Transforaminal full-endoscopic decompression under local anesthesia for foraminal stenosis due to stable L5 isthmic spondylolisthesis, a technical note and review:Pars crisscross decompression.

Foraminal stenosis is one of the types of lumbar spinal stenosis. The pathology can be treated minimally invasively by full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS). The final challenge in transforaminal FESS is foraminal stenosis in patients with stable isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5. This article provides a step-by-step explanation of how to achieve complete decompression. A cannula of 8 mm in diameter is docked at the base of the superior articular process of the sacrum. The pars crisscross that consists of the superior articular process at S1, the floating lamina, the inferior articular process at L4, and the pars ragged edge is then clearly seen endoscopically. Visualization of the pars crisscross is key to successful decompression. Starting with the superior articular process at S1, followed by partial removal of the floating lamina. Next, the tip of the inferior articular process at L4 is removed. The pars ragged edge is then carefully shaved. Finally, decompression of the exiting nerve root at L5 is confirmed. This report provides the first step-by step description of full-endoscopic decompression of foraminal stenosis under local anesthesia in patients with stable L5 isthmic spondylolisthesis, which we have named "full-endoscopic pars crisscross decompression". J. Med. Invest. 71 : 191-196, August, 2024.

Impact of Lumbar Fusion Internal Fixation on Lumbar Disc Herniation in Young Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Lumbar fusion and internal fixation techniques have shown promise in treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH), yet the impact on lumbar function in young patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lumbar fusion on lumbar function in young patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 330 patients diagnosed with LDH admitted to our hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a control group (n=264) that underwent a minimally invasive procedure with a keyhole lens, and a research group (n=66) that underwent lumbar fusion internal fixation. Clinical features and therapeutic outcomes were assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Lumbar Scores before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. Additionally, intervertebral space height, degree of vertebral spondylolisthesis (grades I, II, and III), incidence of adverse effects, and treatment efficacy were measured pre-and post-surgically. RESULTS No significant difference in ODI and JOA scores was found between the groups before surgery (P>0.05). Postoperatively, the research group had lower ODI scores, higher JOA scores, and lower intervertebral space heights compared to the control group (P=0.001). While grade 1 and 2 spondylolisthesis showed slight improvement (P>0.05), a significant difference was observed in grade III spondylolisthesis between the 2 groups (P=0.001). Additionally, the research group had a lower incidence of adverse effects (P=0.049) and higher treatment efficacy, although the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Lumbar fusion with internal fixation produced better postoperative outcomes and fewer adverse effects than minimally invasive procedures in young patients with lumbar disc herniation.

[Clinical study of isthmic spondylolisthesis treated with Mis-TLIF assisted by preoperative posture reduction and intraoperative lifting reduction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(Mis-TLIF) technique combined with preoperative position reduction in the treatment of spondylolisthesis and summarize its advantages. METHODS: Between July 2016 and July 2022, 60 patients with lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis were retrospectively analyzed, including 26 males and 34 females, with an average age of (51.32±4.24) years old ranging from 35 to 72 years old. They were divided into observation group and control group according to the operation methods. There were 30 patients in the observation group, including 12 males and 18 females;the age ranged from 35 to 71 years old with an average of(51.80±6.38) years old, the course of disease ranged from 12 to 60 months with an average of (24.17±1.98) months;there were 18 cases of L4 spondylolisthesis and 12 cases of L5 spondylolisthesis;according to Meyerding classification, there were 20 cases of grade Ⅰ spondylolisthesis and 10 cases of gradeⅡ. The observation group was treated with preoperative postural reduction combined with intraoperative reduction assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar fusion via Quadrant channel(Mis-TLIF). There were 30 patients in the control group, including 14 males and 16 females, with an average of (50.00±4.24) years old ranging from 36 to 72 years old;the course of disease ranged from 12 to 60 months with an average of (23.70±1.53) months;there were 16 cases of L4 spondylolisthesis and 14 cases of L5 spondylolisthesis;according to Meyerding classification, there were 19 cases of grade Ⅰ spondylolisthesis and 11 cases of grade Ⅱ. The control group was treated with open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(Open-TLIF). The differences of operation time, intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, hospital stay, radiation exposure time and complications between the two groups were analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) score were used to evaluate the clinical effect. X-ray and CT were followed up to evaluate the interbody fusion. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 months. There was no significant difference in operation time, VAS of low back pain, slip angle and slip rate between two groups (P>0.05). The intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in the observation group (165.50±15.56) ml and (59.17±10.59) ml were less than those in the control group (259.33±35.32) ml and (165.33 ±29.56) ml (P<0.05). The length of hospital stay in the observation group (3.53±0.68) days was less than that in the control group (5.20±0.41) days (P<0.05).The intervertebral space height, slip angle, slip rate, ODI, VAS and JOA scores were significantly improved in the two groups at the final follow-up (P<0.05). There were significant differences in ODI [(9.93±1.11)% vs (10.93±1.11)%] and JOA [ (26.07±1.01) points vs (25.43±1.25) points] between the observation group and the control group at the final follow-up (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of spondylolisthesis, preoperative position reduction combined with intraoperative reduction assisted Mis-Tlif technique has advantages of less trauma, less bleeding and shorter hospitalization period than traditional open surgery. It is a safe and effective technique.

Surgical management of traumatic spondyloptosis: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic spondyloptosis is a rare and severe spinal injury characterized by complete anterior translation of one vertebra over another, often resulting in debilitating neurological deficits. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of traumatic spondyloptosis and elaborate on the clinical presentation, management, and follow-up improvement. The first case is a 30-year-old Nepalese man who sustained traumatic spondyloptosis following a blunt force injury to his back while engaged in tree-cutting activities. The patient presented with severe back pain, left lower limb paralysis, and neurological deficits (consistent with American Spinal Injury Association grade C). Radiographic evaluation revealed total anterior dislocation of the L4 vertebral body over L5, accompanied by fractures of the superior endplates of both vertebrae. The second case is a 35-year-old Nepalese female who presented with back pain and lower limb paralysis following a fall from a 300-m cliff, exhibiting tenderness and ecchymosis in the mid-back region. Radiological examination revealed D12 vertebra translation over L1 with fracture, categorized as American Spinal Injury Association grade A. Both cases were surgically managed and stabilized. CONCLUSION: These cases emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to trauma management as well as prompt recognition, and early surgical management in optimizing outcomes for patients with traumatic spondyloptosis.

Segmental vertebral three-dimensional motion in patients with L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis under weight-bearing conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in vivo 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) vertebral motion in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) during various functional weight-bearing activities. METHODS: Fifteen asymptomatic volunteers (mean age 54.8 years) and fourteen patients with IS at L4-5 (mean age 53.4 years) were recruited. The positions of the vertebrae (L4-L5) in the supine, standing, flexion-extension, left-right twisting and left-right bending positions were determined using previously described CT-based models and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques. Local coordinate systems were established at the center of the anterior vertebra of L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis (AIS), the posterior lamina of L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis (PIS) and the center of the L5 vertebra to obtain the 6DOF range of motion (ROM) at L4-L5 and the range of motion (ROM) between the AIS and the PIS. RESULTS: The translation along the anteroposterior axis at L4-L5 during flexion-extension, left-right bending and left-right twisting was significantly greater than that of the healthy participants. However, the translation along the mediolateral axis at L4-L5 presented paradoxical motion under different positions: the ROM increased in the supine-standing and flexion-extension positions but decreased in the left-right bending and left-right twisting positions. The separation along the anteroposterior axis during flexion was significantly greater than that during standing, on average, reaching more than 1 mm. The separation along the mediolateral axis during standing, flexion and extension was significantly greater than that in the supine position. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the occurrence of displacement between the AIS and PIS, primarily in the form of separation during flexion. Symptomatic patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis exhibit intervertebral instability, which might be underestimated by flexion-extension radiographs.

Early postoperative efficacy of a fully automated orthopedic robotic system-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for isthmic spondylolisthesis.

To assess the feasibility of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation assisted by a fully automated orthopedic robotic system for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis and evaluate its early postoperative outcome. Totally 20 patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical procedure by the same medical group from March 2020 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 10 patients in the robot-assisted group (RA group) and the other 10 patients in the conventional free-hand technique group (FH group). Accuracy of screw insertion was determined using the Gertzbein-Robbins Scale. The accuracy of the novel robotic system was evaluated by comparing the screw position in the preoperative planning and measuring the entry point deviation distance and the trajectory rotation. The differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, radiographic fluoroscopy time and fluoroscopic dosage, and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups. The lumbar visual analog scale scores before and 7 days after operation were analyzed to evaluate the improvement of low back pain as the early postoperative outcome. A total of 84 pedicle screws were placed. In the RA group, 97.5% of screws were Grade A, and 2.5% were Grade B. In the FH group, 88.6% of screws were Grade A, 9.1% were Grade B, and 2.3% were Grade C. No statistical difference was found in the operation time between two groups. The RA group showed a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss, radiographic fluoroscopy time and fluoroscopic dosage, and length of hospital stay compared to the FH group. The low back pain in both groups was significantly improved after the operation. The novel orthopedic robotic system-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, with accurate intraoperative screw placement, less surgical damage, less fluoroscopy and shorter length of hospital stay, can be safe and effective for the surgical treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Free Vascularized Scapula tip Flap to L5-S1 Vertebral Defect After Chronic Infection Related to Interbody Fusion Cage: A Case Report.

Septic nonunion after vertebral fusion can lead to significant patient disability. The management of septic nonunions usually involves surgical debridement, bone fixation, and antibiotic therapy. Particularly challenging is lumbosacral vertebral nonunions, which necessitate a difficult surgical approach. We present a novel approach using a scapula tip free flap through an intra-abdominal approach to reconstruct a L5-S1 vertebral defect after a septic nonunion. Our patient, 31-year-old man, with no medical conditions, had a fusion of L5-S1 due to severe lower back pain secondary to isthmic spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Despite multiple attempts of surgical fusion, postoperatively the patient developed a septic nonunion. Following a modified DAIR, the nonunion was reconstructed with a scapula tip bone flap 4 × 3 × 2 cm. The subscapular vessels were anastomosed to the deep inferior epigastric vessels after an intra-abdominal inset. The patient was discharged at 15 days postoperatively without any complications. At 1-year follow-up the patient is pain-free, off opiate analgesia with radiological evidence of fusion between the scapula tip, L5 and the S1 vertebral body. This case report describes the use, for the first time, of a free scapula tip, to a lumbosacral spinal defect. The use of the free scapula tip flap may be considered for reconstruction of osseous spinal defects due to its long pedicle and the unique bone shape.

[A woman with pulmonary complaints after re-spondylodesis]. / Een vrouw met pulmonale klachten na re-spondylodese.

A 36-year-old woman with a history of spondylolisthesis underwent respondylodesis 13 years after spondylodesis of vertebrae L3-L4. The respondylodesis was performed by screw fixation augmented with cement. One year after respondylodesis, the patient developed pulmonary complaints. Chest radiology revealed pulmonary cement embolism.

Decompression alone or fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis? A systematic review and meta analysis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this systematic review and metaanalysis is to compare the efficacy and safety of decompression alone versus decompression plus fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid Medline databases was conducted to find randomized control trials (RCTs) or cohort studies that compared decompression alone and decompression plus fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis. Operation time; reoperation; postoperative complications; postoperative Oswestry disability index(ODI) scores and scores related to back and leg pain were collected from eligible studies for meta-analysis. RESULTS: We included 3 randomized controlled trials and 9 cohort studies with 6182 patients. The decompression alone group showed less operative time(P < 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss(p = 0.000), and no significant difference in postoperative complications was observed in randomized controlled trials(p = 0.428) or cohort studies(p = 0.731). There was no significant difference between the other two groups in reoperation(P = 0.071), postoperative ODI scores and scores related to back and leg pain. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that the decompression alone group performed better in terms of operation time and intraoperative blood loss, and there was no significant difference between the two surgical methods in rate of reoperation and postoperative complications, ODI, low back pain and leg pain. Therefore, we come to the conclusion that decompression alone is not inferior to decompression and fusion in patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis.

Minimally invasive versus mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in managing low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis.

DATA BACKGROUND: Because the traditional open-TLIF approach has several drawbacks, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches for TLIF (MISTLIF) have been developed to speed up recovery after surgery and minimize pressure on the para-spinal muscles, necessitating a cost-utility analysis for comparison in healthcare reforms. OBJECTIVES AND AIM OF THE WORK: This study aimed to compare the radiological and clinical parameters between mini-open TLIF and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) surgery in patients with single-level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. HYPOTHESIS: This study hypothesizes that both minimally invasive and mini-open methods using sublaminar trimming laminoplasty (SLTL) (while preserving midline structures) and interbody cages have comparable mid- and long-term clinical and radiological outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were performed on 120 patients who underwent single-level TLIF procedures with a minimum of two years of follow-up utilizing either the mini-open (n = 60) or MIS (n = 60) technique. Records of the operation's time frame, intraoperative fluoroscopy, blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, duration of bed rest, and complications were recorded. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for both groups were utilized to assess improvements in clinical scores, and t tests were employed to statistically compare the outcomes. For comparison, radiological parameters, including lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence (PI), and localized lordosis at the index level, were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. To assess postoperative interbody fusion, the Bridwell grading system was used. RESULTS: In the Mini-open TLIF group, the average follow-up time was 24.91 ± 5.7 months, while in the MIS-TLIF group, the average follow-up time was 25.15 ± 4.2 months. In the MIS-TLIF group, the mean operation and radiological time were longer. However, compared to the Mini-open TLIF group, the MISTLIF group experienced less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. The MIS-TLIF group outperformed the Open-TLIF group in terms of the VAS score for back pain and the ODI at less than 6 months following surgery, and the differences were statistically significant. However, at the final follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the VAS score for the back between the two groups, but the ODI score was significantly greater in the MIS-TLIF group. Both groups' lumbar lordosis and focal lordosis significantly improved at the index level, with the Mini-open-TLIF group showing more focal lordosis. The interbody fusion rate did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: MIS-TLIF and mini-open-TLIF can be surgically effective in treating single-level degenerative lumbar spine spondylolisthesis.

The Effect of Radiological Assessment of Volunteers for French Paratrooper Training: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: A systematic radiological examination is needed for military airborne troops in order to detect subclinical medical contraindications for airborne training. Many potential recruits are excluded because of scoliosis, kyphosis, or spondylolisthesis. This study aimed to determine whether complementary radiological assessment excludes too many recruits and whether medical standards might be lowered without increasing medical risk to appointees. METHODS: This retrospective, epidemiological, cross-sectional single-center study spanned 5 years at the French paratroopers' initial training center. We analyzed all medical files and full-spine X-ray results of all enlisted troops during this period. Secondary evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon enabled 23 enlisted personnel, deemed medically unacceptable because of X-ray findings, to be given waivers for airborne training. A follow-up review of their 23 files was conducted to determine whether static-line parachute jumps were hazardous to those who were initially declared medically unacceptable. RESULTS: Of the 3,993 full-spine X-rays, 67.5% (2,695) were described as having normal alignment and structure; 21.8% (871) had lateral spinal deviation; and 10.7% (427) had scoliosis. Sixty-six recruits (1.6%) were deemed unfit because of findings that did not meet the standard on the fullspine X-ray: 53 enlisted personnel had scoliosis greater than 15°, and 13 had spondylolisthesis (grade II or III). Of the 23 patients granted waivers, 82.3% with scoliosis (14) and all patients with kyphosis had not declared any back pain after 5 years. CONCLUSION: The findings, supported by a literature review of foreign military data, suggest that spondylolisthesis above grade I and low back pain are more significant than scoliosis and kyphosis for establishing airborne standards.

Pediatric Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis: Overcoming the Disability!

BACKGROUND: Congenital spondylolisthesis is characterized by dysplasia of the facet joint or congenital defect in the pars. OBJECTIVE: Our study highlights the clinical and radiological profile, various treatment options, and outcomes in patients with pediatric congenital lumbar and lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis and follow-up of 22 patients were conducted presented with radiological diagnosis of congenital lumbar/lumbosacral spondylolisthesis (2018-2021). RESULTS: Twenty patients (91%) had L5-S1 listhesis and two patients (9%) had L4-L5 listhesis. Six (27.3%) patients had low-grade listhesis (grades 1-2), 16 (72.7%) had high-grade listhesis (grades 3-5). Seventeen (77.3%) had S1, three (13.6%) had L5, and two (9%) had both L4-L5 radiculopathy. All patients had neurogenic claudication. One had an associated spina bifida occulta. Six (27.3%) patients underwent two-level fixation, and 16 (72.7%) underwent three-level fixation. Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF) was done in two patients. Revision of at least one screw was done in three patients. After one year of follow-up, all the patients had 75-100% relief in radicular pain and neurogenic claudication. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score in preop for all patients was 41-60% and postoperatively they showed an improvement in ODI score (0-20). The postoperative low back pain score on the Numeric Rating Scale was 0-1 for all patients. CONCLUSION: Congenital lumbar spondylolisthesis usually presents with high-grade listhesis. Management of such cases is a surgical challenge but posterior decompression resulted in relief of pain in all patients. However, in situ fixation without reduction is also effective in selective cases where attempts to reduce the listhesis result in a decline in intraoperative neuromonitoring parameters.

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with anterolateral screw fixation and stress endplate augmentation for treating degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF)combined with anterolateral screw fixation (AF) and Stress Endplate Augmentation(SEA) versus OLIF-AF in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS)with osteoporosis (OP). METHODS: 30 patients underwent OLIF-AF-SEA (SEA group) were matched with 30 patients received OLIF-AF (control group), in terms of sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD). Clinical outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS) score of the lower back pain (VAS-LBP), leg pain (VAS-LP), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated at different postoperative intervals and comparedwith their preoperative counterparts. Radiographic outcomes such as disk height (DH), slip distance (SD), lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), cage subsidence (CS) rate and fusion rate were evaluated at different postoperative intervals and compared with their preoperative counterparts. RESULTS: SEA group presented to be better at 3-month and 12-month follow-up, the VAS-LBP, VAS-LP and ODI scores of the SEA group were significantly lower than the control group (3-month SEA vs control: 2.30±0.70 vs 3.30±0.75, 2.03±0.72 vs 2.90±0.76,15.60±2.36 vs 23.23±3.07, respectively, all p<0.05. VAS-LBP and ODI 12-month SEA vs control: 1.27±0.74 vs 1.93±0.58, 12.20±1.88 vs 14.43±1.89,respectively, all p<0.05). At 24-month follow-up, both groups showed no difference in fusion rate (83.33% vs 90.00%, p=0.45), while SEA group showed a lower CS rate (13.33% vs 53.33%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: OLIF-AF-SEA was safe with no adverse effects and resulted in lower CS rate and better sagittal balance. OLIF-AF-SEA is a promising surgical method for treating patients with DLS-OP.

Influence of facetectomy, cross-link augmentation, and interbody procedure on progression of bone fusion in single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion using the long cortical bone trajectory technique.

OBJECTIVE: When using the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) technique, two technical countermeasures are recommended to promote bone fusion: taking a long CBT screw path directed more anteriorly and improving the stability of the spinal construct by facet joint preservation, cross-link augmentation, and rigid anterior interbody reconstruction. However, there has been no report on how these surgical procedures, which are heavily dependent on the surgeon's preference, contribute to successful bone fusion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the progression of lumbar spinal fusion using the long CBT technique and identify factors contributing to the time taken to achieve bone fusion, with a particular focus on the involvement of surgical procedures. METHODS: A total of 167 consecutive patients with L4 degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5 using the long CBT technique were included (mean follow-up 42.8 months). Bone fusion was assessed to identify factors contributing to the time to achieve bone fusion. Investigated factors were 1) age, 2) sex, 3) BMI, 4) bone mineral density, 5) intervertebral mobility, 6) screw depth in the vertebra, 7) extent of facetectomy, 8) cross-link augmentation, 9) cage material, 10) cage design, 11) number of cages, and 12) contact area of cages with the vertebral endplate. RESULTS: The bone fusion rate was 89.2% at 2 years postoperatively and 95.8% at the last follow-up, with a mean period to bone fusion of 16.6 ± 9.6 months. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age (standardized regression coefficient [ß] = 0.25, p = 0.002), female sex (ß = -0.22, p = 0.004), and BMI (ß = 0.15, p = 0.045) were significant independent factors affecting the time to achieve bone fusion. There was no significant effect of surgical procedures (p ≥ 0.364). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the progression of lumbar spinal fusion using the long CBT technique and identify factors contributing to the time taken to achieve bone fusion. Patient factors such as age, sex, and BMI affected the progression of bone fusion, and surgical factors had only weak effects.

Impact of preoperative age-adjusted sagittal imbalance on radiographic and clinical outcomes following 1-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies investigating the use of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for treatment of degenerative lumbar conditions and concomitant sagittal deformity have not stratified patients by preoperative pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL) mismatch, which is the earliest parameter to deteriorate in mild sagittal deformity. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of preoperative PI-LL mismatch on clinical outcomes and sagittal balance restoration among patients undergoing MI-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). METHODS: Consecutive adult patients undergoing primary 1-level MI-TLIF between April 2017 and April 2022 for DS with ≥ 6 months radiographic follow-up were included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale (VAS), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System at preoperative, early postoperative (< 6 months), and late postoperative (≥ 6 months) time points. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for PROMs was also evaluated. Radiographic parameters included PI, LL, pelvic tilt (PT), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Patients were categorized into balanced and unbalanced groups based on preoperative PI-LL mismatch according to age-adjusted alignment goals. Changes in radiographic parameters and PROMs were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included (L4-5 82.5%, grade I spondylolisthesis 82.5%, unbalanced 58.8%). Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up were 17.0 and 8.3 months, respectively. The average preoperative PI-LL was 18.8° in the unbalanced group and -3.3° in the balanced group. Patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch had significantly worse preoperative PT (26.2° vs 16.4°, p < 0.001) and SVA (53.2 vs 9.0 mm, p = 0.001) compared with balanced patients. Patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch also showed significantly worse PI-LL (16.0° vs 0.54°, p < 0.001), PT (25.9° vs 18.7°, p < 0.001), and SVA (49.4 vs 22.8 mm, p = 0.013) at long-term follow-up. No significant radiographic improvement was observed among unbalanced patients. All patients demonstrated significant improvements in all PROMs (p < 0.05) except for SF-12 mental component score. Achievement of MCID for VAS back score was significantly greater among patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch (85.7% vs 65.5%, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Although 1-level MI-TLIF did not restore sagittal alignment in patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch, patients presenting with DS can expect significant improvement in PROMs following 1-level MI-TLIF regardless of preoperative alignment or extent of correction. Thus, attaining good clinical outcomes in patients with mild sagittal imbalance may not require addressing imbalance directly.

Patient-reported outcome of lumbar decompression with instrumented fusion for low-grade spondylolisthesis: influence of pathology and baseline symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: Low-grade isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) of the lumbar spine are distinct pathologies but both can be treated with lumbar decompression with fusion. In a very large cohort, we compared patient-reported outcome in relation to the pathology and chief complaint at baseline. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis using the EUROSPINE Spine Tango Registry. We included 582 patients (age 60 ± 15 years; 65% female), divided into four groups based on two variables: type of spondylolisthesis and chief pain complaint (leg pain (LP) versus back pain). Patients completed the COMI preoperatively and up to 5 years follow-up (FU), and rated global treatment outcome (GTO). Regression models were used to predict COMI-scores at FU. Pain scores and satisfaction ratings were analysed. RESULTS: All patients experienced pronounced reductions in COMI scores. Relative to the other groups, the DS-LP group showed between 5% and 11% greater COMI score reduction (p < 0.01 up to 2 years' FU). This group also performed best with respect to pain outcomes and satisfaction. Long-term GTO was 93% at the 5 year FU, compared with between 82% and 86% in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the type of spondylolisthesis, all groups experienced an improvement in COMI score after surgery. Patients with DS and LP as their chief complaint appear to benefit more than other patients. These results are the first to show that the type of the spondylolisthesis and its chief complaint have an impact on surgical outcome. They will be informative for the consent process prior to surgery and can be used to build predictive models for individual outcome.

[Cervical Spine Injuries]. / Verletzungen der oberen Halswirbelsäule.

Around a third of all cervical spine injuries occur in the upper cervical spine in the area between the occiput and the second cervical vertebra. The latter being the most common location of the injury with around 70%. But also atlas fractures, occipital condyle fractures, traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2, atypical fractures in the corpus area as well as atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial ligamentous lesions should be mentioned in connection with injuries in this area. In many cases, conservative therapy regimen is possible. In unstable or displaced injuries, however, surgical intervention is required, with various surgical procedures being used. The frequency, diagnostics, classification, and standard therapy of the individual entities are presented in detail in this continuing medical education article.

Individualized Design Application of 3-Dimensional Printing Navigational Template for Pedicle Screw Installation: A Training Case Report.

BACKGROUND The proper installation for pedicle screws by the traditional method of surgeons dependent on experience is not guaranteed, and educational solutions have progressed from chalkboards to electronic teaching platforms. We designed a case of 3-dimensional printing drill guide template as a surgical application, which can accurately navigate implantation of pedicle screws, and assessed its effect for simulative training. MATERIAL AND METHODS We randomly selected a set of computed tomography data for spondylolisthesis. A navigational template of pedicles and screws was designed by software Mimics and Pro-E, where trajectories of directions and angles guiding the nail way were manipulated for screwing based on anatomy, and its solid model was fabricated by a BT600 3D printer. The screws were integrated and installed to observe their stability. RESULTS The navigational model and custom spine implants were examined to be compatibly immobilized, because they are tolerant to radiation and stable against hydrolysis. The screw size and template were fit accurately to the vertebrae intraosseously, because the pilot holes were drilled and the trajectories were guided by cannulas with visible routes. During the surgical workflow, the patient reported appreciation and showed substantial compliance, while having few complications with this approach. Compared with fluoroscopy-assisted or free-hand techniques, the effect of simulative training during processing was excellent. CONCLUSIONS The surgical biomodel is practical for the procedural accuracy of surgical guides or as an educational drill. This fostering a style of "practice substituting for teaching" sets a paragon of keeping up with time and is worthy of recommendation.

Decompression alone or with fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (Nordsten-DS): five year follow-up of a randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether decompression alone is non-inferior to decompression with instrumented fusion five years after primary surgery in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. DESIGN: Five year follow-up of a randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority trial (Nordsten-DS). SETTING: 16 public orthopaedic and neurosurgical clinics in Norway. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 18-80 years with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis and a spondylolisthesis of 3 mm or more at the stenotic level. INTERVENTIONS: Decompression surgery alone and decompression with additional instrumented fusion (1:1). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was a 30% or more reduction in Oswestry disability index from baseline to five year follow-up. The predefined non-inferiority margin was a -15 percentage point difference in the proportion of patients who met the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the mean change in Oswestry disability index, Zurich claudication questionnaire, numeric rating scale for leg and back pain, and EuroQol Group 5-Dimension (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. RESULTS: From 12 February 2014 to 18 December 2017, 267 participants were randomly assigned to decompression alone (n=134) and decompression with instrumented fusion (n=133). Of these, 230 (88%) responded to the five year questionnaire: 121 in the decompression group and 109 in the fusion group. Mean age at baseline was 66.2 years (SD 7.6), and 69% were women. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation of missing data, 84 (63%) of 133 people in the decompression alone group and 81 (63%) of 129 people in the fusion group had a at least a 30% reduction in Oswestry disability index, a difference of 0.4 percentage points. (95% confidence interval (CI) -11.2 to 11.9). The respective results of the per protocol analysis were 65 (65%) of 100 in the decompression alone group and 59 (66%) of 89 in the fusion group, a difference of -1.3 percentage points (95% CI -14.5 to 12.2). Both 95% CIs were higher than the predefined non-inferiority margin of -15%. The mean change in Oswestry disability index from baseline to five years was -17.8 in both groups (mean difference 0.02 (95% CI -3.8 to 3.9)). Results of the other secondary outcomes were in the same direction as the primary outcome. From two to five year follow-up, a new lumbar operation occurred in six (5%) of 123 people in the decompression group and 11 (10%) of 113 people in the fusion group, with a total from baseline to five years of 21 (16%) of 129 people and 23 (18%) of 125, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In participants with degenerative spondylolisthesis, decompression alone was non-inferior to decompression with instrumented fusion five years after primary surgery. Proportions of subsequent surgeries at the index level or an adjacent lumbar level were no different between the groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02051374.