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OBJECTIVE: Persistent hydrocephalus following posterior fossa brain tumor (PFBT) resection is a common cause of morbidity in pediatric brain tumor patients, for which the optimal treatment is debated. The purpose of this study was to compare treatment outcomes between VPS and ETV in patients with persistent hydrocephalus following surgical resection of a PFBT. METHODS: A post-hoc analysis was performed of the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) prospective observational study evaluating VPS and ETV for pediatric patients. Children who experienced hydrocephalus secondary to PFBT from 2008 to 2021 were included. Primary outcomes were VPS/ETV treatment failure and time-to-failure (TTF). RESULTS: Among 241 patients, the VPS (183) and ETV (58) groups were similar in age, extent of tumor resection, and preoperative ETV Success Score. There was no difference in overall treatment failure between VPS and ETV (33.9% vs 31.0%, p = 0.751). However, mean TTF was shorter for ETV than VPS (0.45 years vs 1.30 years, p = 0.001). While major complication profiles were similar, compared to VPS, ETV patients had relatively higher incidence of minor CSF leak (10.3% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.003) and pseudomeningocele (12.1% vs 3.3%, p = 0.02). No ETV failures were identified beyond 3 years, while shunt failures occurred beyond 5 years. Shunt infections occurred in 5.5% of the VPS cohort. CONCLUSIONS: ETV and VPS offer similar overall success rates for PFBT-related postoperative hydrocephalus. ETV failure occurs earlier, while susceptibility to VPS failure persists beyond 5 years. Tumor histology and grade may be considered when selecting the optimal means of CSF diversion.
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Hidrocefalia , Neoplasias Infratentoriales , Neuroendoscopía , Niño , Humanos , Ventriculostomía/efectos adversos , Neuroendoscopía/efectos adversos , Derivación Ventriculoperitoneal/efectos adversos , Hidrocefalia/etiología , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Hidrocefalia/epidemiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Neoplasias Infratentoriales/complicaciones , Neoplasias Infratentoriales/cirugía , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Spine robots have seen increased utilization over the past half decade with the introduction of multiple new systems. Market research expects this expansion to continue over the next half decade at an annual rate of 20%. However, because of the novelty of these devices, there is limited literature on their learning curves and how they should be integrated into residency curricula. With the present review, the authors aimed to address these two points. METHODS: A systematic review of the published English-language literature on PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies describing the learning curve in spine robotics. Included articles described clinical results in patients using one of the following endpoints: operative time, screw placement time, fluoroscopy usage, and instrumentation accuracy. Systems examined included the Mazor series, the ExcelsiusGPS, and the TiRobot. Learning curves were reported in a qualitative synthesis, given as the mean improvement in the endpoint per case performed or screw placed where possible. All studies were level IV case series with a high risk of reporting bias. RESULTS: Of 1579 unique articles, 97 underwent full-text review and 21 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria; 62 articles were excluded for not presenting primary data for one of the above-described endpoints. Of the 21 articles, 18 noted the presence of a learning curve in spine robots, which ranged from 3 to 30 cases or 15 to 62 screws. Only 12 articles performed regressions of one of the endpoints (most commonly operative time) as a function of screws placed or cases performed. Among these, increasing experience was associated with a 0.24- to 4.6-minute decrease in operative time per case performed. All but one series described the experience of attending surgeons, not residents. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies of learning curves with spine robots have found them to be present, with the most common threshold being 20 to 30 cases performed. Unfortunately, all available evidence is level IV data, limited to case series. Given the ability of residency to allow trainees to safely perform these cases under the supervision of experienced senior surgeons, it is argued that a curriculum should be developed for senior-level residents specializing in spine comprising a minimum of 30 performed cases.
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Internado y Residencia , Robótica , Curriculum , Humanos , Curva de Aprendizaje , Columna Vertebral/cirugíaRESUMEN
Significant advancements in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) were developed in the setting of military conflicts, partly due to the large numbers of injuries sustained by service members. No effective SCI treatment options existed into the early 20th century, and soldiers who sustained these injuries were usually considered untreatable. Extensive progress was made in SCI treatment during and after World War II, as physical therapy was increasingly encouraged for patients with SCI, multidisciplinary teams oversaw care, pathophysiology was better understood, and strategies were devised to prevent wound infection and pressure sores. Recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused a substantial rise in the proportion of SCIs among causes of casualties and wounds, largely due to new forms of war and weapons, such as improvised explosive devices. Modern military SCIs resulting from blast mechanisms are substantively different from traumatic SCIs sustained by civilians. The treatment paradigms developed over the past 100 years have increased survival rates and outcomes of soldiers with SCI. In this paper, the authors review the role of military conflicts in the development of therapeutic interventions for SCI and discuss how these interventions have improved outcomes for soldiers and civilians alike.
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Medicina Militar , Personal Militar , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal , Traumatismos Vertebrales , Afganistán , Humanos , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal/etiología , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal/terapia , Tasa de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
Post-operative vision loss (POVL) can be a devastating complication of neurosurgical procedures and is unusual in the pediatric population. Mechanisms of POVL include direct optic nerve injury, vascular occlusion, or indirect malperfusion resultant from surgeries with substantial blood loss or fluid shifts, with prone positioning being a major risk factor for these events. Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a rare cause of POVL and is associated with a poor prognosis for recovery of visual function. We present a case of PION following a supine bifrontal craniotomy for a frontal epidural abscess secondary to pan-sinusitis in a pediatric patient. This is an unusual reported case in that no additional traditional risk factors were identified. We present clinical and radiographic findings, diagnostic considerations, treatment strategies, and a literature review. The patient was managed medically and recovered substantial vision in the affected eye.
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Absceso Epidural , Neuropatía Óptica Isquémica , Niño , Craneotomía/efectos adversos , Humanos , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/diagnóstico por imagen , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/cirugíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in spine surgery. Here we provides an overview of the key developments and technological milestones that have laid the foundation for AR applications in this field. We also assess the quality of existing studies on AR systems in spine surgery and explore potential future applications. PURPOSE: The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the role of AR in spine surgery. It aims to highlight the evolution of AR technology in this context, evaluate the existing body of research, and outline potential future directions for integrating AR into spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. METHODS: We conducted a thorough literature search to identify studies and developments related to AR in spine surgery. Relevant articles, reports, and technological advancements were analyzed to establish the historical context and current state of AR in this field. RESULTS: The review identifies significant milestones in the development of AR technology for spine surgery. It discusses the growing body of research and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of existing investigations. Additionally, it presents insights into the potential for AR to enhance spine surgical education and speculates on future applications. CONCLUSIONS: Augmented reality has emerged as a promising adjunct in spine surgery, with notable advancements and research efforts. The integration of AR into the spine surgery operating room holds promise, as does its potential to revolutionize surgical education. Future applications of AR in spine surgery may include real-time navigation, enhanced visualization, and improved patient outcomes. Continued development and evaluation of AR technology are essential for its successful implementation in this specialized surgical field.
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Realidad Aumentada , Cirugía Asistida por Computador , Humanos , Columna Vertebral/cirugíaRESUMEN
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are powerful technologies with proven utility and tremendous potential. Spine surgery, in particular, may benefit from these developing technologies for resident training, preoperative education for patients, surgical planning and execution, and patient rehabilitation. In this review, the history, current applications, challenges, and future of AR/VR in spine surgery are examined.
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Realidad Aumentada , Cirugía Asistida por Computador , Realidad Virtual , Humanos , Cuidados PreoperatoriosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Pedicle screw placement guidance is critical in spinal fusions, and spinal surgery robots aim to improve accuracy and reduce complications. Current literature has yet to compare the relative merits of available robotic systems. In this review, the authors aimed to 1) assess the current state of spinal robotics literature; 2) conduct a meta-analysis of robotic performance based on accuracy, speed, and safety; and 3) offer recommendations for robotic system selection. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors conducted a systematic literature review across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus as of April 28, 2022, for studies on approved robots for placing lumbar pedicle screws. Three reviewers screened and extracted data relating to the study characteristics, accuracy rate, intraoperative revisions, and reoperations. Secondary performance metrics included operative time, blood loss, and radiation exposure. The authors statistically compared the performance of the robots using a random-effects model to account for variation within and between the studies. Each robot was also compared with performance benchmarks of traditional techniques including freehand, fluoroscopic, and CT-navigated insertion. Finally, we performed a Duval and Tweedie trim-and-fill test to assess for the presence of publication bias. RESULTS: The authors identified 46 studies, describing 4670 patients and 25,054 screws, that evaluated 4 different robotic systems: Mazor X, ROSA, ExcelsiusGPS, and Cirq. The weighted accuracy rates of Gertzbein-Robbins classification grade A or B screws were as follows: ExcelsiusGPS, 98.0%; ROSA, 98.0%; Mazor, 98.2%; and Cirq, 94.2%. No robot was significantly more accurate than the others. However, the accuracy of the ExcelsiusGPS was significantly higher than that of traditional methods, and the accuracies of the Mazor and ROSA were significantly higher than that of fluoroscopy. The intraoperative revision rates were Cirq, 0.55%; ROSA, 0.91%; Mazor, 0.98%; and ExcelsiusGPS, 1.08%. The reoperation rates were Cirq, 0.28%; ExcelsiusGPS, 0.32%; and Mazor, 0.76% (no reoperations were reported for ROSA). Operative times were similar for all robots. Both the ExcelsiusGPS and Mazor were associated with significantly less blood loss than the ROSA. The Cirq had the lowest radiation exposure. Robots tended to be more accurate and generally their use was associated with fewer reoperations and less blood loss than freehand, fluoroscopic, or CT-navigated techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic platforms perform comparably based on key metrics, with high accuracy rates and low intraoperative revision and reoperation rates. The spinal robotics publication rate will continue to accelerate, and choosing a robot will depend on the context of the practice.
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Background: Postoperative infection is a complication of spinal fusion surgery resulting in increased patient morbidity. Strategies including intraoperative application of powdered vancomycin have been proposed to reduce the incidence of infection; however, such antimicrobial effects are short-lived. Methods: Instrumentation of the L4-L5 vertebrae was performed mimicking pedicle screw and rod fixation in 30 rats. Titanium instrumentation inoculated with either PBS or 1×105 CFU bioluminescent MRSA, along with biomimetic bone grafts infused with varying concentrations of vancomycin and 125 µg of rhBMP-2 (BioMim-rhBMP-2-VCM) were implanted prior to closure. Infection was quantified during the six-week postoperative period using bioluminescent imaging. Arthrodesis was evaluated using micro-CT. Results: Infected animals receiving a bone graft infused with low-dose (0.18 mg/g) or high-dose vancomycin (0.89 mg/g) both exhibited significantly lower bioluminescent signal over the six-week postoperative period than control animals inoculated with MRSA and implanted with bone grafts lacking vancomycin (p=.019 and p=.007, respectively). Both low and high-dose vancomycin-infused grafts also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in average bioluminescence when compared to control animals (p=.027 and p=.047, respectively), independent of time. MicroCT analysis of animals from each group revealed pseudoarthrosis only in the control group, suggesting a correlation between infection and pseudoarthrosis. MRSA-inoculated control animals also had significantly less bone volume formation on micro-CT than the PBS-inoculated control cohort (p<.001), the MRSA+low-dose vancomycin-infused bone graft cohort (p<.001), and the MRSA+high-dose vancomycin-infused bone graft cohort (p<.001). Conclusion: BioMim-rhBMP-2-VCM presents a novel tissue engineering approach to simultaneously promoting arthrodesis and antimicrobial prophylaxis in spinal fusion. Despite mixed evidence of potential osteotoxicity of vancomycin reported in literature, BioMim-rhBMP-2-VCM preserved arthrodesis and osteogenesis with increasing vancomycin loading doses due to the graft's osteoinductive composition.
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BACKGROUND: Tension in the spinal cord is a trademark of tethered cord syndrome. Unfortunately, existing tests cannot quantify tension across the bulk of the cord, making the diagnostic evaluation of stretch ambiguous. A potential non-destructive metric for spinal cord tension is ultrasound-derived shear wave velocity (SWV). The velocity is sensitive to tissue elasticity and boundary conditions including strain. We use the term Ultrasound Tensography to describe the acoustic evaluation of tension with SWV. METHODS: Our solution Tethered cord Assessment with Ultrasound Tensography (TAUT) was utilized in three sub-studies: finite element simulations, a cadaveric benchtop validation, and a neurosurgical case series. The simulation computed SWV for given tensile forces. The cadaveric model with induced tension validated the SWV-tension relationship. Lastly, SWV was measured intraoperatively in patients diagnosed with tethered cords who underwent treatment (spinal column shortening). The surgery alleviates tension by decreasing the vertebral column length. RESULTS: Here we observe a strong linear relationship between tension and squared SWV across the preclinical sub-studies. Higher tension induces faster shear waves in the simulation (R2 = 0.984) and cadaveric (R2 = 0.951) models. The SWV decreases in all neurosurgical procedures (p < 0.001). Moreover, TAUT has a c-statistic of 0.962 (0.92-1.00), detecting all tethered cords. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a physical, clinical metric of spinal cord tension. Strong agreement among computational, cadaveric, and clinical studies demonstrates the utility of ultrasound-induced SWV for quantitative intraoperative feedback. This technology is positioned to enhance tethered cord diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative monitoring as it differentiates stretched from healthy cords.
Tethered spinal cord syndrome occurs when surrounding tissue attaches to and causes stretching across the spinal cord. People with a tethered cord can experience weakness, pain, and loss of bladder control. Although increased tension in the spinal cord is known to cause these symptoms, evaluating the amount of stretching remains challenging. We investigated the ability of an ultrasound imaging approach to measure spinal cord tension. We studied our method in a computer simulation, a benchtop validation model, and in six people with tethered cords during surgery that they were undergoing to reduce tension. In each phase, the approach could detect differences between stretched spinal cords and spinal cords in a healthy state. Our method could potentially be used in the future to improve the care of people with a tethered cord.
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BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß is a potent immunosuppressive cytokine necessary for cancer growth. Animal and human studies have shown that pharmacologic inhibition of TGF-ß slows the growth rate of established tumors and occasionally eradicates them altogether. We observed, paradoxically, that inhibiting TGF-ß before exposing animals to tumor cells increases tumor growth kinetics. We hypothesized that TGF-ß is necessary for the anti-tumor effects of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) during the early stages of tumor initiation. METHODS: BALB/c mice were pretreated with a blocking soluble TGF-ß receptor (sTGF-ßR, TGF-ß-blockade group, n=20) or IgG2a (Control group, n=20) before tumor inoculation. Tumor size was followed for 6 weeks. In vivo lymphocyte assays and depletion experiments were then performed to investigate the immunological basis of our results. Lastly, animals were pretreated with either sTGF-ßR (n=6) or IgG2a (n=6) prior to immunization with an adenoviral vector encoding the human papillomavirus E7 gene (Ad.E7). One week later, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the number of splenic E7-specific CD8+ T cells. RESULTS: Inhibition of TGF-ß before the injection of tumor cells resulted in significantly larger average tumor volumes on days 11, 17, 22, 26 and 32 post tumor-inoculation (p < 0.05). This effect was due to the inhibition of CTLs, as it was not present in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) or those depleted of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with sTGF-ßR inhibited tumor-specific CTL activity in a Winn Assay. Tumors grew to a much larger size when mixed with CD8+ T cells from mice pretreated with sTGF-ßR than when mixed with CD8+ T cells from mice in the control group: 96 mm3 vs. 22.5 mm3, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, fewer CD8+ T cells were generated in Ad.E7-immunized mice pretreated with sTGF-ßR than in mice from the control group: 0.6% total CD8+ T cells vs. 1.9%, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide the first in vivo evidence that TGF-ß may be necessary for anti-tumor immune responses in certain cancers. This finding has important implications for our understanding of anti-tumor immune responses, the role of TGF-ß in the immune system, and the future development of TGF-ß inhibiting drugs.
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Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Epítopos/inmunología , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/antagonistas & inhibidores , Animales , Antígeno B7-2/metabolismo , Recuento de Células , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidad Clase I/metabolismo , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidad Clase II/metabolismo , Humanos , Inmunización , Inmunoglobulina G , Ganglios Linfáticos/efectos de los fármacos , Ganglios Linfáticos/metabolismo , Ganglios Linfáticos/patología , Depleción Linfocítica , Ratones , Metástasis de la Neoplasia , Neoplasias/inmunología , Neoplasias/patología , Proteínas E7 de Papillomavirus/inmunología , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/inmunología , Transducción de Señal/inmunología , Solubilidad , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/inmunología , Factores de Tiempo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismoRESUMEN
Synovial cysts of the spine are degenerative cystic lesions that can lead to severe symptoms secondary to compression of the spinal cord, individual nerve roots, and/or the cauda equina. Some believe the etiology of this entity is related to increased motion across the facet joint and instability. We report a case of a lumbar synovial cyst located at the same level as a previously inserted spinous process fusion device. This case illustrates that, unlike a transpedicular instrumented fusion where the risk of synovial cyst formation is zero, a spinal process fusion can still lead to synovial cyst formation likely due to persistent micromotion across that segment.
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Fusión Vertebral , Quiste Sinovial , Humanos , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Vértebras Lumbares/patología , Laminectomía/efectos adversos , Fusión Vertebral/efectos adversos , Descompresión Quirúrgica/efectos adversos , Quiste Sinovial/diagnóstico por imagen , Quiste Sinovial/cirugía , Quiste Sinovial/complicacionesRESUMEN
Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF) are well-recognized challenges of surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Multiple risk factors have been identified for PJK/PJF, including osteoporosis, frailty, neurodegenerative disease, obesity, and smoking. Several surgical techniques to mitigate risk of PJK/PJF have been identified; however, patient optimization is also critical. This review summarizes the data behind these 5 risk factors (osteoporosis, frailty, neurodegenerative disease, obesity, and smoking) and details the related recommendations for patients undergoing surgery for ASD.
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INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondyloptosis is a rare complication of high-energy trauma which often results in significant patient morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of spondyloptosis of C7 over T1 with minimal radicular symptoms and otherwise complete spinal cord sparing. This case highlights the surgical challenges faced with cervical spondyloptosis and the techniques used when traction fails. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented after a high-speed motor vehicle collision with cervicothoracic pain and mild hand grip weakness in addition to numbness of the fourth and fifth digits bilaterally (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grade D). Computed tomography imaging revealed spondyloptosis of C7 over T1, a fracture of the C2 vertebral body, and a burst fracture of C3. To relieve spinal cord compression and restore sagittal realignment, closed reduction was attempted, however this resulted in perching of the bilateral C7-T1 facets, leading to an open posterior approach. The patient underwent C7 laminectomy, bilateral C7-T1 facetectomy, and manual reduction using a Mayfield skull clamp followed by C2-T3 fixation. Postoperatively, pain was diminished, sensory disturbances were resolved and the patient was otherwise neurologically stable. DISCUSSION: There is a role for closed traction for reduction of cervical spondyloptosis, however, its role is debated especially when the patient is predominately neurologically intact. In this setting, the spine surgeon may be required to change traction and operative strategies in order to minimize potentially harmful manipulation while restoring sagittal realignment and stabilizing the spine for preservation of neurological function.
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Enfermedades de la Médula Espinal , Espondilolistesis , Masculino , Humanos , Adulto Joven , Adulto , Fuerza de la Mano , Tracción , Columna VertebralRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Tarlov cysts are perineural collections of cerebrospinal fluid most often affecting sacral nerve roots, which may cause back pain, extremity paresthesias and weakness, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and/or sexual dysfunction. The most effective treatment of symptomatic Tarlov cysts, with options including non-surgical management, cyst aspiration and injection of fibrin glue, cyst fenestration, and nerve root imbrication, is debated. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted for 220 patients with Tarlov cysts seen at our institution between 2006 and 2021. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between treatment modality, patient characteristics, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Seventy-two (43.1%) patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts were managed non-surgically. Of the 95 patients managed interventionally, 71 (74.7%) underwent CT-guided aspiration of the cyst with injection of fibrin glue; 17 (17.9%) underwent cyst aspiration alone; 5 (5.3%) underwent blood patching; and 2 (2.1%) underwent more than one of the aforementioned procedures. Sixty-six percent of treated patients saw improvement in one or more symptoms, with the most improvement in patients after aspiration of cyst with injection of fibrin glue; however, this association was not statistically significant on logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Although the subtype of percutaneous treatment was not significantly associated with optimal or suboptimal patient outcomes, cyst aspiration both with and without injection of fibrin glue may serve as a useful diagnostic tool to (1) determine symptom etiology and (2) identify patients who might have achieved temporary improvement between the time of cyst aspiration and refill with cerebrospinal fluid as potential candidates for neurosurgical intervention of cyst fenestration and nerve root imbrication.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Robot-assisted pedicle screw placement is associated with greater accuracy, reduced radiation, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications than freehand screw placement. However, it can be associated with longer operative times and an extended training period. We report the initial experience of a surgeon using a robot system at an academic medical center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing robot-assisted pedicle screw placement at a single tertiary care institution by 1 surgeon from 10/2017 to 05/2022. Linear regression, analysis of variance, and cumulative sum analysis were used to evaluate operative time learning curves. Operative time subanalyses for surgery indication, number of levels, and experience level were performed. RESULTS: In total, 234 cases were analyzed. A significant 0.19-minute decrease in operative time per case was observed (r = 0.14, P = .03). After 234 operations, this translates to a reduction in 44.5 minutes from the first to last case. A linear relationship was observed between case number and operative time in patients with spondylolisthesis (-0.63 minutes/case, r = 0.41, P < .001), 2-level involvement (-0.35 minutes/case, r = 0.19, P = .05), and 4-or-more-level involvement (-1.29 minutes/case, r = 0.24, P = .05). This resulted in reductions in operative time ranging from 39 minutes to 1.5 hours. Continued reductions in operative time were observed across the learning, experienced, and expert phases, which had mean operative times of 214, 197, and 146 minutes, respectively ( P < .001). General proficiency in robot-assisted surgery was observed after the 20th case. However, 67 cases were required to reach mastery, defined as the inflection point of the cumulative sum curve. CONCLUSION: This study documents the long-term learning curve of a fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon. Operative time significantly decreased with more experience. Although gaining comfort with robotic systems may be challenging or require additional training, it can benefit surgeons and patients alike with continued reductions in operative time.
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Tornillos Pediculares , Robótica , Humanos , Curva de Aprendizaje , Tempo Operativo , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The two main objectives of this study were to explore the rate of spinal dysraphism within bladder and cloacal exstrophy and to analyze the relationship between spinal dysraphism surgery, including timing of spinal dysraphism surgery, with urological and neurological outcomes. METHODS: A prospectively maintained IRB-approved database of pediatric exstrophy patients treated from 1982 to 2021 was retrospectively reviewed for patients with spinal dysraphism. Spinal dysraphism was categorized into the following 7 subtypes: lipoma-based closed defect, myelomeningocele, meningocele, diastematomyelia, myelocystocele, low-lying conus with tethered cord/fatty filum, and sacral bony defect. Other factors assessed included patient demographic characteristics, type of spinal dysraphism procedure, reoperation, complication, presence of other neurological problems (e.g., hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation), neurological status, and urological function. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that 114/1401 patients had coexisting spinal dysraphism. Of these 114, sufficient records including type of dysraphism were available for 54. Spinal dysraphism was most common within cloacal exstrophy (83.3% [45/54 patients]), followed by cloacal exstrophy variants (9.3% [5/54]), classic bladder exstrophy (3.7% [2/54]), and classic bladder exstrophy variants (3.7% [2/54]). Within spinal dysraphism, lipoma-based closed defects (63.0% [34/54]) and low-lying conus with tethered cord/fatty filum (11.1% [6/54]) were most common. Hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation occurred in 24.1% (13/54) and 11.1% (6/54) of patients. All 13 patients with hydrocephalus underwent shunt placement. Among those who underwent neurosurgical intervention, the complication rate for spinal dysraphism was 14.6% (7/48). Motor function data were available for 41 patients and revealed that motor function declined for 2/41 (4.8%) patients and improved for 6/41 (14.6%) after neurosurgery. There was no statistical difference in lower-extremity motor outcome related to timing of neurosurgery and exstrophy closure. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have reported the surgical management and outcomes of patients with exstrophy and coexisting spinal dysraphism (n = 54). In 54 patients, spinal dysraphism was most common in the subset of patients with cloacal exstrophy (83.3%). Lipoma-based closed defects (63.0%) and low-lying conus with tethered cord/fatty filum (11.1%) were the most common, and the rates of hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation were 24.1% and 11.1%, respectively. There was no difference in lower-extremity motor outcome related to timing of neurosurgery and exstrophy closure.
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Malformación de Arnold-Chiari , Extrofia de la Vejiga , Anomalías del Sistema Digestivo , Hidrocefalia , Lipoma , Meningomielocele , Defectos del Tubo Neural , Disrafia Espinal , Humanos , Niño , Extrofia de la Vejiga/complicaciones , Extrofia de la Vejiga/epidemiología , Extrofia de la Vejiga/cirugía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Disrafia Espinal/complicaciones , Disrafia Espinal/epidemiología , Disrafia Espinal/cirugía , Defectos del Tubo Neural/epidemiología , Defectos del Tubo Neural/cirugía , Meningomielocele/cirugía , Malformación de Arnold-Chiari/cirugía , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Lipoma/complicaciones , Lipoma/epidemiología , Lipoma/cirugíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Synthetic computed tomography (sCT) can be created from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizing newer software. sCT is yet to be explored as a possible alternative to routine CT (rCT). In this study, rCT scans and MRI-derived sCT scans were obtained on a cadaver. Morphometric analysis was performed comparing the 2 scans. The ExcelsiusGPS robot was used to place lumbosacral screws with both rCT and sCT images. OBSERVATIONS: In total, 14 screws were placed. All screws were grade A on the Gertzbein-Robbins scale. The mean surface distance difference between rCT and sCT on a reconstructed software model was -0.02 ± 0.05 mm, the mean absolute surface distance was 0.24 ± 0.05 mm, and the mean absolute error of radiodensity was 92.88 ± 10.53 HU. The overall mean tip distance for the sCT versus rCT was 1.74 ± 1.1 versus 2.36 ± 1.6 mm (p = 0.24); mean tail distance for the sCT versus rCT was 1.93 ± 0.88 versus 2.81 ± 1.03 mm (p = 0.07); and mean angular deviation for the sCT versus rCT was 3.2° ± 2.05° versus 4.04°± 2.71° (p = 0.53). LESSONS: MRI-based sCT yielded results comparable to those of rCT in both morphometric analysis and robot-assisted lumbosacral screw placement in a cadaver study.
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BACKGROUND: S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screws provide spinopelvic fixation with the advantages of minimized dissection, easier rod contouring, and decreased symptomatic screw-head prominence. However, placement of S2AI screws may be challenging because of the anatomy of the lumbosacral junction. Augmented reality is a nascent technology that may enhance placement of S2AI screws. OBJECTIVE: To report the first in-human placement of augmented reality (AR)-assisted S2 alar-iliac screws and evaluate the accuracy of screw placement. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent AR-assisted S2AI screw placement. All surgeries were performed by 2 neurosurgeons using an AR head-mounted display (Xvision, Augmedics). Screw accuracy was analyzed in a blinded fashion by an independent neuroradiologist using the cortical breach grading scale. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent AR-assisted S2AI screw placement for a total of 23 screws. Indications for surgery included deformity, degenerative disease, and tumor. Twenty-two screws (95.6%) were accurate-defined as grade 0 or grade 1. Twenty-one screws (91.3%) were classified as grade 0, 1 screw (4.3%) was grade 1, and 1 screw (4.3%) was grade 3. All breaches were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: AR-assisted S2AI screw placement had an overall accuracy rate of 95.6% (grade 0 and grade 1 screws) in a cohort of 12 patients and 23 screws. This compares favorably with freehand and robotic placement. 1,2 AR enables spine surgeons to both better visualize anatomy and accurately place spinal instrumentation. Future studies are warranted to research the learning curve and cost analysis of AR-assisted spine surgery.
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Realidad Aumentada , Fusión Vertebral , Humanos , Sacro/diagnóstico por imagen , Sacro/cirugía , Ilion/cirugía , Tornillos ÓseosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Bacterial infection of spinal instrumentation is a significant challenge in spinal fusion surgery. Although the intraoperative local application of powdered vancomycin is common practice for mitigating infection, the antimicrobial effects of this route of administration are short-lived. Therefore, novel antibiotic-loaded bone grafts as well as a reliable animal model to permit the testing of such therapies are needed to improve the efficacy of infection reduction practices in spinal fusion surgery. PURPOSE: This study aims to establish a clinically relevant rat model of spinal implant-associated infection to permit the evaluation of antimicrobial bone graft materials used in spinal fusion. STUDY DESIGN: Rodent study of chronic spinal implant-associated infection. METHODS: Instrumentation anchored in and spanning the vertebral bodies of L4 and L5 was inoculated with bioluminescent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA). Infection was monitored using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) for 8 weeks. Spines were harvested and evaluated histologically, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were quantified in harvested implants and spinal tissue. RESULTS: Postsurgical analysis of bacterial infection in vivo demonstrated stratification between MRSA and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control groups during the first 4 weeks of the 8-week infection period, indicating the successful establishment of acute infection. Over the 8-week chronic infection period, groups inoculated with 1 × 105 MRSA CFU and 1 × 106 MRSA CFU demonstrated significantly higher bioluminescence than groups inoculated with PBS control (p = 0.009 and p = 0.041 respectively). Histological examination at 8 weeks postimplantation revealed the presence of abscesses localized to implant placement in all MRSA inoculation groups, with the most pervasive abscess formation in samples inoculated with 1 × 105 MRSA CFU and 1 × 106 MRSA CFU. Quantification of CFU plated from harvested spinal tissue at 8 weeks post-implantation revealed the 1 × 105 MRSA CFU inoculation group as the only group with a significantly greater average CFU count compared to PBS control (p = 0.017). Further, CFU quantification from harvested spinal tissue was greater than CFU quantification from harvested implants across all inoculation groups. CONCLUSION: Our model demonstrated that the inoculation dosage of 1 × 105 MRSA CFU exhibited the most robust chronic infection within instrumented vertebral bodies. This dosage had the greatest difference in bioluminescence signal from control (p < 0.01), the lowest mortality (0% compared to 50% for samples inoculated with 1 × 106 MRSA CFU), and a significantly higher amount of CFUs from harvested spine samples than CFUs from control harvested spine samples. Further, histological analysis confirmed the reliability of this novel rodent model of implanted-associated infection to establish infection and biofilm formation of MRSA for all inoculation groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This model is intended to simulate the infection of instrumentation used in spinal fusion surgeries concerning implant locality and material. This model may evaluate potential antimicrobial and osteogenic biomaterials and investigate the relationship between implant-associated infection and failed fusion.
Asunto(s)
Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Infecciones Relacionadas con Prótesis , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Ratas , Animales , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infección Persistente , Roedores , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Infecciones Relacionadas con Prótesis/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Relacionadas con Prótesis/microbiología , Infecciones Relacionadas con Prótesis/patología , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Modelos Animales de EnfermedadRESUMEN
Technological advancements, particularly in the realm of augmented reality (AR), may facilitate more accurate and precise pedicle screw placement. AR integrates virtual data into the operator's real-world view, allowing for the visualization of patient-specific anatomy and navigated trajectories. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using AR-based systems. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE database, including studies reporting the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using AR. In total, 8 studies with 163 patients and 1259 screws were included in the analysis. XVision (XVS) was the most commonly used AR system (595 screws) followed by the Allura AR surgical navigation system (ARSN) (462 screws). The overall accuracy was calculated as 97.2% (95% CI 96.2-98.1% p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy rates achieved by XVS and Allura ARSN (p = 0.092). AR enables reliable, accurate placement of spinal instrumentation. Future research efforts should focus on comparative studies, cost effectiveness, operative time, and radiation exposure.