Returning to Work After Traumatic Spine Fractures: Current Status in a Military Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The consequences of traumatic spine fracture (TSF) are complex and have a major burden on patients' social life and financial status. In this study, we aimed to investigate the return to work (RTW) after surgically treated TSFs, develop eventual predictors of delayed or failure to RTW, and assess narcotics use following such injuries. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study that was performed in a tertiary care center. TSF patients who required surgical intervention from 2016 to 2021 were enrolled. Demographic, operative, and complication data, as well as narcotics use, were recorded. RTW was modeled using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Within the 173 patients with TSF, male patients accounted for 82.7%, and motor vehicle accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (80.2%). Neurologically intact patients represented 59%. Only 38.15% returned to work after their injury. Majority of the patients didn't use narcotics more than 1 week after discharge (93.1%). High surgical blood loss, operation time, and hospital length of stay were significantly associated with not returning to work. In multivariant regression analysis, every increase of 100 ml of surgical blood loss was found to decrease the chance of RTW by 25% (P = 0.04). Furthermore, every increase of one hour in operation time decreases the chance of RTW by 31% (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: RTW is an important aspect that needs to be taken into consideration by health care providers. We found that age and high surgery time, blood loss, and hospital stay are significantly impacting patients' RTW after operated TSF.

SPINE20 recommendations 2023: One Earth, one family, one future WITHOUT spine DISABILITY.

Introduction: The purpose is to report on the fourth set of recommendations developed by SPINE20 to advocate for evidence-based spine care globally under the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future WITHOUT Spine DISABILITY". Research question: Not applicable. Material and methods: Recommendations were developed and refined through two modified Delphi processes with international, multi-professional panels. Results: Seven recommendations were delivered to the G20 countries calling them to:-establish, prioritize and implement accessible National Spine Care Programs to improve spine care and health outcomes.-eliminate structural barriers to accessing timely rehabilitation for spinal disorders to reduce poverty.-implement cost-effective, evidence-based practice for digital transformation in spine care, to deliver self-management and prevention, evaluate practice and measure outcomes.-monitor and reduce safety lapses in primary care including missed diagnoses of serious spine pathologies and risk factors for spinal disability and chronicity.-develop, implement and evaluate standardization processes for spine care delivery systems tailored to individual and population health needs.-ensure accessible and affordable quality care to persons with spine disorders, injuries and related disabilities throughout the lifespan.-promote and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices (including physical activity, nutrition, smoking cessation) to improve spine wellness and health. Discussion and conclusion: SPINE20 proposes that focusing on the recommendations would facilitate equitable access to health systems, affordable spine care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce, and education of persons with spine disorders, which will contribute to reducing spine disability, associated poverty, and increase productivity of the G20 nations.

Delayed Sub-axial Fracture Dislocation Surgical Management: Technical Notes and Review of the Literature.

The surgical treatment of delayed, unstable sub-axial cervical spine injuries is challenging. Multiple treatment regimens have been described in the literature, although there is no consensus regarding the best treatment approach. This report presents a 35-year-old obese woman who experienced a delayed sub-axial fracture-dislocation following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and was successfully managed after three weeks via pre-operative traction followed by a novel single-surgery, single-approach technique with pedicle screws and tension-band wiring as a reduction method. A 35-year-old obese woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 30.1 sustained a frontal impact MVA and suffered from complete quadriplegia below C5 (American Spinal Cord Association Injury A) three weeks prior to presentation. She was intubated and presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 11/15. Trauma computed tomography (CT) showed an isolated spine injury. Moreover, whole-spine CT showed an isolated cervical spine injury involving a basin tip fracture, a comminuted C1 arch fracture, a C2 fracture, and a C6-C7 fracture-dislocation. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging revealed cord contusion at the same level, with C1-C2 left atlantoaxial joint instability. Neck magnetic resonance angiograms and carotid CT angiograms showed left vertebral artery attenuation. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and taken for C6-C7 reduction and instrumentation using only a posterior approach after medical optimization and the application of sufficient traction. Delayed cervical spine fracture-dislocation imposes a challenge for surgical reduction. However, a proper reduction can be achieved through a sufficient duration of pre-operative traction and an isolated anterior or posterior approach.

Traumatic spinopelvic dissociation: A case series.

Introduction: Spinopelvic dissociation was described first in 1969. It is an injury characterized by the separation of the lumbar spine, with parts of the sacrum, from the rest of the sacrum and pelvis with the appendicular skeleton through the sacral ala. Spinopelvic dissociation has an incidence of approximately 2.9% of all pelvic disruptions and corresponds with high-energy trauma. The objective of this study was to review and analyze a case series of spinopelvic dissociations that were treated in our institution from May 2016 to December 2020. Methods: This was a retrospective study reviewing medical records of a series of cases with spinopelvic dissociating. A total of nine patients were encountered. Demographic data including gender and age were analyzed with the mechanism of injury, fracture characteristics, and classifications in addition to neurological deficits. Fractures were classified by the AO Spine Sacral Classification System. Moreover, neurological deficits were classified using the Gibbon's classification score. Finally, the Majeed score was utilized for the assessment of the functional outcome after the injury. Results: A total of nine patients with spinopelvic dissociation were encountered, seven males and two females. Seven patients were due to motor vehicle accidents, one patient was due to a suicidal attempt, and one patient was due to seizure. Four patients suffered from neurological deficits. One patient needed an intensive care unit admission. Spinopelvic fixation was done for all patients. One patient had surgical wound infection with wound dehiscence, one had infected instruments with confirmed spine osteomyelitis, and one had a focal neurological deficit. Six patients went on to heal and showed complete neurological improvements. Conclusion: Spinopelvic dissociation injuries represent a variety of injuries that are commonly associated with high-energy trauma. The triangular fixation method has proven to be a stable construct in dealing with such injuries.

Iatrogenic contralateral foraminal stenosis following lumbar spine fusion surgery: illustrative cases.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spine fusion is the mainstay treatment for degenerative spine disease. Multiple potential complications of spinal fusion have been found. Acute contralateral radiculopathy postoperatively has been reported in previous literature, with unclear underlying pathology. Few articles reported the incidence of contralateral iatrogenic foraminal stenosis after lumbar fusion surgery. The aim of current article is to explore the possible causes and prevention of this complication. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present 4 cases in which patients developed acute postoperative contralateral radiculopathy requiring revision surgery. In addition, we present a fourth case in which preventive measures have been applied. The aim of this article was to explore the possible causes and prevention to this complication. LESSONS: Iatrogenic foraminal stenosis of the lumbar spine is a common complication; preoperative evaluation and middle intervertebral cage positioning are needed to prevent this complication.

Consequences of neglected traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Objectives: Spinal cord injuries cause major disabilities and are devastating events for both patients and healthcare providers. Most traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) are due to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Neglected injuries result in complications and poor outcomes. Here, we investigated the causes, consequences, and outcomes of neglected TSCIs. Methods: This case series study was performed at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, KSA. Of the 750 patients treated between February 2016 and February 2021, 18 patients met our inclusion criterion of neglected high-energy TSCI with neurological deficit, necessitating surgical intervention more than 14 days after the index trauma. Results: Of the 18 patients with neglected TSCIs, 72.2% were men. The patients' mean age at the time of injury was 36.8 years, 77.8% were from outside Riyadh, and all patients had MVA-induced TSCIs, 88.9% of which were attributable to delayed referral to a tertiary center. The mean duration of neglect was 43 days, and the longest duration was 125 days. The most common site of injury was the thoracolumbar region (55.5%). The American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale score improved in two patients. Bed sores occurred in 55.5%, and deep vein thrombosis occurred in 27.8% of patients. Postoperatively, 77% of patients required intensive care unit admission. Most patients (12) did not receive specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation postoperatively. Conclusion: Early referral of patients with TSCIs is crucial to prevent short- and long-term complications.

Unusual presentation of aneurysmal bone cyst with scoliosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign bone tumors that not uncommonly involves the spine. However, this involvement can cause scoliosis, albeit rarely. This report focuses on the importance of proper management for complete tumor resection to prevent recurrence and spinal deformity. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old Middle Eastern boy, with a history of T11 aneurysmal bone cyst resection and bone grafting carried out at another hospital, presented with spine deformity of 4 months' duration. The deformity was not associated with pain or neurological deficit. A whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging with contrast confirmed the recurrence of the aneurysmal bone cyst. Posterior spinal instrumentation with corpectomy of T11 was then performed, and confirmed with histopathology the recurrence of aneurysmal bone cyst. Two years post-corpectomy, deformity correction was done from T5-L4. CONCLUSION: Management of aneurysmal bone cysts requires meticulous planning and full excision to prevent recurrence, especially in the growing spine. If neglected, it can cause major spinal deformities and cord compression, which places a medical burden on the patient and family. To avoid such complications, treating aneurysmal bone cysts along with scoliosis correction can prevent deformity progression.

SPINE20 recommendations 2022: spine care-working together to recover stronger.

PURPOSE: Globally, spine disorders are the leading cause of disability, affecting more than half a billion individuals. However, less than 50% of G20 countries specifically identify spine health within their public policy priorities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among policy makers of the disabling effect of spine disorders and their impact on the economic welfare of G20 nations. In 2019, SPINE20 was established as the leading advocacy group to bring global attention to spine disorders. METHODS: Recommendations were developed through two Delphi methods with international and multi-professional panels. RESULTS: In 2022, seven recommendations were delivered to the leaders of G20 countries, urging them to: Develop action plans to provide universal access to evidence-based spine care that incorporates the needs of minorities and vulnerable populations. Invest in the development of sustainable human resource capacity, through multisectoral and inter-professional competency-based education and training to promote evidence-based approaches to spine care, and to build an appropriate healthcare working environment that optimizes the delivery of safe health services. Develop policies using the best available evidence to properly manage spine disorders and to prolong functional healthy life expectancy in the era of an aging population. Create a competent workforce and improve the healthcare infrastructure/facilities including equipment to provide evidence-based inter-professional rehabilitation services to patients with spinal cord injury throughout their continuum of care. Build collaborative and innovative translational research capacity within national, regional, and global healthcare systems for state-of-the-art and cost-effective spine care across the healthcare continuum ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion of all stakeholders. Develop international consensus statements on patient outcomes and how they can be used to define and develop pathways for value-based care. Recognize that intervening on determinants of health including physical activity, nutrition, physical and psychosocial workplace environment, and smoking-free lifestyle can reduce the burden of spine disabilities and improve the health status and wellness of the population. At the third SPINE20 summit 2022 which took place in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2022, 17 associations endorsed its recommendations. CONCLUSION: SPINE20 advocacy efforts focus on developing public policy recommendations to improve the health, welfare, and wellness of all who suffer from spinal pain and disability. We propose that focusing on facilitating access to systems that prioritize value-based care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce will reduce disability and improve the productivity of the G20 nations.

The Early and Late Postoperative Complications of Pediatric Neuromuscular Scoliosis at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Case Series.

Background  Neuromuscular Scoliosis (NMS) is defined as "a coronal plane spinal curvature of 10 degrees or more, measured by the Cobb method, in the setting of muscle imbalance secondary to an underlying neuropathic or myopathic disease". Patients who have the disease usually manifest with diminished balance, asymmetrical seating, abnormal gait, and decreased pulmonary function, which are related to the change in spine posture. Surgery benefits patients with NMS in terms of stopping disease advancement and improving quality of life, but is known to be associated with certain complications in this population. The aim of this study is to identify the most common complication in NMS patients after surgical correction. Methods This study is a chart review-based retrospective case series that has covered patients' data going from 2015 to 2019. The study focused on patients who underwent scoliosis correction surgery of both genders and mainly of a single ethnicity, with the inclusion of patients aged 9 to 18 years old. Under consecutive sampling, the study has met a sample size of 14 patients.  Results Most of the study subjects nine (64%) were female. The age median was 13 years (2.25). The highest documented intraoperative complication was blood loss in 11 (79%) patients. The most prevalent early postoperative complication was urinary tract infection in two (14%) patients. No late postoperative complications were documented in the study. Conclusion  The study concluded that blood loss was the most common intraoperative complication. Pulmonary problems were one of the least reported complications. Possible reasons for these findings and prevention methods should be the focus of future studies.

Prevalence and Predictors of Scoliosis and Back Pain in 591 Adolescents: A Randomized, Stratified, Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Purpose Owing to the difficulty of establishing a screening program for scoliosis and back pain, along with their disabling consequences and the lack of local prevalence rates, we sought to study the prevalence of scoliosis and back pain in adolescents in Saudi Arabia and the burden reported by the affected age group on the health system. Materials and methods A school-based, cross-sectional pilot study covering all school districts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted. Students between 12 and 18 years of age were included. Students with any spinal or neurological disorders were excluded. Physical examinations to screen for scoliosis and student-filled questionnaires to assess back pain and health-related quality of life were performed. Results Of the 700 students, 591 met the inclusion criteria. High suspicion of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was considered in 174 students (29.44%). In addition, 45.42% of the students had a history of back pain. The Oswestry Disability Index showed that 87 students had disabilities. The average Scoliosis Research Society-22 score was 3 out of 5. A significant difference was found in the self-image and mental health domains for AIS (p = 0.04, p = 0.02, respectively). Age showed a significant increase in the odds ratio of a positive physical exam for every increase of one year in age (p < 0.01). Conclusion Identifying the prevalence rates and early associated factors during adolescence would help lower the burden on the health system and benefit public health in general. A nationwide study is required to identify the relationship between scoliosis and back pain.

Neurological Impairment Recovery in Surgically Treated Patients With Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is reported to be higher than that of traumatic spinal cord injury in many countries, making it an area of growing significance. OBJECTIVES: With the aging of the global population in coming decades, it is anticipated that the incidence of NTSCIs will increase dramatically. Our aim was to identify and report the causes, patterns, and outcomes of NTSCI in a tertiary care center. METHODS: We have reviewed all adult patients who had a NTSCI and were surgically treated with a minimum follow-up of 12 months postoperatively. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Preoperative and postoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scales and past follow-up outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Of 164 patients, 95 (58%) had full recovery and reached ASIA E score at their last follow-up while 69 (42%) were not able to achieve full recovery till ASIA E score. Urinary incontinence and/or bowel incontinence on admission, degenerative pathologies, and thoracic injury level were all notable indicators of limited ASIA score improvement at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgically treated NTSCI could result in good neurological recovery with a low complication rate.

SPINE20 recommendations 2021: spine care for people's health and prosperity.

PURPOSE: The focus of SPINE20 is to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for the G20 countries to work with governments to reduce the burden of spine disease, and disability. METHODS: On September 17-18, 2021, SPINE20 held its annual meeting in Rome, Italy. Prior to the meeting, the SPINE20 created six proposed recommendations. These recommendations were uploaded to the SPINE20 website 10 days before the meeting and opened to the public for comments. The recommendations were discussed at the meeting allowing the participants to object and provide comments. RESULTS: In total, 27 societies endorsed the following recommendations. SPINE20 calls upon the G20 countries: (1) to expand telehealth for the access to spine care, especially in light of the current situation with COVID-19. (2) To adopt value-based interprofessional spine care as an approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce disability. (3) To facilitate access and invest in the development of a competent rehabilitation workforce to reduce the burden of disability related to spine disorders. (4) To adopt a strategy to promote daily physical activity and exercises among the elderly population to maintain an active and independent life with a healthy spine, particularly after COVID-19 pandemic. (5) To engage in capacity building with emerging countries and underserved communities for the benefit of spine patients. (6) To promote strategies to transfer evidence-based advances into patient benefit through effective implementation processes. CONCLUSIONS: SPINE20's initiatives will make governments and decision makers aware of efforts to reduce needless suffering from disabling spine pain through education that can be instituted across the globe.

Sequestrated Lumbar Disc Herniation Mimicking Spinal Neoplasm.

Sequestered disc fragments do not have indistinctive features and often share the clinical and radiological presentation as spinal neoplasms making their diagnosis and treatment a clinical challenge. We report a rare case of sequestered lumbar disc fragment at the level of L2-L3 in a 70-year-old male who presented to the ER complaining of six years' history of low back pain with acute onset lower extremities weakness for six days, associated with right foot drop. He was admitted for tumor workup as the MRI showed diffuse bone high signal intensity throughout the spine with a soft tissue epidural mass at L2/3, causing severe compression on the cauda equina nerve roots. The patient underwent L2-L3 decompression and fixation, mass excision, multiple open biopsies. Soft tissue biopsy of the mass revealed fibrocartilaginous tissue consistent with the intervertebral disc, while the bone biopsy was diagnostic of acute leukemia. The patient was observed postoperatively with unremarkable complications. He did well with physiotherapy, and there was a remarkable improvement of his right lower extremity power reaching 4/5. Our case presented a rare phenomenon in which sequestered disc fragments manifested clinically and radiologically as a spinal neoplasm. Vigilant history taking and physical examination are paramount; a physician should be watchful for any red flags that may warrant further investigation such as in our case.

SPINE20 A global advocacy group promoting evidence-based spine care of value.

PURPOSE: The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Studies have estimated that low back pain is one of the costliest ailments worldwide. Subsequent to GBD publications, leadership of the four largest global spine societies agreed to form SPINE20. This article introduces the concept of SPINE20, the recommendations, and the future of this global advocacy group linked to G20 annual summits. METHODS: The founders of SPINE20 advocacy group coordinated with G20 Saudi Arabia to conduct the SPINE20 summit in 2020. The summit was intended to promote evidence-based recommendations to use the most reliable information from high-level research. Eight areas of importance to mitigate spine disorders were identified through a voting process of the participating societies. Twelve recommendations were discussed and vetted. RESULTS: The areas of immediate concern were "Aging spine," "Future of spine care," "Spinal cord injuries," "Children and adolescent spine," "Spine-related disability," "Spine Educational Standards," "Patient safety," and "Burden on economy." Twelve recommendations were created and endorsed by 31/33 spine societies and 2 journals globally during a vetted process through the SPINE20.org website and during the virtual inaugural meeting November 10-11, 2020 held from the G20 platform. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that international spine societies have joined to support actions to mitigate the burden of spine disorders across the globe. SPINE20 seeks to change awareness and treatment of spine pain by supporting local projects that implement value-based practices with healthcare policies that are culturally sensitive based on scientific evidence.

Aggressive L3 vertebral hemangioma coexisting with adult thoracolumbar scoliosis: Case report.

Vertebral hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that are commonly asymptomatic. A low percentage might become aggressive; however, they are not known to be associated with scoliosis. We present a case of a third lumbar vertebral lesion coexisting with a moderate thoracolumbar scoliosis. The patient's initial presentation was back pain with bilateral lower limb radiculopathy and neurogenic claudication. Diagnosis was established using CT and MRI, which showed classical findings of an aggressive vertebral hemangioma. The patient underwent Partial hemangioma excision and scoliosis correction, with satisfactory outcome at 1 year follow up.

Letter to the Editor - Reply.

Reply to the Letter to the Editor concerning "Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain Questionnaire" Sports Med Int Open 2020; 4(01): E8-E12; DOI: 10.1055/a-1031-0947.

The incidence of odontoid fractures following trauma in a major trauma center, a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine injury is the most common vertebral injury after major trauma, 20% of all cervical fractures happen to be odontoid fractures. In young adults, odontoid fracture usually happens as a result of high-energy trauma after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). MVA in Riyadh represents 38.4% of all trauma cases, in which the head-and-neck are the most injured body parts. This research aims to provide information about the incidence of odontoid process fracture post-MVA in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The design of this study was retrospective. A single level one trauma center database (trauma registry) was used to identify odontoid fractures post-MVA. All trauma cases from 2008 to the most recent were included, a total of 17,047 patients, to identify cervical spine fractures and further identify odontoid fracture incidence. The patients' radiographs were reviewed retrospectively, and odontoid fractures were classified by a board-certified spine surgeon. A descriptive analysis was carried out to report basic data distribution. Pearson's correlation was carried out to assess associations. RESULTS: A total number of cervical spine fracture was 1195 patients (6.6% of the total sample). The incidence of odontoid fractures during the entire study period from 2008 to 2018 was 42 of 480 patients with C2 cervical trauma, constituting 8.75% C2 fractures, and 3.5% of cervical spine fractures. The mean age was 41.75 ± 18 years. There were three patients (onemale, two females) with type I odontoid fracture, 26 (all males) with type II, and 13 (11 males, 2 females) with type III. Most patients were managed conservatively (83.33%), whereas 16.67% underwent surgical management. CONCLUSION: The incidence of posttraumatic odontoid fractures is low, given the younger population of this study. This does not predict future incidence rates with the continued improvement of road traffic laws and awareness in the population.

Nonfunctional extradural thoracic spine paraganglioma in a pediatric patient: a case report.

Paraganglioma in the spine remains a rare occurrence that is mostly benign and commonly associated with other inherited symptoms. Presentation in the pediatric population is rare with a high risk of recurrence. This case reports an unusual presentation of a slowly progressing nonfunctional thoracic paraganglioma in a 6-year-old female child that presented with mass-related symptoms sparing the spinal canal. Tumor recurred after initial video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery excision with significant involvement of the thoracic spinal canal. Patient underwent a second surgery utilizing a posterior approach and laminectomies. Succinate dehydrogenase-B gene association was confirmed through molecular testing afterward. Such tumors can be malignant with 7% present with distant metastasis. Image-based differentiation of malignant tumors remains difficult, adding to the urgency in diagnosing these tumors. Furthermore, the unlikely age presentation compounds to the challenges of the diagnostic process.x The patient remains tumor free 12 months postoperatively.

Management of thoracic spine dislocation by total vertebrectomy and spine shortening: case report.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of thoracic spine fracture-dislocations is now well established with the recent progress in spine surgery. Although most affected individuals have a degree of spinal cord injury (SCI), early surgical reduction, and stabilization of the unstable deformity allow an immediate program of rehabilitation. Vertebrectomy is considered as the last surgical technique reserved for the most persistent spinal deformities that cannot be brought to an acceptable correction with less invasive methods. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 19-year-old male with a sub-acute thoracic spine fracture-dislocation at the level of T7-T8 who underwent a posterior T8 vertebrectomy with reduction and instrumentation from T4 down to T1. The individual had excellent results during follow-ups regarding alignment, fusion, and rehab program. DISCUSSION: In this case, we present the good outcome of vertebrectomy and spine shortening in an individual with thoracic spine fracture-dislocation, and the advantages of posterior approach.