Assessing the potential role of ChatGPT in spine surgery research.

Purpose: Since its release in November 2022, Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 3.5 (ChatGPT), a complex machine learning model, has garnered more than 100 million users worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine how well ChatGPT can generate novel systematic review ideas on topics within spine surgery. Methods: ChatGPT was instructed to give ten novel systematic review ideas for five popular topics in spine surgery literature: microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty and disc replacement. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane. The number of nonsystematic review articles and number of systematic review papers that had been published on each ChatGPT-generated idea were recorded. Results: Overall, ChatGPT had a 68% accuracy rate in creating novel systematic review ideas. More specifically, the accuracy rates were 80%, 80%, 40%, 70% and 70% for microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty and disc replacement, respectively. However, there was a 32% rate of ChatGPT generating ideas for which there were 0 nonsystematic review articles published. There was a 71.4%, 50%, 22.2%, 50%, 62.5% and 51.2% success rate of generating novel systematic review ideas, for which there were also nonsystematic reviews published, for microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty, disc replacement and overall, respectively. Conclusions: ChatGPT generated novel systematic review ideas at an overall rate of 68%. ChatGPT can help identify knowledge gaps in spine research that warrant further investigation, when used under supervision of an experienced spine specialist. This technology can be erroneous and lacks intrinsic logic; so, it should never be used in isolation. Level of Evidence: Not applicable.

Evaluating the Readability of Patient Education Materials for Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering, Distraction-Based Methods, and Posterior Spinal Fusion for the Treatment of Pediatric Spinal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The Internet is an important source of information for patients, but its effectiveness relies on the readability of its content. Patient education materials (PEMs) should be written at or below a sixth-grade reading level as outlined by agencies such as the American Medical Association. This study assessed PEMs' readability for the novel anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT), distraction-based methods, and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in treating pediatric spinal deformity. METHODS: An online search identified PEMs using the terms "anterior vertebral body tethering," "growing rods scoliosis," and "posterior spinal fusion pediatric scoliosis." We selected the first 20 general medical websites (GMWs) and 10 academic health institution websites (AHIWs) discussing each treatment (90 websites total). Readability tests for each webpage were conducted using Readability Studio software. Reading grade levels (RGLs), which correspond to the US grade at which one is expected to comprehend the text, were calculated for sources and independent t tests compared with RGLs between treatment types. RESULTS: The mean RGL was 12.1 ± 2.0. No articles were below a sixth-grade reading level, with only 2.2% at the sixth-grade reading level. AVBT articles had a higher RGL than distraction-based methods (12.7 ± 1.6 vs 11.9 ± 1.9, P = 0.082) and PSF (12.7 ± 1.6 vs 11.6 ± 2.3, P = 0.032). Materials for distraction-based methods and PSF were comparable (11.9 ± 1.9 vs 11.6 ± 2.3, P = 0.566). Among GMWs, AVBT materials had a higher RGL than distraction-based methods (12.9 ± 1.4 vs 12.1 ± 1.8, P = 0.133) and PSF (12.9 ± 1.4 vs 11.4 ± 2.4, P = 0.016). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients' health literacy is important for shared decision-making. Assessing the readability of scoliosis treatment PEMs guides physicians when sharing resources and discussing treatment with patients. CONCLUSION: Both GMWs and AHIWs exceed recommended RGLs, which may limit patient and parent understanding. Within GMWs, AVBT materials are written at a higher RGL than other treatments, which may hinder informed decision-making and patient outcomes. Efforts should be made to create online resources at the appropriate RGL. At the very least, patients and parents may be directed toward AHIWs; RGLs are more consistent.

Use of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index to Assess Risk for Postoperative Complications Following Posterior Cervical Decompression/Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Posterior cervical decompression with or without fusion (PCD/F) is used to manage degenerative spinal conditions. Malnutrition has been implicated for poor outcomes in spine surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) as a risk calculator for postoperative complications in patients undergoing PCD/F. METHODS: The 2006 to 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program Database was queried for patients undergoing PCD/F. Nutritional status was categorized as normal (GNRI greater than 98), moderately malnourished (GNRI 92-98), or severely malnourished (GNRI less than or equal to 92). Complications within 30 days of surgery were compared among the groups. Preoperative data that were statistically significant (P < 0.05) upon univariate χ2 analysis were included in the univariate then multivariate binary regression model to calculate adjusted ORs. All ORs were assessed at the 95% CI. RESULTS: Of the 7597 PCD/F patients identified, 15.6% were severely malnourished and 19.1% were moderately malnourished. Severe and moderate malnourishment were independent risk factors for mortality (OR = 3.790, 95% CI 2.492-5.763, P < 0.001; OR = 2.150, 95% CI 1.351-3.421, P = 0.011). Severe malnourishment was an independent risk factor for sepsis/septic shock (OR = 3.448, 95% CI 2.402-4.948, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients undergoing PCD/F, severe malnutrition, as defined by the GNRI, was an independent risk factor for mortality and sepsis/septic shock. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The GNRI may be more useful than other indices for risk stratification in elderly patients because it accounts for confounding variables such as hydration status and paradoxical malnourishment in obese patients.

Enhanced Risk Stratification for Short-Term Complications Following Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

BACKGROUND: For patients with back pain from osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), vertebral augmentation remains the most utilized surgical intervention. Previous studies report 30-day readmission and mortality rates of up to 10% and 2%, respectively. These studies, however, have included patients with pathologic fractures and combined patients in different admission settings. We undertook the current study to address such shortcomings, which make risk stratification and appropriate counseling difficult. METHODS: Four consecutive years of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were queried. Patients who underwent vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic VCFs were divided into 3 groups: (1) outpatient group (defined as patients with same-day discharge), (2) inpatient group (defined as those who were admitted postoperatively), and (3) preprocedure hospitalized group (defined as those who were already inpatient or were at acute/intermediate care facilities and transferred). Postoperative 30-day complications and readmission rates were compared between different groups and examined using multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1023 patients underwent outpatient surgery; 503 were admitted on the day of surgery; and 149 patients were already in-hospital or were transferred from other facility. Mortality rates were 0.68%, 0.60%, and 2.68%, and readmission rates were 6.26%, 6.76%, and 12.8%, for outpatient, inpatient, and preprocedure hospitalization cohorts, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified preprocedure hospitalization as an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection (UTI; OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 1.41-11.20, P = 0.028), pneumonia (OR = 19.69, 95% CI = 3.81-101.65, P < 0.001), readmission (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.06-3.26, P = 0.032), and mortality (OR = 4.49, 95% CI = 1.22-16.53, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that published rates of complications and mortality are substantially impacted by the cohort of patients who are already hospitalized or transferred from other facilities. Such patients are at a higher risk of UTI, pneumonia, readmission, and mortality. Conversely, we show that a relatively healthy patient being offered outpatient same-day augmentation has a readmission risk 40% lower and a mortality risk 3 times lower than previously reported.

Efficacy and safety of intrawound antibiotics in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a nationwide database study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of intrawound antibiotics in posterior fusions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: The NSQIP-Pediatric databases 2016-2018 were utilized. Patients 10 years of age or older with AIS who underwent posterior fusion were selected and divided into two cohorts based on the receipt of intrawound antibiotics. Patient characteristics and complications were compared. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the efficacy and safety of intrawound antibiotics. RESULTS: A total of 4203 patients received intrawound antibiotics while 879 patients did not. The intrawound antibiotic group had longer constructs, higher blood loss, and longer operative times, factors historically associated with higher infection rates. Those that received intrawound antibiotics had SSI rate of 0.69%, while its counterpart had 0.57% (p = 0.689). The reoperation rates were 1.12% and 1.25% (p = 0.735), for those with and without intrawound antibiotics, respectively. In multivariate analyses, intrawound antibiotics use was not found to be a significant predictor for SSI, any complications, reoperation and readmission. CONCLUSION: The current study represents the largest AIS surgery cohort studied to evaluate the efficacy of intrawound antibiotics. Our analysis failed to demonstrate association between the use of intrawound antibiotics and reduction in SSI. While other studies have reported seroma, wound dehiscence and renal failure with the practice, we did not observe an increased rate of such complications. This study highlights the difficulty of understanding the role for individual infection prevention measures in current surgical settings, where the SSI rate for the control group was substantially lower than 1%.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: Update on Current Management Strategies.

(1) Background: Giant Cell Tumor of the spine remains a difficult tumor to treat. Recent advances in adjuvant therapy such as denosumab and innovations in surgical technique in the last 5 years have given providers new options for treatment after a successful diagnosis of the tumor. (2) Methods: Articles published between 1927 and 2021 were selected from PubMed and Scopus searches using key words "Giant Cell Tumor" AND "Lumbar Spine" AND "Treatment". Relevant articles were reviewed and selected by the authors. (3) Results: A total of 191 articles were discovered. Complete en bloc spondylectomy remains the most definitive treatment option; however, this surgery is challenging and carries a high rate of complication. New adjuvant therapies including denosumab offer a viable alternative to surgery. (4) En bloc spondylectomy remains the gold standard treatment for Giant Cell Tumor of the spine with the lowest published recurrence rate. The use of (neo)adjuvant denosumab improves recurrence rates. More data are needed to determine if denosumab alone is a viable standalone definitive treatment.

Is the Direct Anterior Approach to THA Cost-effective? A Markov Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of the direct anterior approach, a muscle-sparing technique for THA, has increased over the years; however, this approach is associated with longer procedure times and a more expensive direct cost. Furthermore, studies have shown a higher revision rate in the early stages of the learning curve. Whether the clinical advantages of the direct anterior compared with the posterior approach-such as less soft tissue damage, decreased short-term postoperative pain, a lower dislocation rate, decreased length of stay in the hospital, and higher likelihood of being discharged home-outweigh the higher cost is still debatable. Determining the cost-effectiveness of the approach may inform its utility and justify its use at various stages of the learning curve. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We used a Markov modeling approach to ask: (1) Is the direct anterior approach more likely to be a cost-effective approach than the posterior approach over the long-term for more experienced or higher volume hip surgeons? (2) How many procedures does a surgeon need to perform for the direct anterior approach to be a cost-effective choice? METHODS: A Markov model was created with three health states (well-functioning THA, revision THA, and death) to compare the cost-effectiveness of the direct anterior approach with that of the posterior approach in five scenarios: surgeons who performed one to 15, 16 to 30, 31 to 50, 51 to 100, and more than 100 direct anterior THAs during a 6-year span. Procedure costs (not charges), dislocation costs, and fracture costs were derived from published reports, and model was run using two different cost differentials between the direct anterior and posterior approaches (USD 219 and USD 1800, respectively). The lower cost was calculated as the total cost differential minus pharmaceutical and implant costs to account for differences in implant use and physician preference regarding postoperative pain management. The USD 1800 cost differential incorporated pharmaceutical and implant costs. Probabilities were derived from systematic review of the evidence as well as from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Utilities were estimated from best available literature and disutilities associated with dislocation and fracture were incorporated into the model. Quality of life was expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which are calculated by multiplying the utility of a health state (ranging from 0 to 1) by the duration of time in that health state. The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, or the change in costs divided by the change in QALYs when the direct anterior approach was used for THA. USD 100,000 per quality-adjusted life years was used as a threshold for willingness to pay. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed for the scenario in which the direct anterior approach is cost-effective to further account for uncertainty in model inputs. RESULTS: At a cost differential of USD 219 (95% CI 175 to 263), the direct anterior approach was associated with lower cost and higher effectiveness compared with the posterior approach for surgeons with an experience level of more than 100 operations during a 6-year span. At a cost differential of USD 1800 (95% CI 1440 to 2160), the direct anterior approach remained a cost-effective strategy for surgeons who performed more than 100 operations. At both cost differentials, the direct anterior approach was not cost-effective for surgeons who performed fewer than 100 operations. One-way sensitivity analyses revealed the model to be the most sensitive to fluctuations in the utility of revision THA, probability of revision after the posterior approach THA, probability of dislocation after the posterior approach THA, fluctuations in the probability of dislocation after direct anterior THA, cost of direct anterior THA, and probability of intraoperative fracture with the direct anterior approach. At the cost differential of USD 219 and for surgeons with a surgical experience level of more than 100 direct anterior operations, the direct anterior approach was still the cost-effective strategy for the entire range of values. CONCLUSION: For high-volume hip surgeons, defined here as surgeons who perform more than 100 procedures during a 6-year span, the direct anterior approach may be a cost-effective strategy within the limitations imposed by our analysis. For lower volume hip surgeons, performing a more familiar approach appears to be more cost-effective.

Natural Progression and Symptomatic Management of Tarsal-Carpal Coalition Syndrome: A Case Report.

CASE: Tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome (TCCS) is a disorder identified by fusion of the carpals, tarsals, and phalanges of the hands and feet. We describe a case of an 11-year-old girl who has been followed at our outpatient clinic from the age of 8 months. CONCLUSION: Although patients with TCCS can experience a wide range of symptoms, the primary complaint arises from the foot deformity and associated pain. Using advanced imaging such as 3D computed tomography reconstruction and genetic testing, this report details the clinical, genetic, and radiographic characteristics of the disorder. We highlight the natural progression and symptomatic management of TCCS.

Transdermal Scopolamine as an Adjunct to Multimodal Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after surgery degrades patient experience, tolerance of pain medication, rehabilitation progress, and functional outcomes. Given the importance of early rehabilitation following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), we asked whether transdermal scopolamine is effective in reducing rates of PONV and improving functional outcomes following TJA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 1580 consecutive patients who underwent TJA between 2014 and 2017 and compared patients before the addition of the scopolamine patch (control group) to those after the addition (study group). Patients were given the scopolamine patch in the holding area unless contraindicated. A total of 495 patients were excluded. Charts were reviewed for PONV, demographic information, surgical time, length of stay, distance walked with physical therapy, and Visual Analog Scale pain scores. Student t-test was used to compare continuous data and chi-square was used for categorical variables. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (14.4% vs 29.3%, P < .0001). Patients who were given scopolamine had lower Visual Analog Scale pain scores on postoperative days (POD) 0 through 2 (P < .01), were able to walk further distances on POD 0 through 3 (P < .001), and received fewer morphine equivalents on POD 1 and 2 (P < .001). Greater morphine equivalents were received by the study group on POD 0. CONCLUSION: Use of a scopolamine patch was associated with significant reduction in PONV and improvement in functional outcomes following TJA. These data support the use of transdermal scopolamine as part of a multimodal, perioperative pain protocol in patients undergoing TJA.

Should Cannabinoids Be Added to Multimodal Pain Regimens After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of dronabinol on pain, nausea, and length of stay following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS: We retrospectively compared 81 consecutive primary TJA patients who received 5 mg of dronabinol twice daily in addition to a standard multimodal pain regimen with a matched cohort of 162 TJA patients who received only the standard regimen. A single surgeon performed all surgeries. Patient demographics, length of stay, opioid morphine equivalents (MEs) consumed, reports of nausea/vomiting, discharge destination, distance walked in physical therapy, and visual analog scale pain scores were collected for both groups. Student's t-tests as well as chi-square or Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, anesthesia type, visual analog scale scores, distance walked with physical therapy, discharge disposition, or episodes of nausea/vomiting. The mean length of stay in the dronabinol group was significantly shorter at 2.3 ± 0.9 days versus 3.0 ± 1.2 days in the control group (P = .02). In the context of a shorter stay, the dronabinol group consumed significantly fewer total MEs (252.5 ± 131.5 vs 313.3 ± 185.4 mg, P = .0088). Although the dronabinol group consumed fewer MEs per day and per length of stay on average, neither of these achieved statistical significance. No side effects of dronabinol were reported. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that further investigation into the role of cannabinoid medications for non-opioid pain control in the post-arthroplasty patient may hold merit.

Alternative direct stem cell derivatives defined by stem cell location and graded Wnt signalling.

Adult stem cells provide a renewable source of differentiated cells for a wide variety of tissues and generally give rise to multiple cell types. Basic principles of stem cell organization and regulation underlying this behaviour are emerging. Local niche signals maintain stem cells, while different sets of signals act outside the niche to diversify initially equivalent stem cell progeny. Here we show that Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cells (FSCs) produced two distinct cell types directly. This cell fate choice was determined by the anterior-posterior position of an FSC and by the magnitude of spatially graded Wnt pathway activity. These findings reveal a paradigm of immediate diversification of stem cell derivatives according to stem cell position within a larger population, guided by a graded niche signal. We also found that FSCs strongly resemble mammalian intestinal stem cells in many aspects of their organization, including population asymmetry and dynamic heterogeneity.

Silver-Impregnated Occlusive Dressing Reduces Rates of Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Commercial silver-impregnated occlusive dressings (such as AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing) have been touted as antimicrobial dressings to be used following total joint arthroplasty. Given the increased cost of an AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing over a standard dressing for total joint arthroplasty, the objective of this study was to determine whether AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing is effective in reducing the rates of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to standard sterile dressing. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 1173 consecutive patients who underwent a total knee or total hip arthroplasty between 2007 and 2015 by 1 surgeon. The surgeon switched from using a standard xeroform/gauze dressing to an AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing in June 2011, with no other major changes in antimicrobial management. Charts were reviewed for evidence of acute PJI (within 3 months of surgery). RESULTS: There were a total of 11 cases of acute PJI in this patient cohort (0.94%). The incidence of acute PJI for patients managed with a sterile xeroform dressing was 1.58% (9 of 568 patients), compared to 0.33% (2 of 605 patients) with the use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing. Univariate analysis showed this to be statistically significant (P = .03), and a multiple logistic regression model supported AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing as a protective factor with an odds ratio of 0.092 (95% confidence interval, 0.017-0.490; P = .005). CONCLUSION: This 4-fold decrease in acute PJI with the use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing supports the use of silver-impregnated occlusive dressings for the reduction of acute PJI.

Partial Cystectomy for Primary Bladder Tumors in Contemporary Patients with Diverse Tumor Locations.

INTRODUCTION: Partial cystectomy use has historically been limited by stringent selection criteria. We compared outcomes following partial cystectomy at our institution with those in other contemporary series. Also, we specifically characterized outcomes in patients with tumors in bladder locations traditionally considered unamenable to partial cystectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent partial cystectomy for primary bladder cancer from 1990 to 2012 were identified from our database. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox regression was done to identify factors associated with survival and recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were included in analysis. Five-year overall, disease specific and recurrence-free survival was 70.3%, 77.0% and 39.4%, respectively. When controlling for clinical and pathological covariates, lymphovascular invasion predicted decreased recurrence-free survival (HR 10.6, p = 0.025). Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were 4% and 5%, respectively. In 8 patients (15%) trigone tumors required ureteral reimplantation. Two of the 8 patients (25%) experienced complications, including hydronephrosis and bladder neck contracture, which were treated conservatively. Cancer recurred in 2 of the 8 patients (25%) and both were treated successfully. None of the 8 patients died of bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with partial cystectomy for primary bladder cancer had satisfactory cancer control and favorable perioperative morbidity consistent with other contemporary reports. Patients with tumors in the bladder trigone, historically considered poor candidates for partial cystectomy, also had good oncologic outcomes without significant complications related to reimplantation. Our data further support partial cystectomy in select patients with bladder cancer.