Catheter Tip-Associated Mass With Continuous Infusion of Sufentanil for Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2: A Case Report Including Histopathologic Examination and Review of the Associated Basic and Clinical Research.

OBJECTIVES: Intrathecal opioids delivered by implanted pumps are used to treat malignant or nonmalignant chronic pain. In this study, we 1) review a case in which intrathecal infusions of sufentanil along with other adjuvants were used and after an extended period led to an intrathecal mass and 2) compared and contrasted the potential mechanisms for these phenomena. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A woman aged 66 years with a history of scoliosis and multiple spine surgeries was treated with an implantable drug delivery system for treating persistent pain after laminectomy. The patient received intrathecal medication comprising sufentanil, bupivacaine, and clonidine. RESULTS: Intrathecal therapy over approximately ten years served to reduce pain and improve function over the treatment period. After the extended treatment interval, the patient developed an intrathecal mass that was associated with impairment. The mass was surgically removed. Systematic histopathology revealed the space-occupying mass to largely comprise fibroblasts and some inflammatory cells embedded in a collagen mass located proximally to the catheter tip. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first published case report of sufentanil causing this complication. The science and mechanism of intrathecal catheter tip-associated mass formation and associated clinical research correlates are reviewed in detail, and explanations for this phenomenon are proposed based on histochemical analysis of the patient's pathology findings.

Gross total resection of spinal chondrosarcoma is associated with improved locoregional relapse-free survival and overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Spinal chondrosarcomas are rare malignant osseous tumors. The low incidence of spinal chondrosarcomas and the complexity of spine anatomy have led to heterogeneous treatment strategies with varying curative and survival rates. The goal of this study is to investigate prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) comparing en bloc vs. piecemeal resection for the management of spinal chondrosarcoma. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent curative-intent resection of primary and metastatic spinal chondrosarcoma over a 25-year period. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted with LRFS as primary endpoint and OS as secondary endpoint. LRFS and OS were modeled using the Kaplan-Meier method and assessed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: For 72 patients who underwent first resection, the median follow-up time was 5.1 years (95% CI 2.2-7.0). Thirty-three patients (45.8%) had en bloc resection, and 39 (54.2%) had piecemeal resection. Of the 68 patients for whom extent of resection was known, 44 patients had gross total resection (GTR) and 24 patients had subtotal resection. In survival analyses, both LRFS and OS showed statistically significant difference based on the extent of resection (p = 0.001; p = 0.04, respectively). However, only LRFS showed statistically significant difference when assessing the type of resection (p = 0.02). In addition, higher tumor grade and more invasive disease were associated with worse LRFS and OS rates. CONCLUSION: Although in our study en bloc and GTR were associated with improved survival, heterogenous and complex spinal presentations may limit total resection. Therefore, the surgical management should be tailored individually to ensure the best local control and maximum preservation of function.

Facial Trauma Operative Volume Demonstrates Consistent and Significant Yearly Periodicity.

PURPOSE: Facial trauma requiring operative care increases during the summer and fall months, which is colloquially referred to as trauma season. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a quantifiable and statistically significant yearly periodicity of operative facial trauma volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To confirm the existence and quantify the magnitude of trauma season, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. The Plastic Surgery divisional billing database was queried for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes related to acute facial trauma. The outcome variable is monthly CPT code volume and calendar month is the predictor. Monthly CPT volume was tabulated for 120 consecutive months. Raw data were plotted as a time series and transformed as a ratio to the moving average. Autocorrelation was applied to the transformed dataset to detect yearly periodicity. Multivariable modeling quantified the proportion of volume variability (R2) attributable to yearly periodicity. Subanalysis assessed presence and strength of periodicity in 4 age groups. Patient identifiers, demographic information, surgeon, and date of surgery were collected as covariates. RESULTS: One thousand six hundred fifty eight CPT codes obtained through Plastic Surgery billing records were included. Mean age at presentation was 32.5 ± 16.3 years (range = 85.05). Monthly trauma-related CPT volume was highest in June-September and lowest in December-February. Time series analysis revealed yearly oscillation, in addition to a growth trend. Autocorrelation revealed statistically significant positive and negative peaks at a lag of 12 and 6 months, respectively, confirming the presence of yearly periodicity. Multivariable linear modeling revealed R2 attributable to periodicity of 0.23 (P = .008). Periodicity was strongest in younger populations and weaker in older populations. R2 = 0.25 for ages 0-17, R2 = 0.18 for ages 18-44, R2 = 0.16 for ages 45-64, and R2 = 0.034 for ages ≥ 65. CONCLUSION: Operative facial trauma volumes peak in the summer and early fall and reach a winter nadir. This periodicity is statistically significant and accounts for 23% of overall trauma volume variability at our Level 1 trauma hospital. Younger patients drive the majority of this effect. Our findings have implications for operative block time and personnel allocation, in addition to expectation management over the course of the year.

Evidence-Based Medicine for Mandible Fracture Repair: Current Controversies and Future Opportunities.

Mandibular fractures are among the most common facial fractures resulting from trauma. The nature of the injury, involved facial structures, presence of associated injuries, the dental status of the patient, comorbid conditions, and psychosocial context all must be considered by the surgeon when planning the optimal treatment for these patients. While consensus exists for many aspects of the management of mandibular trauma, some elements remain controversial. Three such topics-antibiotic therapy, treatment of subcondylar fractures, and management of the third molar-remain particularly controversial, with significant heterogeneity in practice patterns and without widely accepted evidence-based guidelines to standardize care. The goals of this work are to (1) review the historical perspective underlying these controversies, (2) summarize recent evidence shaping the current debate, and (3) highlight opportunities for continued efforts to identify best practices.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures in Rhinoplasty: Need for Use and Implementation.

Patient-reported outcome metrics (PROMs) are increasingly utilized to capture data about patients' quality of life. PROMs play an important role in the value-based health care movement by providing a patient-centered metric of quality. There are many barriers to the implementation of PROMs, and widespread adoption requires buy-in from numerous stakeholders including patients, clinicians, institutions, and payers. Several validated PROMs have been utilized by facial plastic surgeons to measure both functional and aesthetic outcomes among rhinoplasty patients. These PROMs can help clinicians and rhinoplasty patients participate in shared decision making (SDM), a process via which clinicians and patients arrive at treatment decisions together through a patient-centered approach. However, widespread adoption of PROMs and SDM has not yet been achieved. Further work should focus on overcoming barriers to implementation and engaging key stakeholders to increase the utilization of PROMs in rhinoplasty.

Spontaneous intramedullary abscesses caused by Streptococcus anginosus: two case reports and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary abscesses are rare infections of the spinal cord. Intramedullary abscesses often have a complex presentation, making a high index of suspicion essential for prompt diagnosis and management. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of intramedullary abscesses referred to and ultimately managed at our institution. Delayed diagnosis occurred in both instances due to the rarity of intramedullary abscesses and their propensity to mimic other pathologies. For both patients, prompt surgical management and the rapid institution of broad-spectrum antibiotics were critical in preventing further neurological decline. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, it is critical to consider intramedullary abscesses on the differential for any MRI lesions that are hyperintense on T2 and peripherally enhancing on T1 post-contrast sequences, as even short delays in treatment can lead to severe neurological damage.

Brief Preoperative Screening for Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Predicts Delirium after Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Frailty and cognitive impairment are associated with postoperative delirium, but are rarely assessed preoperatively. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that preoperative screening for frailty or cognitive impairment identifies patients at risk for postoperative delirium (primary outcome). METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, the authors administered frailty and cognitive screening instruments to 229 patients greater than or equal to 70 yr old presenting for elective spine surgery. Screening for frailty (five-item FRAIL scale [measuring fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and weight loss]) and cognition (Mini-Cog, Animal Verbal Fluency) were performed at the time of the preoperative evaluation. Demographic data, perioperative variables, and postoperative outcomes were gathered. Delirium was the primary outcome detected by either the Confusion Assessment Method, assessed daily from postoperative day 1 to 3 or until discharge, if patient was discharged sooner, or comprehensive chart review. Secondary outcomes were all other-cause complications, discharge not to home, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: The cohort was 75 [73 to 79 yr] years of age, 124 of 219 (57%) were male. Many scored positive for prefrailty (117 of 218; 54%), frailty (53 of 218; 24%), and cognitive impairment (50 to 82 of 219; 23 to 37%). Fifty-five patients (25%) developed delirium postoperatively. On multivariable analysis, frailty (scores 3 to 5 [odds ratio, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.96 to 21.9; P = 0.002]) versus robust (score 0) on the FRAIL scale, lower animal fluency scores (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.51; P = 0.036) for each point decrease in the number of animals named, and more invasive surgical procedures (odds ratio, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.31 to 5.50; P = 0.007) versus less invasive procedures were associated with postoperative delirium. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for frailty and cognitive impairment preoperatively using the FRAIL scale and the Animal Verbal Fluency test in older elective spine surgery patients identifies those at high risk for the development of postoperative delirium.

Ambulatory status after surgical and nonsurgical treatment for spinal metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Decisions for operative or nonoperative management remain challenging for patients with spinal metastases, especially when life expectancy and quality of life are not easily predicted. This study evaluated the effects of operative and nonoperative management on maintenance of ambulatory function and survival for patients treated for spinal metastases. METHODS: Propensity matching was used to yield an analytic sample in which operatively and nonoperatively treated patients were similar with respect to key baseline covariates. The study included patients treated for spinal metastases between 2005 and 2017 who were 40 to 80 years old, were independent ambulators at presentation, and had fewer than 5 medical comorbidities. It evaluated the influence of operative care and nonoperative care on ambulatory function 6 months after presentation as the primary outcome. Survival at 6 months and survival at 1 year were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty-nine individuals eligible for inclusion were identified, with 402 (201 operative patients and 201 nonoperative patients) retained after propensity score matching. Patients treated operatively had a lower likelihood than those treated nonoperatively of being nonambulatory 6 months after presentation (3% vs 16%; relative risk [RR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.46) as well as a reduced risk of 6-month mortality (20% vs 29%; RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that in a group of patients with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, those treated operatively were less likely to lose ambulatory function 6 months after presentation than those managed nonoperatively. For patients with spinal metastases, our data can be incorporated into discussions about the treatments that align best with patients' preferences regarding surgical risk, mortality, and ambulatory status.

MRI-Guided Cryoablation of Epidural Malignancies in the Spinal Canal Resulting in Neural Decompression and Regrowth of Bone.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the use of MRI to safely monitor cryoablation for the treatment of spinal epidural malignancies. CONCLUSION: Use of MRI guidance to monitor percutaneous cryoablation allows ablation margins more distinct than those allowed by heat-based ablation modalities. MRI-guided cryoablation is a feasible option for treating epidural tumors involving the spinal canal, resulting in successful decompression of the tumor away from the spinal cord with regrowth of previously eroded bone around the spinal canal.

Reconstruction of the Intranasal Lining.

Reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects has been the subject of surgical inquiry and innovation for over 2,000 years. The replacement of the internal nasal lining is a critical feature of complex nasal reconstruction. Successful reconstruction can prevent cicatricial contraction, external distortion, and internal stenosis. An array of reconstructive possibilities has been described, including cutaneous, mucosal, and fascial options. The challenge to the reconstructive surgeon is to select the repair that maximizes internal stability, while maintaining a patent nasal airway, minimizing morbidity, and meeting patient expectations. This article reviews the options available for the reconstruction of the intranasal lining.

Titanium Mesh Nasal Repair without Nasal Lining.

The objective of this study was to describe outcomes for patients who underwent titanium mesh reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects without internal lining repair. This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients with through-and-through nasal defects were identified at a single academic institution between 2008 and 2016. Nasal reconstruction was performed with either titanium mesh and external skin reconstruction without repair of the intranasal lining or traditional three-layer closure. Five patients underwent titanium mesh reconstruction and 11 underwent traditional three-layer repair. Median follow-up was 11 months (range, 2-66 months). The only significant difference between groups was older age in patients undergoing titanium reconstruction (mean, 81 vs. 63 years; difference of 18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4-32 years). Defect extent including overall size and structures removed was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Paramedian forehead flap was the most common external reconstruction in both groups (100% for titanium mesh and 73% for three-layer closure). Time under anesthesia was significantly shorter for titanium mesh reconstruction (median, 119 vs. 314 minutes; difference of 195; 95% CI, 45-237). Estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were similar between groups (p > 0.05). Complication rates were substantial although not significantly different, 40 and 36% in titanium and three-layer reconstruction, respectively (p > 0.05). All patients with complications after titanium reconstruction had prior or postoperative radiotherapy. Titanium mesh reconstruction of through-and-through nasal defects can successfully be performed without reconstruction of the intranasal lining, significantly decreasing operative times. This reconstructive technique may not be suitable for patients who undergo radiotherapy.

Surgical treatment of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas.

OBJECTIVE Vertebral hemangiomas are common tumors that are benign and generally asymptomatic. Occasionally these lesions can exhibit aggressive features such as bony expansion and erosion into the epidural space resulting in neurological symptoms. Surgery is often recommended in these cases, especially if symptoms are severe or rapidly progressive. Some surgeons perform decompression alone, others perform gross-total resection, while others perform en bloc resection. Radiation, embolization, vertebroplasty, and ethanol injection have also been used in combination with surgery. Despite the variety of available treatment options, the optimal management strategy is unclear because aggressive vertebral hemangiomas are uncommon lesions, making it difficult to perform large trials. For this reason, the authors chose instead to report their institutional experience along with a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS A departmental database was searched for patients with a pathological diagnosis of "hemangioma" between 2008 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients with aggressive vertebral hemangiomas, and these cases were reviewed in detail. RESULTS Five patients were identified who underwent surgery for treatment of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas during the specified time period. There were 2 lumbar and 3 thoracic lesions. One patient underwent en bloc spondylectomy, 2 patients had piecemeal gross-total resection, and the remaining 2 had subtotal tumor resection. Intraoperative vertebroplasty was used in 3 cases to augment the anterior column or to obliterate residual tumor. Adjuvant radiation was used in 1 case where there was residual tumor as well. The patient who underwent en bloc spondylectomy experienced several postoperative complications requiring additional medical care and reoperation. At an average follow-up of 31 months (range 3-65 months), no patient had any recurrence of disease and all were clinically asymptomatic, except the patient who underwent en bloc resection who continued to have back pain. CONCLUSIONS Gross-total resection or subtotal resection in combination with vertebroplasty or adjuvant radiation therapy to treat residual tumor seems sufficient in the treatment of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas. En bloc resection appears to provide a similar oncological benefit, but it carries higher morbidity to the patient.

Thirty-day readmission and reoperation after surgery for spinal tumors: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to use a large national registry to evaluate the 30-day cumulative incidence and predictors of adverse events, readmissions, and reoperations after surgery for primary and secondary spinal tumors. METHODS Data from adult patients who underwent surgery for spinal tumors (2011-2014) were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of reoperation, readmission, and major complications (death, neurological, cardiopulmonary, venous thromboembolism [VTE], surgical site infection [SSI], and sepsis). Variables screened included patient age, sex, tumor location, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification, preoperative functional status, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, case urgency, and operative time. Additional variables that were evaluated when analyzing readmission included complications during the surgical hospitalization, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition. RESULTS Among the 2207 patients evaluated, 51.4% had extradural tumors, 36.4% had intradural extramedullary tumors, and 12.3% had intramedullary tumors. By spinal level, 20.7% were cervical lesions, 47.4% were thoracic lesions, 29.1% were lumbar lesions, and 2.8% were sacral lesions. Readmission occurred in 10.2% of patients at a median of 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 12-23 days); the most common reasons for readmission were SSIs (23.7%), systemic infections (17.8%), VTE (12.7%), and CNS complications (11.9%). Predictors of readmission were comorbidities (dyspnea, hypertension, and anemia), disseminated cancer, preoperative steroid use, and an extended hospitalization. Reoperation occurred in 5.3% of patients at a median of 13 days (IQR 8-20 days) postoperatively and was associated with preoperative steroid use and ASA Class 4-5 designation. Major complications occurred in 14.4% of patients: the most common complications and their median time to occurrence were VTE (4.5%) at 9 days (IQR 4-19 days) postoperatively, SSIs (3.6%) at 18 days (IQR 14-25 days), and sepsis (2.9%) at 13 days (IQR 7-21 days). Predictors of major complications included dependent functional status, emergency case status, male sex, comorbidities (dyspnea, bleeding disorders, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, preoperative leukocytosis), and ASA Class 3-5 designation (p < 0.05). The median hospital LOS was 5 days (IQR 3-9 days), the 30-day mortality rate was 3.3%, and the median time to death was 20 days (IQR 12.5-26 days). CONCLUSIONS In this NSQIP analysis, 10.2% of patients undergoing surgery for spinal tumors were readmitted within 30 days, 5.3% underwent a reoperation, and 14.4% experienced a major complication. The most common complications were SSIs, systemic infections, and VTE, which often occurred late (after discharge from the surgical hospitalization). Patients were primarily readmitted for new complications that developed following discharge rather than exacerbation of complications from the surgical hospital stay. The strongest predictors of adverse events were comorbidities, preoperative steroid use, and higher ASA classification. These models can be used by surgeons to risk-stratify patients preoperatively and identify those who may benefit from increased surveillance following hospital discharge.

Improving discharge data fidelity for use in large administrative databases.

OBJECT: Large administrative databases have assumed a major role in population-based studies examining health care delivery. Lumbar fusion surgeries specifically have been scrutinized for rising rates coupled with ill-defined indications for fusion such as stenosis and spondylosis. Administrative databases classify cases with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). The ICD-9-CM discharge codes are not designated by surgeons, but rather are assigned by trained hospital medical coders. It is unclear how accurately they capture the surgeon's indication for fusion. The authors first sought to compare the ICD-9-CM code(s) assigned by the medical coder according to the surgeon's indication based on a review of the medical chart, and then to elucidate barriers to data fidelity. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of all lumbar fusions performed in the Department of Neurosurgery at the authors' institution between August 1, 2011, and August 31, 2013. Based on this review, the indication for fusion in each case was categorized as follows: spondylolisthesis, deformity, tumor, infection, nonpathological fracture, pseudarthrosis, adjacent-level degeneration, stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or disc herniation. These surgeon diagnoses were compared with the primary ICD-9-CM codes that were generated by the medical coders and submitted to administrative databases. A follow-up interview with the hospital's coders and coding manager was undertaken to review causes of error and suggestions for future improvement in data fidelity. RESULTS: There were 178 lumbar fusion operations performed in the course of 170 hospital admissions. There were 44 hospitalizations in which fusion was performed for tumor, infection, or nonpathological fracture. Of these, the primary diagnosis matched the surgical indication for fusion in 98% of cases. The remaining 126 hospitalizations were for degenerative diseases, and of these, the primary ICD-9-CM diagnosis matched the surgeon's diagnosis in only 61 (48%) of 126 cases of degenerative disease. When both the primary and all secondary ICD-9-CM diagnoses were considered, the indication for fusion was identified in 100 (79%) of 126 cases. Still, in 21% of hospitalizations, the coder did not identify the surgical diagnosis, which was in fact present in the chart. There are many different causes of coding inaccuracy and data corruption. They include factors related to the quality of documentation by the physicians, coder training and experience, and ICD code ambiguity. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers, policymakers, payers, and physicians should note these limitations when reviewing studies in which hospital claims data are used. Advanced domain-specific coder training, increased attention to detail and utilization of ICD-9-CM diagnoses by the surgeon, and improved direction from the surgeon to the coder may augment data fidelity and minimize coding errors. By understanding sources of error, users of these large databases can evaluate their limitations and make more useful decisions based on them.

Evolution of the Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): From Open to Percutaneous to Patient-Specific.

The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has seen significant evolution since its early inception, reflecting advancements in surgical techniques, patient safety, and outcomes. Originally described as an improvement over the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), the TLIF began as an open surgical procedure, that notably reduced the need for the extensive neural retractation that hindered the PLIF. In line with the broader practice of surgery, trending toward minimally invasive access, the TLIF was followed by the development of the minimally invasive TLIF (MIS-TLIF), a technique that further decreased tissue trauma and postoperative complications. Subsequent advancements, including Trans-Kambin's Triangle TLIF (percLIF) and transfacet LIF, have continued to refine surgical access, minimize surgical footprint, and reduce the risk of injury to the patient. The latest evolution, as we will describe it, the patient-specific TLIF, is a culmination of the aforementioned adaptations and incorporates advanced imaging and segmentation technologies into perioperative planning, allowing surgeons to tailor approaches based on individual patient anatomy and pathology. These developments signify a shift towards more precise methods in spine surgery. The ongoing evolution of the TLIF technique illustrates the dynamic nature of surgery and emphasizes the need for continued adaptation and refinement.

The Importance of Planning Ahead: A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Novel Trans-Facet Corridor for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Segmentation Technology.

BACKGROUND: The rise of minimally invasive lumbar fusions and advanced imaging technologies has facilitated the introduction of novel surgical techniques with the trans-facet approach being one of the newest additions. We aimed to quantify any pathology-driven anatomic changes to the trans-facet corridor, which could thereby alter the ideal laterality of approach to the disc space. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we measured the areas and maximum permissible cannula diameters of the trans-facet corridor using commercially available software (BrainLab, Munich, Germany). Exiting and traversing nerve roots, thecal sacs, and lumbar vertebrae were manually segmented on T2-SPACE magnetic resonance imaging. Spondylolisthesis, disc protrusions, and disc space heights were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 118 trans-facet corridors were segmented bilaterally in 16 patients (65.6 ± 12.1 years, 43.8% female, body mass index 29.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2). The mean areas at L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 were 89.4 ± 24.9 mm2, 124 ± 39.4 mm2, 123 ± 26.6 mm2, and 159 ± 42.7 mm2, respectively. The mean permissible cannula diameter at the same levels were 7.85 ± 1.43 mm, 8.98 ± 1.72 mm, 8.93 ± 1.26 mm, and 10.2 ± 1.94 mm, respectively. Both parameters increased caudally. Higher degrees for spondylolisthesis were associated with larger areas and maximum cannula diameters on regression analysis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrate that pathology, like spondylolisthesis, can increase the area of the trans-facet corridor. By understanding this effect, surgeons can better decide on the optimal approach to the disc while taking into consideration a patient's unique anatomy.