[Application of Erector Spinae Plane Block in Spine Surgery:A Review].

Spine surgery may lead to moderate to severe pain.Poorly controlled postoperative pain seriously affects the prognosis and recovery of patients.The erector spinae plane block (ESPB),firstly proposed in 2016 as a novel interfascial plane block,has been widely used in the management of intraoperative and postoperative pain in spine surgery.It has been confirmed as a safe,simple,and effective block.This review describes the anatomic basis,mechanism,and methods of ESPB,summarizes the clinical application of ESPB in spine surgery,and makes an outlook on the potential role of ESPB as a part in the multimodal management of postoperative pain in spine surgery.

Impact of causative organism identification on clinical outcomes after minimally invasive posterior fixation for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis: multicenter retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the difference in treatment duration and unplanned additional surgeries between patients with unidentified causative organisms on empiric antibiotics and those with identified organisms on selective antibiotics in treating thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis with minimally invasive posterior fixation. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis refractory to conservative treatment who underwent minimally invasive posterior fixation. Patients were divided into the identified (known causative organism) and unidentified groups (unknown causative organism). We analyzed data on demographics, antibiotic use, surgical outcomes, and infection control indicators. RESULTS: We included 74 patients, with 52 (70%) and 22 (30%) in the identified and unidentified groups, respectively. On admission, the identified group had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and more iliopsoas abscesses. The duration to postoperative CRP negative was similar in the identified and unidentified groups (7.13 vs. 6.48 weeks, p = 0.74). Only the identified group had unplanned additional surgeries due to poor infection control, affecting 6 of 52 patients (12%). Advanced age and causative organism identification increased the additional surgery odds (odds ratio [OR], 8.25; p = 0.033 and OR, 6.83; p = 0.034, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of empiric antibiotics in minimally invasive posterior fixation was effective without identifying the causative organism and did not prolong treatment duration. In patients with identified organisms, 12% required unplanned additional surgery, indicating a more challenging infection control. Causative organism identification was associated with the need for additional surgery, suggesting a more cautious treatment strategy for these patients.

Use of Subfascial Passive Bile Bag Drainage for the Management of Durotomies in Spine Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, the use of subfascial drains for the management of durotomies was avoided due to concerns about the creation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas. Currently, there are limited series utilizing subfascial drainage for CSF leak management, many of which utilize suction drainage. We report our experience with the use of subfascial passive drainage in the management of such leaks. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of a passive subfascial bile bag for diversion of CSF post-operatively in concert with a post-operative head of bed (HOB) protocol for the management of durotomies in spine surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent spinal surgery at a single institution performed by one surgeon. Cases utilizing a passive subfascial bile bag for durotomies were identified. A total of 1,882 consecutive surgeries were reviewed, and 108 met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was return to the operating room (OR) and/or the need for lumbar drain placement. Patient sociodemographic information and pre-, intra-, and post-operative clinical characteristics were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients underwent subfascial bile bag CSF diversion after intra-operative durotomy. Four patients (3.7%) experienced post-operative CSF leakage requiring lumbar drain placement, while only two (1.9%) patients required a return to the OR. One patient returned to the OR for symptomatic pseudomeningocele and the other for ongoing CSF drainage from their wound. CONCLUSION:  Durotomies are known to increase complication rates, including reoperation. The use of subfascial passive bile bag drainage in concert with a post-operative HOB protocol is a safe and effective manner to manage durotomies while minimizing the need for reoperation.

Navigation-Guided C-arm-Free Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Comparative Study of Cage Orientation and Screw Insertion Accuracy Against the Conventional C-arm-Assisted Technique.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is a widely utilized technique in spine surgery. This study compares the efficacy and safety of MIS-TLIF performed with traditional C-arm fluoroscopy and C-arm-free O-arm navigation. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to compare cage positioning between C-arm-free and C-arm techniques for MIS- TLIF. METHODS: A retrospective, comparative analysis was conducted on 43 patients undergoing MIS-TLIF. The group was divided based on the utilization of C-arm fluoroscopy or C-arm-free O-arm navigation. Key parameters analyzed included cage orientation, screw insertion accuracy, operative efficiency, and postoperative recovery. Radiographic measurements were used to assess surgical precision and perioperative complications were documented. RESULTS: The study encompassed 43 patients, with no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. Surgical time and blood loss were comparable between C-arm-free and C-arm groups. O-arm navigation significantly reduced pedicle screw misplacement (p=0.024). Cage positioning differed between groups (p=0.0063): O-arm cages were mostly mid-center, while C-arm cages were more anterior-center. Such differences in the cage location did not cause any impact on clinical outcome. No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications (screw loosenings, dural tears, surgical site infections) between groups. The Oswestry Disability Index scores at the final follow-up showed no significant difference between the O-arm and C-arm groups, indicating similar levels of postoperative disability. CONCLUSION: Despite the clinically insignificant difference in cage placement between C-arm-free and C-arm dependent, C-arm-free MIS-TLIF significantly improves screw placement accuracy and reduces radiation exposure to operating stuff. This suggests its potential as a valuable tool for safer and more precise spinal fusion surgery.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy for the prevention of surgical site complications in Paediatric patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized clinical trial.

Surgical wound complications are adverse events with important repercussions for the health of patients and health system. Surgical site infections and wound dehiscences are among the most important surgical wound complications, with a high incidence in paediatric patients undergoing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy for surgical incisions is used as a preventive measure against surgical wound complications in adults; however, there has been scant evidence for using it in children. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in preventing surgical wound complications in paediatric patients undergoing surgery to treat non-idiopathic scoliosis. Randomized clinical trial. Children younger than 18 years of age undergoing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis were randomly assigned into two groups to receive one of two different types of dressings for the first 7 days after surgery. One group were treated with a postoperative hydrofibre and hydrocolloid dressing with silver for wounds (control group), and the other group received a single-use incisional negative pressure wound therapy system (intervention group). The wounds were assessed after removal of the dressings at 7 days after surgery and again at 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. Surgical wound complications, sociodemographic variables, variables related to the procedure and postoperative period, economic costs of treatment of surgical wound complications, and time to healing of the surgical wound were recorded. Per protocol and per intention to treat analysis was made. The per protocol incidence of surgical wound complications was 7.7% in the intervention group versus 38.5% in the control group (p = 0.009; Fisher exact test. RR = 0.20 IC95%: 0.05-0.83). Surgical wound dehiscence, surgical site infections, seroma, and fibrin were the most common surgical wound complications. The type of surgery, duration of surgery, and patients' age were associated with a higher risk for surgical wound complications. Postoperative hydrofibre and hydrocolloid dressing with silver for wounds were found to be associated with a longer time to healing. Initial costs for dressings in the group receiving incisional negative pressure wound therapy were higher, but the total postoperative costs were higher for those receiving postoperative hydrofibre and hydrocolloid dressing with silver for wounds. It was found that for each US$1.00 of extra costs for using incisional negative pressure wound therapy, there was a benefit of US$12.93 in relation to the cost of complications prevented. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy is cost-effective in the prevention of surgical wound complications in children undergoing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis.

Posterior biportal endoscopic discectomy for the treatment of central cervical disc herniation: technical note and preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary outcomes and clinical efficacy of a novel posterior biportal endoscopic technique in the treatment of CCDH. METHOD: A total of eleven patients with symptomatic CCDH who met the inclusion criteria underwent posterior biportal endoscopic discectomy between December 2021 and May 2023. The surgical procedure involved flavectomy, foraminotomy, pediculoplasty, and discectomy using 30° and 45° arthroscopes and specialised minimally invasive tools. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for axial neck pain. Clinical efficacy was evaluated at the final follow-up using the modified Macnab criteria. RESULTS: All eleven patients successfully underwent posterior biportal endoscopic discectomy with a mean operative time of 82.7±10.1 minutes and mean estimated blood loss of 31.8±9.8 ml. The mean hospital stay was 5.2±1.1 days, and the mean follow-up period was 13.8±2.4 months. Significant improvements were observed in NDI, JOA and VAS scores. Clinical efficacy was rated as excellent in three patients, good in six patients, and fair in two patients according to the modified Macnab criteria. No cases of cervical instability or kyphosis were observed during postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: The novel posterior biportal endoscopic technique demonstrated significant clinical efficacy and safety in treating CCDH, with marked improvements in clinical outcomes, rapid postoperative recovery, and a low incidence of complications.

Technical aspects of rod-insertion forceps (persuader) application in reducing construct failure after lumbar spine fusion surgery: a biomechanical cadaveric study in Germany.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective experimental study. PURPOSE: This biomechanical in vitro study aimed to examine the extent to which the use of a rod persuader (RP) leads to additional mechanical stress on the screw-rod system and determine its influence on the bony anchoring of primary pedicle screws. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Degenerative spine diseases and deformities are the most common indications for the stabilization and fusion of spinal segments. The pedicle screw-rod system is considered the gold standard for dorsal stabilization, and an RP is also increasingly being considered to fit the spondylodesis material. METHODS: Ten lumbar spines from body donors were examined. Bisegmental dorsal spinal lumbar interbody fusion of the L3-L5 segments was performed using a pedicle screw-rod system (ROCCIA Multi-LIF Cage; Silony Medical, Germany). In group 1, the titanium rod was inserted without tension, whereas in group 2, the rod was attached to the pedicle screws at the L4 and L5 levels, creating a 5-mm gap. To attach the rod, the RP was used to press the rod into the pedicle screw. The rod was left in place for 30 minutes and then removed. RESULTS: The rod reduction technique significantly increased the mechanical load on the overall construct measured by strain gauges (p<0.05) and resulted in outright implant failure with pedicle screw pullout in 88.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where the spondylodesis material is not fully attached within the pedicle screw, an RP can be used with extreme caution, particularly in osteoporotic bones, to avoid pedicle screw avulsion and screw anchor failure.

Isolated C1 arch fractures: C1-2 fusion vs. C1 osteosynthesis - surgical strategies for potentially unstable injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative Review. OBJECTIVES: The premise of this review is to provide a review of the literature pertaining to studies describing outcomes of surgical cohorts when implementing C1 osteosynthesis for arch fractures with or without transverse atlantal ligamentous (TAL) injury. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across several search engines to identify studies which evaluate the outcomes of C1 osteosynthesis for patients with C1 arch fractures with and without TAL injury. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified. Parameters reported included osteosynthesis fusion rates, deformity correction, preservation of motion segments, patient reported outcome measures and overall complications. Overall, C1 osteosynthesis showed excellent fusion rates with complications comparable to traditional techniques denoted in literature. Furthermore, the osteosynthesis technique depicted good overall deformity correction and preservation of motion segments, in addition to good patient reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: It appears C1 osteosynthesis offers a safe and efficacious alternative option for the surgical treatment of C1 fractures with TAL rupture. It has the potential to reduce deformity, increase ROM, improve PROMs and has complication rates comparable with those of fusion techniques. However more robust prospective evidence is required.

Prospective analysis of STRATAFIX™ symmetric PDS plus suture for fascial closure in spinal surgery: a pilot study.

Wound closure is an integral part of every spinal procedure. Effective and secure wound closure is paramount in the prevention of infection, wound dehiscence and the preservation of cosmesis. Barbed suture technologies such as STRATAFIX™ Symmetric have been studied and are used in a variety of specialties, including obstetrics and orthopedic surgery, but is underutilized in neurosurgery. This study aims to assess the time and rate of closure using STRATAFIX™ Symmetric technology for fascial closure and compare this method to the more traditionally used method of fascial closure using braided absorbable sutures below the epidermis. 20 patients were recruited for the study. 10 patients underwent fascial approximation with braided absorbable sutures and definitive fascial closure with STRATAFIX™ Symmetric. In the control group, fascial closure was completed entirely with interrupted braided absorbable stitches. Patients assigned to STRATAFIX™ Symmetric group had shorter mean time for fascial closure, faster rate of average fascial closure, and lower number of total sutures used. The use of barbed suture technology such as STRATAFIX™ Symmetric may reduce the time to closure in thoracolumbar spine surgery without increasing the risk of adverse events. This pilot study forms the framework for a larger randomized, controlled trial appropriately powered for such an analysis.

Advancing Equity in Spine Surgery: Unraveling the Impact of Affirmative Action Reversal.

Affirmative action has been pivotal in addressing historical and systemic discrimination, particularly within healthcare. This paper delves into the impact of affirmative action policies on diversity in spine surgery, elucidating their critical role in fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Historically, affirmative action has been instrumental in breaking down barriers to education and careers in medicine. Landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education have been influential in shaping these policies. However, the recent reversal of affirmative action poses a substantial threat to diversity in medical school admissions, potentially diminishing the presence of minority groups in spine surgery. We examine the historical foundation and transformative impact of affirmative action, focusing on key legal cases and their influence on educational and professional inclusivity. The current landscape of diversity in medical education and spine surgery highlights the role of affirmative action in cultivating an inclusive workforce. Counterarguments to affirmative action are critically evaluated, emphasizing the extensive benefits of diversity in enhancing patient care, driving research innovation, and informing policy advocacy. To counteract the adverse effects of the affirmative action reversal, we propose proactive initiatives, including targeted support for college students, medical students, residents, and practicing surgeons. These strategies are designed to ensure the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce in spine surgery, thereby enriching patient care and advancing the field.

Where Are the Women in Spine Surgery? A Demographic Study of the Range of Gender Disparity in Academic Spine Hospitals in the United States.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There is a paucity of women in the field of academic spine surgery. In 2022, 20% of orthopaedic surgery residents and 24% of neurosurgery residents were women, the lowest and third lowest of all medical specialties respectively. There exists a significant discrepancy in the number of women employed as adult spine surgeons at academic hospitals. PURPOSE: To quantify the number of female attending spine surgeons at academic hospitals and identify institutions that based on faculty diversity are demonstrating inequity Study Design: Descriptive Methods: Demographic data was collected utilizing the 2023-2024 NASS Fellowship Directory in combination with publicly available information on faculty profiles from January 1, 2024 - January 30, 2024. Data collected included gender and training institutions (medical school, residency, and fellowship). Adult spine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who perform adult spine surgery were included. RESULTS: There are 943 neurosurgical and orthopaedic adult spine surgeons employed at 73 academic hospitals. The breakdown of orthopaedic spine surgeons versus neurosurgeons is roughly equivalent, at 453 and 490, respectively. Among orthopaedic spine surgeons, 19 out of 453 (4%) are female. Among neurosurgeons, 44 out of 490 (9%) are female. The number of female academic spine surgeons who are neurosurgeons is more than double that of orthopaedic surgeons. 12 out of the 19 (63%) female orthopaedic spine surgeons, and 16 out of the 44 (36%) female neurosurgeons are employed at the program where they trained. Out of 45 larger academic spine hospitals with >10 faculty members, there were 15 without any female faculty. There is one academic hospital with ≥ 20 spine faculty, and zero women. CONCLUSION: The number of women pursuing academic spine careers continues to lag behind present day demographics of training programs. These continued trends should prompt both individuals and institutions to support progress in gender disparity research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Anteroposterior cervical spine canal diameter: exploring ethnic variation between European and Polynesian populations.

BACKGROUND: Reduced spinal canal anteroposterior (AP) diameter and AP-transverse diameter ratio have been linked to the development of spinal cord injury and myelopathy. Previously unpublished data has suggested Maori and Pacifica individuals may have narrower cervical spine canals than their NZ European counterparts. PURPOSE: We evaluate the existence of potential differences in dimensions of the sub-axial cervical spine canal between New Zealand European, Maori and Polynesian individuals. STUDY DESIGN: A computed tomography (CT) analysis of 645 intact adult sub-axial cervical vertebrae from 129 patients. METHODS: A total of 645 human sub-axial (C3-C7) cervical vertebrae were analysed radiographically, using 1 mm resolution CT scans to measure AP diameter, transverse diameter and AP:transverse ratio. CT data were obtained from normal trauma scans demonstrating no acute pathology. CT data was reformatted in digital software allowing multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) to increase accuracy of measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: A total of 245 vertebrae were from Maori individuals, 245 from NZ European and 155 from Polynesians. There were 455 male vertebrae and 215 female vertebrae. Statistically significant differences were found in AP canal diameter between all ethnic groups, at all spinal levels. The average cervical spine canal was around 2.5 mm narrower in Polynesians and around 1.5 mm narrower in Maori than NZ Europeans. No differences in Transverse canal diameter were observed, however statistically significant differences were found in the AP:transverse ratio at all spinal levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, utilizing a normal patient cohort, confirms differences in canal dimensions between ethnic groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ethnic variation in cervical canal dimensions as herein described, must be considered when defining and diagnosing congenital stenosis. Neglecting to account for these differences may lead to misdiagnosis of congenital stenosis in normal individuals in certain ethnic groups.

Wound healing after intracutaneous vs. staple-assisted skin closure in lumbar, non-instrumented spine surgery: a multicenter prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Superficial surgical site infection (SSSI) is a prominent problem in spine surgery. Intracutaneous sutures and staple-assisted closure are two widely used surgical techniques for skin closure. Yet, their comparative impact on wound healing and infection rates is underexplored. Our goal was to address this gap and compare wound healing between these two techniques. METHODS: This study was a multicenter international prospective randomized trial. Patient data were prospectively collected at three large academic centers, patients who underwent non-instrumented lumbar primary spine surgery were included. Patients were intraoperatively randomized to either intracutaneous suture or staple-assisted closure cohorts. The primary endpoint was SSSI within 30 days after surgery according to the wound infection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification system. RESULTS: Of 207 patients, 110 were randomized to intracutaneous sutures and 97 to staple-assisted closure. Both groups were homogenous with respect to epidemiological as well as surgical parameters. Two patients (one of each group) suffered from an A1 wound infection at the 30-day follow up. Median skin closure time was faster in the staple-assisted closure group (198 s vs. 13 s, p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: This study showed an overall low superficial surgical site infection rate in both patient cohorts in primary non instrumented spine surgery.

Sarcopenia and the management of spinal disease in the elderly.

Sarcopenia, generally defined by the loss of skeletal mass and function, may disproportionately affect elderly individuals and heavily influence spinal disease. Muscle atrophy is associated with myriad clinical problems, including thoracic kyphosis, increased sagittal vertical axis (SVA), spinal implant failures, and postoperative complications. As such, the aim of this narrative review is to synthesize pertinent literature detailing the intersection between sarcopenia and the impact of sarcopenia on the management of spine disease. Specifically, we focus on the domains of etiology, diagnosis and assessment, impact on the cervical and lumbar spine, spinal augmentation procedures, neoplastic disease, whiplash injury, and recovery/prevention. A narrative review was conducted by searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases from inception to July 12, 2024, for any cohort studies, systematic reviews, or randomized controlled trials. Case studies and conference abstracts were excluded. Diagnosis of sarcopenia relies on the assessment of muscle strength and quantity/quality. Strength may be assessed using clinical tools such as gait speed, timed up and go (TUG) test, or hand grip strength, whereas muscle quantity/quality may be assessed via computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan). Sarcopenia has a generally negative impact on the clinical course of those undergoing cervical and lumbar surgery, and may be predictive of mortality in those with neoplastic spinal disease. In addition, severe acceleration-deceleration (whiplash) injuries may result in cervical extensor muscle atrophy. Intervention and recovery measures include nutrition or exercise therapy, although the evidence for nutritional intervention is lacking. Sarcopenia is a widely prevalent pathology in the advanced-age population, in which the diagnostic criteria, impact on spinal pathology, and recovery/prevention measures remain understudied. However, further understanding of this therapeutically challenging pathology is paramount, as surgical outcome may be heavily influenced by sarcopenia status.

Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy: should we abandon it for L5-S1 foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations? A prospective non-randomised study and literature review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy (TLED) in patients with L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five consecutive individuals with diagnosed foraminal/extraforaminal L5-S1 LDH were included in this study. All patients underwent TLED, being subsequently evaluated in a 2-year follow-up period. Assessment was performed preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Visual Analogue Scale (distinctly applied for lower limb - VAS-LP and low back - VAS-BP pain) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Medical Health Survey Questionnaire were implemented to assess pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of enrolled individuals, respectively. RESULTS: No major perioperative complications were observed. Recorded values of all studied indices were demonstrated to feature a clinically and statistically significant amelioration at 6 weeks, presenting lesser improvement at 3 months with subsequent stabilisation. VAS-LP and VAS-BP values were displayed to reach a plateau in 6 months postoperatively, whereas all parameters of SF-36 continued to present a statistically significant improvement until the end of follow-up at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: TLED represent a safe and efficient technique in terms of diminishing perceived pain and improving HRQoL in patients with L5-S1 LDHs. However, specific patient- and technique-related circumstances on the ground of low surgical experience may limit its effectiveness in these patients.

Association of Elevated Perioperative Blood Glucose With Complications and Postoperative Outcomes Following Traumatic Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative blood glucose control has been demonstrated to influence outcomes following spine surgery, though this association has not been fully elucidated in patients with traumatic spine injuries. This study sought to determine the association between perioperative blood glucose levels and complications or outcomes in patients undergoing spine surgery due to injury. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who underwent spine surgery due to traumatic injuries between 1 March 2020 and 29 September 2022 at a single academic institution. Descriptive factors, complications, and outcomes were compared between those with a postoperative blood glucose level of <200 mg/dL and those with a preoperative glucose of <200 mg/dL. RESULTS: Patients with a post- and preoperative blood glucose of ≥200 mg/dL had significantly higher odds of respiratory complications (OR = 2.1, 2.1, P = 0.02, 0.03), skin/wound complications (OR = 2.2, 2.8, P = 0.04, 0.03), and increased hospital length of stay (OR = 9.6, 12.1, P = 0.02, 0.03) compared with those with blood glucose of <200 mg/dL. Those with postoperative glucose ≥200 mg/dL also had significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality (OR = 4.5, P = 0.04) when controlling for confounding factors. Neither pre- nor postoperative blood glucose of ≥200 mg/dL was associated with an improvement in American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale score at the final follow-up when controlling for multiple confounding factors (P = 0.44, 0.06). CONCLUSION: Elevated blood glucose both pre- and postoperatively was associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications and negative postoperative outcomes. However, there was no association between elevated blood glucose levels and neurological recovery following traumatic spinal injury.

Pseudohypoxic brain swelling following cerebrospinal fluid leakage: a case report on rapid identification and multidisciplinary management.

This report delineates the intricate diagnostic journey and therapeutic conundrum presented by a 61-year-old male who exhibited atypical neurological deterioration shortly after lumbar fusion surgery, manifesting clinical and radiological features suggestive of pseudohypoxic encephalopathy, an entity characterized by symptoms mimicking cerebral hypoxia in the absence of a discernible hypoxic insult. Following an initially unremarkable recovery from an elaborate spinal surgery, the patient's postoperative condition was confounded by a perplexing decline in consciousness, unresponsive to conventional therapeutic interventions and devoid of clear etiological indicators on standard neuroimaging. The subsequent diagnostic odyssey unraveled a cerebrospinal fluid leak as the putative reason, positing a nuanced clinical paradigm wherein the cerebrospinal fluid leak engendered a state mimicking pseudohypoxic brain swelling. This report underscores the clinical challenges and emphasizes the need for an astute diagnostic approach in postoperative patients with unexplained neurological symptoms advocating for a comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying cerebrospinal fluid leaks and mitigate potential morbidity.

Single Position Prone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Review of the Current Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spinal fusion, vital for treating various spinal disorders, has evolved since the introduction of the minimally invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) by Pimenta in 2001. Traditionally performed in the lateral decubitus position, LLIF faces challenges such as intraoperative repositioning, neurological complications, and lack of access to lower lumbar levels. These challenges lead to long surgery times, increased rates of perioperative complications, and increased costs. The more recently popularized prone lateral approach mitigates these issues primarily by eliminating patient repositioning, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency, and reducing operative times. This review examines the progression of spinal fusion techniques, focusing on the advantages and recent findings of the prone lateral approach compared to the traditional LLIF. RECENT FINDINGS: The prone lateral approach has shown improved patient outcomes, including lower blood loss and shorter hospital stays, and has been validated by multiple studies for its safety and efficacy compared to the LLIF approach. Significant enhancements in postoperative metrics, such as the Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, and radiological improvements have been noted. Comparatively, the prone lateral approach offers superior segmental lordosis correction and potentially better subjective outcomes than the lateral decubitus position. Despite these advances, both techniques present similar risks of neurological complications. Overall, the prone lateral approach has emerged as a promising alternative in lumbar interbody fusion, combining efficiency, safety, and improved clinical outcomes.

Placement of 2 cages using navigation-guided biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: In recent developments, full endoscopic and unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery have emerged to aid the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure. Yet, both approaches present a challenge due to limited space for cage insertion, potentially leading to complications such as cage subsidence or nonfusion in long-term assessments. Utilizing double cages may mitigate these concerns. This paper presents a unique case in which a patient successfully underwent computed tomography (CT) navigation-guided UBE-TLIF with 2 converging cages, highlighting the potential benefits and feasibility of this innovative approach. OBSERVATIONS: A 59-year-old female diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis at the L4-5 level underwent a UBE-TLIF. The operation is detailed step by step and supported by illustrative figures and surgical videos. Postsurgery results revealed a significant improvement in the patient's condition, with the visual analog scale score decreasing from 7 to 3 on the first day, leading to a satisfaction rate of 90% at the last follow-up. LESSONS: Utilizing endoscopic visualization complemented by contrast medium has substantially elevated the quality of disc preparation. From their observations, the authors affirm that the integration of intraoperative CT navigation systems significantly augments safety and pinpoint accuracy in UBE-TLIF procedures. The strategy of employing 2 converging cages through a unilateral technique stands as a practical solution, potentially optimizing the fusion outcomes of UBE-TLIF surgery. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE23512.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Following Lumbar Spine Surgery in a Patient With Sarcoidosis.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare relapsing-remitting autoimmune polyneuropathy that targets peripheral nerves and has been associated in the literature with sarcoidosis. The goal of this study is to report the clinical case of a 61-year-old man with sarcoidosis who developed CIDP following lumbar spine surgery. The patient presented at their clinic visit with lumbar back pain and underwent a dome laminoplasty at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 with no known complications. Approximately four hours postoperatively, he developed bilateral lower extremity weakness most prominent along the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus (L4-S1) as well as saddle anesthesia. An MRI revealed no acute changes concerning compression. Electromyography (EMG) was performed six months postoperatively, which revealed absent F waves along the peroneal and tibial nerves as well as decreased amplitude consistent with an underlying axonal neuropathy. He was referred to a neurologist for a second opinion where a diagnosis of CIDP was made. Intravenous immune globulin treatment was initiated, and the patient felt improvement in his symptoms. This case highlights the association between sarcoidosis and CIDP and discusses the pathophysiology of the disease. In patients with sarcoidosis and weakness following lumbar surgery with a negative MRI, CIDP should be on the differential.