respectively, p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis (for studies that documented the number of posttreatment Barrow Neurological Institute scores 1 and 2) revealed that the proportion of pain-free without medication after treatment was higher in the microsurgery group than that in the radiosurgery group (90.7%; 95% CI, 81-99.7% vs. 34.5%, 95% CI, 21.3-47.7.7%, respectively, p < 0.01). Based on the results of this meta-analysis, we concluded that microsurgery is superior to radiosurgery in controlling PCM-related TN.

Incidence and management of dural tears in full-endoscopic unilateral laminotomies for bilateral lumbar decompression.

PURPOSE: To report incidence of dural lacerations in lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (LE-ULBD) and to describe patient outcomes following a novel full-endoscopic bimanual durotomy repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected database including 5.5 years of single surgeon experience with LE-ULBD. Patients with no durotomy were compared with patients who experienced intraoperative durotomy, including demographics, ASA score, prior surgery, number of levels treated, procedure time, hospital length of stay (LOS), visual analogue scale, perioperative complications, revision surgeries, use of analgesics, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: In total, 13/174 patients (7.5%) undergoing LE-ULBD experienced intraoperative durotomy. No significant differences in demographic, clinical or operative variables were identified between the 2 groups. Sustaining a durotomy increased LOS (p = 0.0019); no differences in perioperative complications or rate of revision surgery were identified. There was no difference in minimally clinically important difference for ODI between groups (65.6% for no durotomy versus 55.6% for durotomy, p = 0.54). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, sustaining a durotomy increased LOS but, with accompanying intraoperative repair, did not significantly affect rate of complications, revision surgery or functional outcomes. Our method of bimanual endoscopic dural repair provides an effective approach for repair of dural lacerations in interlaminar ULBD cases.

Lumbar fusion surgery in the era of an aging society: analysis of a nationwide population cohort with minimum 8-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Fusions for lumbar spine diseases are widely performed and have a growing incidence, especially in elderly population. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess national trends of lumbar spinal fusions and examine the risk for re-operations after a lumbar fusion with a focus on 'epidemiologic transition' relating to age. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: The prospectively collected Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) nationwide cohort database was retrospectively reviewed. PATIENT SAMPLE: The total 278,815 patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusions for degenerative spine diseases between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed and used to assess trends in operative incidence. The 37,050 patients who underwent lumbar fusions between 1/2010 and 12/2011 were enrolled to determine 8-year reoperation rates. OUTCOME MEASURES: The overall number of lumbar spinal fusions were analyzed for the national annual trend. Demographic data, reoperation rates, and confounding clinical factors were evaluated. METHODS: The overall number of lumbar spinal fusions was analyzed to determine the national annual trend of operative incidence. For the reoperation rate analysis, the primary outcome measured was the cumulative incidence of revision operations within a minimum 8-year follow-up period. Additional outcomes included comparative analyses of the reoperation rate with respect to age, sex, or other underlying comorbidities. RESULTS: Over time, elderly patients comprised a larger portion of the cohort (2010:24.2%; 2018:37.6%), while operations in younger patients decreased over time (2010:40.3%; 2018:27.0%). In the cohort of patients with a minimum 8-year follow-up (n=37,050), rates of reoperation peaked in patients aged 60-69 years (17.6 per 1000 person-years [HR 2.20 compared to <40years]) and decreased for more elderly patients (14.3 per 1000 person-years [HR 1.80 compared to <40years]). Age was the most significant risk factor for reoperation. Osteoporosis was also a risk factor for reoperation in post-menopausal females. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing incidence of lumbar fusions in elderly patients was seen however the risk of reoperation decreased in patients aged 70 or more. Lumbar fusion for elderly patients should not be hesitated in the decision-making process because of concerns about reoperation.

Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Hemofence (Thorombin Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate Gel Matrix) in Hemostasis for Intractable Exudative Bleeding in Spinal Surgery: A Multicenter, Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial.

Objective: To demonstrate the non-inferiority of the novel hemostatic agent, Hemofence® (BMI Korea Co. Ltd., Jeju Korea, thrombin cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel matrix) compared to the established agent, Floseal Hemostatic Matrix (Baxter, thrombin-gelatin matrix) in achieving hemostasis for spinal surgeries, with secondary objectives to assess additional efficacy and safety. Methods: This clinical trial was a multicenter, randomized, subject-blinded, active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 study. Investigational drugs were administered to the first and second bleeding sites of each participant (or only to the first site if a second site was absent), evaluating hemostasis success rate within 10 minutes and the time to achieve hemostasis. Subsequent visits were conducted for safety assessments. For non-inferiority test, a 97.5% one-sided confidence interval was used; the test group was deemed non-inferior if the lower limit exceeded -10%. Results: This trial showed a 97.10% success rate in the test group and 96.05% in the control group for primary efficacy. The 95% confidence interval (-4.90%, 7.44%) confirmed the test drug's non-inferiority. Time to hemostasis showed no significant difference between groups. All adverse events, adverse drug reactions, and serious adverse events were statistically similar between groups (p=1.0000, p=0.2427, and p=0.9663, respectively). Conclusion: A novel hemostatic agent, Hemofence®, demonstrated an efficacy and safety profile comparable to that of Floseal.

A quantitative analysis of surgical smoke-derived particulate matter and formaldehyde exposure during spine surgery: a possible occupational hazard.

OBJECTIVE: Since its introduction, electrocautery has served as a valuable surgical tool, enabling precise tissue cutting and effective hemostasis in spine surgery. While there have been numerous efforts to elucidate the possible hazardous effects of surgical smoke in various surgical fields, there has been very little discussion in the context of spine surgery. The objective of this study was to measure and conduct a quantitative analysis of the particulate matter (PM) of different sizes and of formaldehyde (HCHO) generated by smoke during spine surgeries. METHODS: This study included a consecutive series of patients who underwent 1- or 2-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery between June and November 2021. Particle counts were measured using a particle counter, specifically focusing on six different sizes of PM (0.3, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 µm). Additionally, measurements were taken for HCHO in parts per million (ppm). Monopolar cautery was used in the surgical setting. Systematic measurements were conducted at specific time points during the surgical procedures to assess the levels of PM and HCHO. Furthermore, the efficacy of surgical smoke suction was evaluated by comparing the PM levels with and without adjacent placement of suction. RESULTS: This study involved 35 patients, with measurements of both PM and HCHO taken in 27 cases. The remaining 8 cases had measurements only for PM. In this study, statistically significant quantitative changes in various PM sizes were observed when electrocautery was used during spine surgery (12.3 ± 1.7 vs 1975.7 ± 422.8, 3.4 ± 0.5 vs 250.1 ± 45.7, and 1.9 ± 0.2 vs 78.1 ± 13.3, respectively, for 2.5-, 5-, and 10-µm PM; p < 0.05). The level of HCHO was also significantly higher (0.085 ± 0.006 vs 0.131 ± 0.014 ppm, p < 0.05) with electrocautery use. Utilization of adjacent suction of surgical smoke during electrocautery demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in PM levels. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the potential surgical smoke-related hazards that spine surgeons may be exposed to in the operating room. Implementing simple interventions, such as utilizing nearby suction, can effectively minimize the amount of toxic surgical smoke and mitigate these risks.

Postoperative survival after lumbar instrumented surgery for metastatic spinal tumors: a nationwide population-based cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to predict the expected survival after lumbar instrumented surgery for metastases owing to the difference among different cancer origins and the relatively short survival after surgery. AIMS: The aim of this study is to analyze the postoperative survival period of lumbar spinal metastasis patients who underwent lumbar instrumented surgery. METHODS: Data were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. Patients who underwent lumbar spinal surgery with instrumentation between January 2011 and December 2015 for metastatic lumbar diseases were reviewed. The mean postoperative survival period of patients with metastatic lumbar cancer according to each primary cancer type was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 628 patients were enrolled and categorized according to primary cancer type. The overall median survival rate was 1.11±1.30 years. The three most prevalent primary cancer groups were lung, hepatobiliary, and colorectal cancers, presenting relatively short postoperative survival rates (0.93±1.25, 0.74±0.75 and 0.74±0.88 years, respectively). The best postoperative survival period was observed in breast cancer (2.23±1.83 years), while urinary tract cancer showed the shortest postoperative survival period (0.59±0.69 years). CONCLUSION: The postoperative survival period of patients with lumbar metastatic spinal tumors according to different primary cancers after instrumented fusion was ˃1 year overall, with differences according to different primary origins. This result may provide information regarding the expected postoperative survival after instrumented surgery for lumbar spinal metastases.

Radiologic risk factors associated with development of myelopathy in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study OBJECTIVE: Myelopathy following ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is one of the devastating clinical features in these patients, while we still know little about which factors are associated with development of myelopathy. We evaluated the difference of radiologic measurements between OPLL patients with or without myelopathy and searched for the clinical significance with emphasis on the impact of dynamic motion. METHODS: 305 patients diagnosed of OPLL were enrolled for retrospective review. They were divided into two groups according to the coexistence of radiographic evidence of myelopathy. Demographic data as well as radiologic measures including the presence of disc degeneration (DD), anterior-posterior diameter (APD) of central canal, canal compromise (CC) ratio, global and segmental range of motion (gROM and sROM), OPLL type (morphologic classification) and K-line were collected. RESULTS: APD (odds ratio (OR); 0.411), CC ratio (OR; 1.100) and sROM (OR; 1.371) were significantly associated with the presence of myelopathy in the multivariate analysis. While the statistically significant factors were same in OPLLs with CC larger than 50%, presence of DD (OR; 4.509) and sROM (OR; 1.295) were significantly associated with myelopathy but not the CC itself in OPLLs with CC smaller than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: We discovered that the APD, CC ratio and sROM had significant association with development of myelopathy in OPLLs. And the presence of dynamic factors had significant association with myelopathy in OPLLs with smaller CC ratios. This observation and its clinical significance on development of myelopathy might enhance our understanding of OPLL.

Use of prophylactic perioperative antibiotics for lumbar spinal fusions: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative prophylactic antibiotic (PPA) use in spine surgery is known to reduce the rate of surgical site infections. In the past decade, several evidence-based guidelines have been published and surveillance systems to monitor the proper use of antimicrobials had been adapted by many institutes. OBJECTIVE: To report the trends of PPA prescription in lumbar fusion surgeries nationwide in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: This is a nationwide registry study. Using the population-based data from the Republic of Korea provided by the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, data of all lumbar spinal fusion surgeries performed between 2010 and 2018 in adult patients (age ≥19 years) were reviewed. RESULTS: The most frequently used antibiotics were first-generation cephalosporins, which accounted for 38.2 % of total PPA prescriptions and were prescribed in 58.96 % of lumbar fusion surgeries. A gradual increase in prescription trends was observed. The second most frequently used PPAs were second-generation cephalosporins, which showed decrease in use from 2016. The frequency of vancomycin prescriptions gradually increased over the observation period and showed an almost four-fold increase in 2018 compared to 2010. First- and second-generation cephalosporins were prescribed less frequently to patients with renal disease. CONCLUSION: The pattern of PPA use has changed remarkably over the observation period. Furthermore, specific differences in PPA prescriptions were observed among patients with certain co-morbidities.

Role of human dural fibroblasts in the angiogenic responses of human endothelial cells: An in vitro dural model and the application of lab-on-a-chip for EDAS.

Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS), an indirect anastomosis procedure, is widely accepted as a primary treatment for moyamoya disease (MMD) to improve collateral blood flow. During surgical intervention, dural fibroblasts (DuF) are thought to produce various proteins that create an angiogenic microenvironment. However, the biophysiological evidence supporting the angiogenic properties of this surgical technique has not been thoroughly elucidated. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether DuF releases pro-angiogenic factors and chemokines and promotes angiogenic properties in human endothelial cells (ECs) under IL-1ß-mediated wound conditions, which are expected to occur during the process of neo-vascularization within the dura mater. Furthermore, a microfluidic chemotaxis platform was implemented to investigate the angiogenic activity of ECs in response to a reconstituted dura model. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that IL-1ß stimulation on DuF induced a significant upregulation of various pro-angiogenic genes, including IL-6, IL-8, CCL-2, CCL-5, SMOC-1, and SCG-2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to ECs cultured in naïve media or naïve DuF media, those exposed to IL-1ß-DuF conditioned media expressed higher mRNA and protein levels of these pro-angiogenic factors (p < 0.001). ECs co-cultured with IL-1ß-DuF also exhibited considerable migration on the microfluidic chemotaxis platform. Furthermore, the chemotactic effects on the ECs were reduced upon neutralization of IL-8 or inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Our findings demonstrate that IL-1ß-DuFs release factors that activate and enhance the angiogenic properties of ECs. These results suggest a potential interaction between DuF and ECs following EDAS for MMD, and these components could be targeted for the development of therapeutic biomarkers.

Current Knowledge and Future Therapeutic Prospects in Symptomatic Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the main source of intractable lower back pain, and symptomatic IVD degeneration could be due to different degeneration mechanisms. In this article, we describe the molecular basis of symptomatic IVD degenerative disc diseases (DDDs), emphasizing the role of degeneration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation during this process. In symptomatic DDD, pro-inflammatory mediators modulate catabolic reactions, resulting in changes in ECM homeostasis and, finally, neural/vascular ingrowth-related chronic intractable discogenic pain. In ECM homeostasis, anabolic protein-regulating genes show reduced expression and changes in ECM production, while matrix metalloproteinase gene expression increases and results in aggressive ECM degradation. The resultant loss of normal IVD viscoelasticity and a concomitant change in ECM composition are key mechanisms in DDDs. During inflammation, a macrophage-related cascade is represented by the secretion of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induce inflammation. Aberrant angiogenesis is considered a key initiative pathologic step in symptomatic DDD. In reflection of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor expression is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in the hypoxic conditions of IVDs. Furthermore, IVD cells undergoing degeneration potentially enhance neovascularization by secreting large amounts of angiogenic cytokines, which penetrate the IVD from the outer annulus fibrosus, extending deep into the outer part of the nucleus pulposus. Based on current knowledge, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed in all aspects of spinal research, starting from basic research to clinical applications, as this will provide information regarding treatments for DDDs and discogenic pain.

Characteristics of Sagittal Spinopelvic Alignment Changes After Symptom Relief After Simple Lumbar Decompression.

BACKGROUND: Sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSPA) parameters are essential for the diagnosis of adult spinal deformities (ASDs) and their progression. Certain clinical symptoms that occur in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) may distort the SSPA and mimic ASD. OBJECTIVE: To differentiate SSPA in symptomatic patients from asymptomatic patients within 10 minutes in the standing position. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated changes in SSPA after simple lumbar decompression surgery in patients with LSS and HNP. Relative sagittal alignment (RSA), relative pelvic version, relative lumbar lordosis (RLL), Lordosis Distribution Index (LDI), and global alignment and proportion (GAP) values were calculated using the conventional Schwab classification method. First, the preoperative and postoperative SSPA parameters were compared. Second, patients were subgrouped into symptomatic within 10 minutes of standing (SP group) and other symptoms of LSS and HNP as controls. Changes in SSPA parameters after symptom relief after simple lumbar decompression surgery were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Overall, all SSPA parameters improved after surgery. However, after subgrouping, patients in the control group did not show significant SSPA alterations, except for LDI, whereas patients in the SP group significantly improved in terms of their RSA, RLL, LDI, and GAP values after symptom relief after surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients with pain on standing within 10 minutes showed significant correction in RSA, RLL, and GAP values after simple lumbar decompression. Therefore, it is important to observe such clinical symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis of ASD.

Full Endoscopic Ligamentum Flavum Sparing Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Recess Decompression: Surgical Technique and Clinical Results.

OBJECTIVE: Interlaminar endoscopic spine surgery has been introduced and utilized for lumbar lateral recess decompression. We modified this technique and utilized it for bilateral lateral recess stenoses without significant central stenosis. Here we present the surgical details and clinical outcome of ligamentum flavum sparing unilateral laminotomy for bilateral recess decompression (ULBRD). METHODS: Prospectively collected registry for full-endoscopic surgeries was reviewed retrospectively. One hundred eighty-two consecutive cases from a single center between September 2015 and March 2021 were reviewed and 57 of them whom underwent ULBRD were enrolled for analysis. Basic patient demographic data, perioperative details, surgeryrelated complications, and clinical outcome were reviewed. The detailed surgical technique is presented as well. RESULTS: Among the 57 patients enrolled, 37 were males while the other 20 were females. The mean age was 58.53 ± 14.51 years, and a bimodal age distribution at the age of mid-fifties and mid-sixties or older was noted. The later age-peak was related to coexistence of degenerative scoliosis. The average operative time per lamina was 70.34 ± 20.51 minutes and mean length of stay was 0.56 ± 0.85 days. Four perioperative complications were reported (7.0%) and the overall reoperation rate at the index level within 1 year was 8.8%. The preoperative back/leg visual analogue scale scores and functional outcome scales including EuroQol-5 dimension questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index presented significant improvement immediately after surgery and were maintained until final follow-up. CONCLUSION: ULBRD for bilateral lateral recess stenoses without significant central stenosis resulted in good clinical outcomes with acceptably low perioperative complications rates. Sufficient decompression was achieved with the central ligamentum flavum being preserved.

Elucidating the effect of mechanical stretch stress on the mechanism of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy: Development of a novel in vitro multi-torsional stretch loading device.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a novel multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device for ligamentum flavum cells and evaluated its influence on the development of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, a common cause of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stretch strength of the device was optimized by applying 5% and 15% MSS loads for 24, 48, and 72 h. A cytotoxicity assay of human ligamentum flavum cells was performed and the results were compared to control (0% stress). Inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], and extracellular matrix (ECM)-regulating cytokines (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]-1 and TIMP-2) were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Using our multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device, 5% stress for 24 hour was optimal for ligamentum flavum cells. Under this condition, the IL-6 and IL-8 levels, VEGF level, and MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 were significantly increased, compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Using the novel multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device we confirmed that, mechanical stress enhances the production of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors, and altered the expression of ECM-regulating enzymes, possibly triggering ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy significantly contributes to the severity of neurogenic intermittent claudication in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (LFH) is a known contributor to lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). However, the clinical significance and quantitative role of LFH compared to other components, such as disc bulging and facet hypertrophy, have not yet been examined. We investigated the correlation between the quantitative radiological factors, clinical symptoms, and outcomes in patients with LSCS. In total, 163 patients diagnosed with single-level (L4-L5) stenosis were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to claudication severity: >100 m for mild (n = 92) and < 100 m for severe (n = 71). The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to quantify back and leg pain, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short form-36 (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) scores, and Macnab criteria were evaluated as clinical factors 6 months after treatment. We measured the baseline canal cross-sectional area, ligamentum flavum (LF) area, disc herniation area, dural sac area, fat area, and LF thickness using MRI. A comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the association between radiologic and clinical factors. Additionally, further comparative analyses between the types of surgeries were performed. Among various radiologic factors, the baseline LF thickness (odds ratio [OR] 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-2.41) was the only major contributing factor to the severity of claudication in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The types of surgery (decompression alone vs fusion) did not significantly differ in terms of their clinical outcomes, including back and leg VAS, ODI, SF-36 PCS, and satisfaction with the MacNab classification. LF thickness is a major factor contributing to claudication severity.

Time-saving effects using helicopter transportation: comparison to a ground transportation time predicted using a social navigation software.

ABSTRACT: Previous comparison studies regarding 2 types of transportation, helicopter (HEMS) versus ground emergency medical services (GEMS), have shown underlying heterogeneity as these options have completely different routes and consequent times with reference to one patient. To compare the 2 types of transportation on a case-by-case basis, we analyzed the retrospectively reviewed HEMS and predicted GEMS data using an open-source navigation software.Patients transferred by military HEMS from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. The HEMS records on the time of notification, injury point and destination address, and time required were reviewed. The GEMS data on distance and the predicted time required were acquired using open-source social navigation systems. Comparison analyses between the two types of transportation were conducted. Furthermore, linear logistic regression analyses were performed on the distance and time of the two options.A total of 183 patients were enrolled. There was no statistical difference (P = .3021) in the distance between the 2 types of transportation, and the HEMS time was significantly shorter than that of GEMS (61.31 vs 116.92 minutes, P < .001). The simple linear curves for HEMS and GEMS were separately secured, and two graphs presented the statistical significance (P) as well as reasonable goodness-of-fit (R2). In general, the HEMS graph demonstrates a more gradual slope and narrow distribution compared to that of GEMS.Ideally, HEMS is identified as a better transportation modality because it has a shorter transportation time (56 minutes saved) and a low possibility of potential time delays (larger R2). With a strict patient selection, HEMS can rescue injured or emergent patients who are "out of the golden hour."

Microfluidic Chip with Low Constant-Current Stimulation (LCCS) Platform: Human Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration In Vitro Model for Symptomatic Intervertebral Disc.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain (LBP) in the lumbar spine. This phenomenon is caused by several processes, including matrix degradation in IVD tissues, which is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory responses, which can be mediated by interactions among immune cells, such as macrophages and IVD cells. In particular, interleukin (IL)-1 beta (ß), which is a master regulator secreted by macrophages, mediates the inflammatory response in nucleus pulposus cells (NP) and plays a significant role in the development or progression of diseases. In this study, we developed a custom electrical stimulation (ES) platform that can apply low-constant-current stimulation (LCCS) signals to microfluidic chips. Using this platform, we examined the effects of LCCS on IL-1ß-mediated inflammatory NP cells, administered at various currents (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µA at 200 Hz). Our results showed that the inflammatory response, induced by IL-1ß in human NP cells, was successfully established. Furthermore, 5, 10, 20, and 100 µA LCCS positively modulated inflamed human NP cells' morphological phenotype and kinetic properties. LCCS could affect the treatment of degenerative diseases, revealing the applicability of the LCCS platform for basic research of electroceuticals.

A New Classification for Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Based on the Coexistence of Segmental Disc Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: Classification systems for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have traditionally focused on the morphological characteristics of ossification. Although the classification describes many clinical features associated with the shape of the ossification, including the concept of spondylosis seems necessary because of the similarity in age distribution. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with OPLL who presented with increase signal intensity (ISI) on magnetic resonance imaging were surgically treated in our department. The patients were divided into two groups (pure versus degenerative) according to the presence of disc degeneration. RESULTS: Of 141 patients enrolled in this study, more than half (61%) were classified into the degenerative group. The pure group showed a profound male predominance, early presentation of myelopathy, and a different predilection for ISI compared to the degenerative group. The mean canal compromise ratio (CC) of the ISI was 47% in the degenerative group versus 61% in the pure group (p<0.0000). On the contrary, the global and segment motions were significantly larger in the degenerative group (p<0.0000 and p=0.003, respectively). The canal diameters and global angles did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Classifying cervical OPLL based on the presence of combined disc degeneration is beneficial for understanding the disorder's behavior. CC appears to be the main factor in the development of myelopathy in the pure group, whereas additional dynamic factors appear to affect its development in the degenerative group.

Nonsurgical treatment outcomes for surgical candidates with lumbar disc herniation: a comprehensive cohort study.

Physicians often encounter surgical candidates with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) who request non-surgical management even though surgery is recommended. However, second opinions may differ among doctors. Therefore, a prospective comprehensive cohort study (CCS) was designed to assess outcomes of nonsurgical treatment for surgical candidates who were recommended to undergo surgery for LDH but requested a second opinion. The CCS includes both randomized and observational cohorts, comprising a nonsurgery cohort and surgery cohort, in a parallel fashion. Crossover between the nonsurgery and surgery cohorts was allowed at any time. The present study was an as-treated interim analysis of 128 cases (nonsurgery cohort, n = 71; surgery cohort, n = 57). Patient-reported outcomes included visual analogue scores for the back (VAS-B) and leg (VAS-L), the Oswestry Disability Index, the EuroQol 5-Dimension instrument, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), which were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. At baseline, age and SF-36 physical function were significantly lower in the surgery cohort than in the nonsurgery cohort (p < 0.05). All adjusted outcomes significantly improved after both nonsurgical and surgical treatment (p < 0.05). The nonsurgery cohort showed less improvement of VAS-B and VAS-L scores at 1 month (p < 0.01), but no difference between cohorts was observed thereafter for 24 months (p > 0.01). Nonsurgical management may be a negotiable option even for surgical candidates in the shared decision-making process.