Hemiarthroplasty for Hip Fractures: Posterior or Direct Lateral Approach? Advantages and Disadvantages.

BACKGROUND: Several approaches are used to access the hip joint; most common are the direct lateral and posterior. Little consensus exists on which to use when treating hip fractures. OBJECTIVES: To compare short-term complications, postoperative ambulation, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) of direct lateral vs. posterior approaches in hemiarthroplasty for acute hip fractures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective clinical trial with 260 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty in the direct lateral or posterior approach (166 and 94, respectively) between January 2017 and December 2018. The clinical data included short-term complications: prosthetic dislocation, periprosthetic fractures, and infection. Postoperative ambulation was collected 6 weeks postoperatively; PROMS were collected for 173 patients at 2 years follow-up. RESULTS: There were six dislocations overall, average time to dislocation was 22 days postoperative (range 4-34). Five dislocations were after the posterior approach (5.3%) and one after direct lateral (0.6%) (P = 0.01). At 6 weeks follow-up, inability to walk was found in 16.9% of the direct lateral group and 6.4% of the posterior approach group (P = 0.02). In the posterior approach group, 76% could walk more than 20 meters; only half of the direct lateral group could (P = 0.0002). At 2 years follow-up, PROMS did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior approach for hemiarthroplasty following femoral neck fractures allows superior ambulation to the direct lateral approach only for the short-term. However, no long-term clinical advantage was found. This short-term benefit does not justify the increased dislocation rate in the posterior approach.

The Prone Lateral Approach for Lumbar Fusion-A Review of the Literature and Case Series.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is an evolving procedure in spine surgery allowing for the placement of large interbody devices to achieve indirect decompression of segmental stenosis, deformity correction and high fusion rates through a minimally invasive approach. Traditionally, this technique has been performed in the lateral decubitus position. Many surgeons have adopted simultaneous posterior instrumentation in the lateral position to avoid patient repositioning; however, this technique presents several challenges and limitations. Recently, lateral interbody fusion in the prone position has been gaining in popularity due to the surgeon's ability to perform simultaneous posterior instrumentation as well as decompression procedures and corrective osteotomies. Furthermore, the prone position allows improved correction of sagittal plane imbalance due to increased lumbar lordosis when prone on most operative tables used for spinal surgery. In this paper, we describe the evolution of the prone lateral approach for interbody fusion and present our experience with this technique. Case examples are included for illustration.

Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Extremity: Clinical Outcomes Following Surgical Treatment. A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute extremity compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency for which timely diagnosis is essential. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the time from the initial insult to the fasciotomy of compartment syndrome of the upper extremity affects outcomes and to examine the differences between compartment syndrome secondary to fractures and that resulting from a non-fracture etiology with regard to the time from insult to fasciotomy and the long-term patient outcomes. METHODS: Patients presented with documented fasciotomy treatment following acute upper extremity compartment syndrome and a minimum of 6 months follow-up. Patient information included demographics, cause of compartment syndrome, method of diagnosis, and outcome on follow-up. RESULTS: Our study was comprised of 25 patients. Fasciotomies were performed for compartment syndrome caused by fracture in 11 patients (44%), and due to insults other than fractures in 14 patients (56%). The average time to fasciotomy in patients without a fracture was 10.21 hours and 16.55 hours with a fracture. Fasciotomy performed more than 24 hours from the initial insult was not found to significantly affect long-term sequelae compared to fasciotomy performed earlier than 24 hours from the initial insult. The non-fracture group had more long-term sequelae than the fracture group (13/15 patients and 5/11 patients, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Most injuries treated for fasciotomy of compartment syndrome were non-fracture related, with more complications found in patients with non-fracture related injuries. Time interval from insult to fasciotomy did not affect outcome and was longer in the fracture group, suggesting longer monitoring in this group and supporting fasciotomy even with late presentation.

Visual deterioration during pregnancy due to skull base tumors compressing the optic apparatus.

Intracranial tumors may rapidly enlarge during pregnancy. When the tumor abuts the optic apparatus, tumor growth may cause visual deterioration. The decisions regarding the management of these tumors should take into consideration visual function, fetal and maternal safety, and the ability for total resection of the tumor. The objective of the study was to describe our experience and to establish principles for management of intracranial tumors compressing the optic apparatus that present during pregnancy or in the early post partum period. A retrospective case-series review was conducted. Women who presented with visual deterioration either during pregnancy or in the early post partum period due to an intracranial tumor were included. Neurosurgical and obstetrical data were collected from the patients' hospital files and outpatient clinic records. Between 2005 and 2011, nine pregnant women with visual deterioration were diagnosed and treated. Of them, four underwent a neurosurgical procedure during pregnancy. Of the five patients who underwent surgery for tumor resection after delivery, three required urgent cesarean section either due to acute visual deterioration or obstetrical reasons. There was no maternal or fetal mortality and a good overall neonatal outcome was achieved. Improvement in visual acuity and visual fields was achieved in all patients. Postoperative complications included two cases of CSF leak, which resolved after treatment. Visual deterioration during pregnancy due to tumors that compress the optic apparatus requires treatment by a multi-disciplinary team. Surgery is well tolerated by mother and fetus during early and midpregnancy; thus, in cases where visual deterioration is detected, delay of surgery is not justified.

Sequential Depth Stimulation Within the Psoas Offers No Benefit for Localization of the Lumbar Plexus During Lateral Lumbar Fusion Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aim to assess the difference in triggered EMG readings throughout different depths in the psoas muscle during the lateral approach to the lumbar spine and their effect on surgeon decision making. METHODS: Three surgeons, practicing at different institutions, assessed triggered EMG readings during the trans psoas approach at the level of the disc and 5,10 and 15 millimeters into the psoas muscle with sequential dilators. Measurement of distance into the psoas muscle was done with a specially designed instrument. Results of anterior and posterior directed stimulation as well as the delta value between these were recorded and underwent statistical analysis. Patients who had partial readings were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 40 levels in 35 patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference found between means of anterior or posterior threshold readings along the different distance groups. A significant difference was found (P = .024) in the mean difference between the distance groups with a decrease in the difference between anterior and posterior threshold values found as the distance from the disc space increased. None of the surgeons reported a decision to abort the fusion of a spinal level. CONCLUSIONS: In the trans-psoas approach to the lumbar spine, the assessment of the location of the femoral nerve using directional neuromonitoring when advancing in the psoas muscle shows no clear benefit as opposed to stimulating solely when adjacent to the disc space.

C5 nerve root palsy (without prior cervical decompression) case series: 9 patients with critical delay to presentation.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing between cervical nerve root and intrinsic shoulder pathology can be a difficult task given the overlapping and often coexisting symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to highlight the often-complicated presentation of these symptoms and the subsequent potential for delay in care regarding this subset of patients. METHODS: A total of 9 patients, managed by one of two different surgeons, were identified with a history of C5 nerve root palsy. A chart review was conducted, and the following information was recorded: presenting complaint, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, time from symptom onset to presentation to a spine surgeon, first specialist seen for symptoms, non-spinal advanced imaging and treatment conducted before diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative exam, time to recovery, and type of surgery. RESULTS: We observed an average time from onset of symptoms to presentation to a spine surgeon to be 31.6 weeks. These patients' time to full recovery after cervical decompression was 15 weeks. CONCLUSION: : We observed a critical delay to presentation in this series of patients with C5 nerve palsy. C5 nerve palsy should remain an elemental part of the differential diagnosis in the setting of any shoulder or neck pain presenting with weakness.

[Delay in diagnosis of meningiomas involving the optic apparatus: conclusions and guidelines for early imaging based on our experience in 100 patients].

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis of tumors which compress the anterior optic apparatus is important in order to prevent visual functional damage. Pre-operative visual function is correlated with post operative visuaL results, therefore, delay in diagnosis leading to deterioration in vision may cause irreversible damage. OBJECTIVES: Reviewing our experience with 100 patients with meningiomas involving the optic apparatus and establishing guidelines for early imaging in patients with visual impairment to prevent delays in diagnosis. METHODS: Data was retrospectively collected for 100 patients with a meningioma involving the anterior optic apparatus, who underwent surgery between the years 2003-2011. Data was collected from hospital inpatient and outpatient files, as well as eye exams from the outset of the patient's symptoms and other exams that were carried out in the community. RESULTS: In 14 patients there was a delay of one year or more in the diagnosis of meningioma. Of these, 3 were initially diagnosed with glaucoma, 3 with cataracts, 2 with migraines, in 5 patients no further investigation was conducted in spite of their ongoing complaints and in 1 patient, brain imaging was reported as normal. CONCLUSIONS: In a distinct number of patients there was a delay in diagnosis of over a year. A patient with complaints of deterioration in visual acuity which is not corrected by glasses, with examination findings of an afferent pupil and visual field defects, should undergo neuro-imaging in order to rule out a space-occupying lesion. This should be the case even if the patient has findings of a cataract which may partially explain deterioration in visual acuity.

Femoral metastatic pathological fractures, impending and actual fractures - A patient survival study.

INTRODUCTION: The skeleton is a common site for metastases. Prostate, breast, lung, renal and thyroid carcinomas account for 80 % of the original cancers, with the femur being the most affected long bone. With improved oncological treatments, prolonged patient survival leads to an increased prevalence of osseous metastases. This study examines the impact of preventive surgery for impending femoral pathological fracture (IFF), versus treatment of pathological femur fracture (PFF) on patient mortality and morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 174 patients undergoing surgery due to femoral metastases (2004-2015). Eighty-two patients were with PFF, and 92 were with IFF based on the Mirels' score. The followed-up period was until 2016. Demographic data, oncological, pathological, radiation, surgical reports, outpatient clinical records, and imaging studies were examined. Exclusion criteria included primary tumours and Multiple Myeloma. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.8 ± 13.3 and 60.2 ± 11.9 years (p = 0.02) in the PFF and the IFF cohorts, with 62.1 % women and 57 % men. The breast was the most common source of femoral metastases. The average Mirels' score was 10 ± 1.2. There was an association between tumour origin and survival. Carcinoma of the lung had the worst survival, while the prostate had the most prolonged survival. Survival rates differed between IFF and PFF (p = 0.03). Postoperative complications occurred in 26 % of the patient, with no difference between IFF & PFF. CONCLUSION: Breast and lung are the most common tumours to metastasize the femur. Our study revalidates that pathological femoral fractures impede patient survival compared to impending fractures and should undergo preventive surgery. Postoperative complications do not differ between IFF and PFF but remain relatively high. Overall, patients with proximal femoral metastatic disease survive longer than previously published, probably due to improved treatment modalities.

The effect of cannabis use on postoperative complications in patients undergoing spine surgery: A national database study.

Background: With the increased use of cannabis in the US, there is a significant need to understand the medical complications associated with its use in relationship to a surgical population. Cannabis has mainly been studied with respect to its qualities of pain treatment, yet few studies have investigated post-surgical complications associated with its use. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effect of cannabis use on complications in spine surgery, and compare these complications rates to opioid-related complications. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted using the PearlDiver Database. Using ICD codes 40,989 patients that underwent lumbar spine fusion between January 2010 and October 2020 were identified and divided into 3 study groups (i.e., control, patients with known opioid use disorder, and patients identified as cannabis users). Differences in the incidence of complications within 30 days of the index procedure and pseudarthrosis rates at 18 months postindex procedure were assessed among study groups using a multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 12.4% study population used cannabis and 38.8% had a known opioid use disorder. Results indicated increased odds of experiencing a VTE, hypoxia, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia for both opioid and cannabis users compared to controls; however, when controlling for tobacco use there were no increased odds of complications within the cannabis group. The pseudarthrosis rate was greater in cannabis users (2.4%) than in controls (1.1%). Conclusions: The pseudarthrosis rate was significantly greater in patients using cannabis and opioids compared to the control group. However, when controlling for tobacco use, results suggested a possible negative synergistic between cannabis use and concomitant tobacco use that may influence bone fusion.

Early surgery for thoracolumbar extension-type fractures in geriatric patients with ankylosing disorders reduces patient complications and mortality.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The management of trauma patients with ankylosing spinal disorders has become an issue of increasing interest. Geriatric patients frequently sustain unstable extension type vertebral fractures with ankylosed spines. In this population, studies have shown that early surgery for other injuries such as hip fractures may reduce patient complications and mortality. These studies have changed patient care protocols in many medical centers worldwide. PURPOSE: We aim to assess the relationship between the timing of surgery for unstable vertebral fractures in ankylosed spines in the geriatric population and patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective clinical study conducted in a tertiary hospital. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients included were those diagnosed with isolated thoracolumbar extension type fractures and a spinal ankylosing disorder over 65 years old following minor trauma and with no additional injuries or neurological deficit. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures included postoperative medical complications and mortality at 1 and 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included rehospitalization rates, length of stay, and surgical site infections. METHODS: We searched our department's database for all that met our inclusion criteria who underwent surgery. The difference in patient outcomes that underwent early surgery defined as less than 72 hours from diagnosis as opposed to those that underwent later surgery was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients underwent surgery following a diagnosis of an extension type thoracolumbar fracture at our institution between 2015 and 2021. Of these, 50 met inclusion criteria. Nineteen patients underwent surgery less than 72 hours from diagnosis and 31 more than 72 hours from diagnosis. No difference was found in age, functional status, and Elixhauser comorbidity scores between the groups. A statistically significant difference in perioperative patient complications between the early and the late groups (p=.005) was found. Mortality at six-months was significantly different between the groups as well (p=.035). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when comparing surgical site infections, length of hospital stay, rehospitalization within a month, and perioperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Time to surgery affects complication rates and six-month mortality in geriatric patients with spinal ankylosing disorders presenting with an isolated unstable hyperextension type thoracolumbar fracture. Early surgery of less than 72 hours from presentation in this patient population is recommended.

Limitations of Plain Film Radiography in Identification of Hyperextension Fractures in Patients With Ankylosing Spinal Disorders.

STUDY DESIGN: Efficacy study. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the limitations of radiography in patients with spinal ankylosing disorders (SAD) with an emphasis on thoracolumbar injuries, which have been less focused upon. METHODS: We searched our hospital's emergency room database for patients who underwent a total spine computed tomography (CT) following a diagnosis of SAD on radiographs following a minor fall. A high-quality presentation containing 50 randomly situated anteroposterior + lateral radiographs was created. Of these, 24 contained a hyperextension type fracture diagnosed by CT. Twelve physicians-4 spine surgeons, 4 senior orthopedic residents and 4 junior orthopedic residents were requested to identify the pathologic radiographs and note the fracture level. RESULTS: Fracture diagnosis stood at 65% for the best reader. When examining the different subgroups, the mean rate of diagnosis for spine surgeons was 55% and for orthopedic residents 32%. Mean diagnosis of thoracic fractures was 26%, of lumbar fractures was 55%, and for the entire thoracolumbar spine was 40%. The interobserver agreement (kappa coefficient) was found to be 0.37 for the entire group and 0.39 for spine surgeons. This finding was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The simple radiograph is an inefficient modality for diagnosis of hyperextension type thoracolumbar fractures in patients with SAD. The poor interobserver agreement rate further amplifies this finding. Advanced imaging is recommended in these patients.

Diabetes Mellitus Is Not a Negative Prognostic Factor for Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with inferior clinical outcomes and comorbidities in general. The authors sought to compare the outcomes of hip arthroscopy at minimum 2-year follow-up for patients with DM with those of patients without DM. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between February 2008 and December 2014. The inclusion criteria were patients with DM who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears and had preoperative patient- reported outcomes. The exclusion criteria were preoperative Tönnis grade greater than 1, previous ipsilateral hip surgery, and/or previous conditions. All patients with DM were matched in a 1:2 ratio to control patients without DM. The matching criteria were age at surgery, sex, body mass index, workers' compensation, capsular treatment, and acetabular Outerbridge grade 0 or 1 vs 2, 3, or 4. Of 29 eligible patients with DM, 26 (89.7%) had minimum 2-year follow-up. Twenty-six patients with DM were matched and compared with 52 patients without DM. Acetabuloplasty was performed more frequently in the control group (P=.01). There were no other statistically significant differences detected in terms of demographics, preoperative radiographic imaging, intraoperative findings, procedures, preoperative scores, follow-up scores, revision rates, rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty, or complication rates. Patients with DM demonstrated favorable improvements at 2 or more years after arthroscopic labral treatment when compared with a matched control group without DM. The DM group demonstrated a non-statistically significant trend toward inferior outcomes in all patient-reported outcomes, visual analog scale score, and satisfaction. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(4):241-248.].

Whole Spine CT Scan for the Detection of Acute Spinal Fractures in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Patients Who Sustained Low-energy Trauma.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and value of whole-spine computerized tomography (WSCT) versus radiographs and targeted CT to tender spinal regions in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) after low-energy trauma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Subjects with DISH are prone to spinal fractures even after low-impact trauma due to a rigid spinal structure. METHODS: One-hundred forty-seven subjects (average age: 83 years, M:F 64/83) with verified DISH (Resnick and Niwayama radiographic criteria) on WSCT who were admitted to the emergency room (ER) after low-energy trauma and for whom there were radiographs of at least the thoracic and lumbar spine were evaluated for the presence of acute spinal fractures on both radiographs and WSCT. Agreement between fracture location and spinal tenderness location (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) as reported in the medical record was evaluated. RESULTS: Significantly more acute fractures were detected on WSCT compared to radiographs (55 and 32, P < 0.00001, respectively). The site of tenderness was not indicative of the fractured spinal segment in 57% of all acute fractures (seven cervical, 15 thoracic, and 16 lumbar). No fracture was detected on WSCT in 10 subjects with an unspecified pain location. Multilevel distant fractures were detected in two patients with a specified pain location to only one of the fractures. CONCLUSION: WSCT in DISH subjects after low-impact trauma is mandatory due to the high prevalence of acute fractures and the low specificity for fracture detection on radiographs. A targeted CT approach to the tender spinal segment proved to be inadequate and would have missed 57% of the acute single fractures with incompatible spinal tenderness location. These results support the significant role of WSCT in the ER setting for detecting and pinpointing the spinal fracture site of DISH subjects who present with low-impact trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Elaborate mapping of the posterior visual pathway in awake craniotomy.

OBJECTIVE Resection of intraaxial tumors adjacent to the optic radiation (OR) may be associated with postoperative visual field (VF) deficits. Intraoperative navigation using MRI-based tractography and electrophysiological monitoring of the visual pathways may allow maximal resection while preserving visual function. In this study, the authors evaluated the value of visual pathway mapping in a series of patients undergoing awake craniotomy for tumor resection. METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted in 18 patients who underwent an awake craniotomy for resection of intraaxial tumors involving or adjacent to the OR. Preoperative MRI-based tractography was used for intraoperative navigation, and intraoperative acquisition of 3D ultrasonography images was performed for real-time imaging and correction of brain shift. Goggles with light-emitting diodes were used as a standard visual stimulus. Direct cortical visual evoked potential (VEP) recording, subcortical recordings from the OR, and subcortical stimulation of the OR were used intraoperatively to assess visual function and proximity of the lesion to the OR. VFs were assessed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS Baseline cortical VEP recordings were available for 14 patients (77.7%). No association was found between preoperative VF status and baseline presence of cortical VEPs (p = 0.27). Five of the 14 patients (35.7%) who underwent subcortical stimulation of the OR reported seeing phosphenes in the corresponding contralateral VF. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.899, p = 0.04) between the subcortical threshold stimulation intensity (3-11.5 mA) and the distance from the OR. Subcortical recordings from the OR demonstrated a typical VEP waveform in 10 of the 13 evaluated patients (76.9%). These waveforms were present only when recordings were obtained within 10 mm of the OR (p = 0.04). Seven patients (38.9%) had postoperative VF deterioration, and it was associated with a length of < 8 mm between the tumor and the OR (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring of the visual pathways is feasible but may be of limited value in preserving the functional integrity of the posterior visual pathways. Subcortical stimulation of the OR may identify the location of the OR when done in proximity to the pathways, but such proximity may be associated with increased risk of postoperative worsening of the VF deficit.

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas: surgical technique, visual outcome, and prognostic factors in 51 cases.

Complete tumor resection with preservation or improvement of visual function is the goal of tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) treatment. The authors retrospectively reviewed 51 patients treated surgically for TSM between 2003 and 2010, with special attention to surgical technique, visual outcomes, and prognostic factors for treatment outcome. All patients were operated via the lateral subfrontal approach. The cohort mean age and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) on admission was 57.1 ± 13.6 and 84.3 ± 11.7, respectively. The most common presenting sign was visual impairment. The mean tumor size was 29.4 ± 10.7 mm. In 45 of the patients (88.2%), gross total resection was achieved. Improvement and/or preservation of visual acuity and visual field were achieved in 95.9% and 85.3%, respectively. Visual functions on admission were found to be the strongest predictors for postoperative improvement in visual outcome, followed by better KPS on admission, smaller tumor size, and young age. Postoperative neurological complications included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, and postoperative seizures. TSM can be safely operated on through the lateral subfrontal approach. A high percentage of complete tumor resection and excellent visual outcomes are achieved using this technique. Surgical treatment in the early stage of the disease may result in a better visual outcome.