Effective and Successful Control of Symptomatic Vertebral Hemangiomas With Epidural Extension Using Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We present our experience in the management of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas with epidural extension (SVHEE) using spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS). METHODS: An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of all SVHEE patients treated with SSRS at our institution (2007-2022) was performed. Baseline patient demographics, clinical presentation, lesion volume, and Bilsky grade (to directly evaluate the epidural component) were determined. Clinical and radiographic response and treatment outcomes were subsequently evaluated at first (∼6 months) and final follow-up. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with SVHEE underwent SSRS (16-18 Gy/1-fraction); the mean follow-up was 24 months. The median lesion volume (cc) was 36.9 (range: 7.02-94.1), 31.5 (range: 6.53-69.7), and 25.15 (range: 6.01-52.5) at pre-SSRS, first, and final follow-up, respectively. Overall volume reduction was seen in the last follow-up in all 14 patients, median 29.01% (range: 6.58%-71.58%). Bilsky score was stable or improved in all patients at the last follow-up when compared with pre-SSRS score. Patients who underwent both surgical decompression and SSRS (n = 9): 8 had improved myelopathic symptoms and pain and 1 had stable radiculopathy postintervention. In the 5 patients treated with SSRS monotherapy, 2 had stable radicular pain and the other 3 improved pain and numbness. No patients experienced adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this represents the largest series of SVHEE patients treated with SSRS, either as monotherapy or part of a multimodal/separation surgery treatment approach. We demonstrate that SSRS represents a potentially safe and effective treatment option in these patients. However, larger prospective studies and longer follow-ups are necessary to further assess the role, durability, and toxicity of SSRS in the management of these patients.

Risk assessment of early therapeutic anticoagulation following cranial surgery: an institutional case series.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative thrombotic complications represent a unique challenge in cranial neurosurgery as primary treatment involves therapeutic anticoagulation. The decision to initiate therapy and its timing is nuanced, as surgeons must balance the risk of catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). With limited existing evidence to guide management, current practice patterns are subjective and inconsistent. The authors assessed their experience with early therapeutic anticoagulation (≤ 7 days postoperatively) initiation for thrombotic complications in neurosurgical patients undergoing cranial surgery to better understand the risks of catastrophic ICH. METHODS: Adult patients treated with early therapeutic anticoagulation following cranial surgery were considered. Anticoagulation indications were restricted to thrombotic or thromboembolic complications. Records were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, surgical details, and anticoagulation therapy start. The primary outcome was the incidence of catastrophic ICH, defined as ICH resulting in reoperation or death within 30 days of anticoagulation initiation. As a secondary outcome, post-anticoagulation cranial imaging was reviewed for new or worsening acute blood products. Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare cohorts. Cumulative outcome analyses were performed for primary and secondary outcomes according to anticoagulation start time. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Anticoagulation commenced on mean postoperative day (POD) 4.3 (SD 2.2). Catastrophic ICH was observed in 7 patients (9.9%) and was associated with earlier anticoagulation initiation (p = 0.02). Of patients with catastrophic ICH, 6 (85.7%) had intra-axial exploration during their index surgery. Patients with intra-axial exploration were more likely to experience a catastrophic ICH postoperatively compared to those with extra-axial exploration alone (OR 8.5, p = 0.04). Of the 58 patients with postoperative imaging, 15 (25.9%) experienced new or worsening blood products. Catastrophic ICH was 9 times more likely with anticoagulation initiation within 48 hours of surgery (OR 8.9, p = 0.01). The cumulative catastrophic ICH risk decreased with delay in initiation of anticoagulation, from 21.1% on POD 2 to 9.9% on POD 7. Concurrent antiplatelet medication was not associated with either outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of catastrophic ICH was significantly increased when anticoagulation was initiated within 48 hours of cranial surgery. Patients undergoing intra-axial exploration during their index surgery were at higher risk of a catastrophic ICH.

The Use of Cranial Aneurysm Clips for Repair of Incidental Lumbar Durotomy: Operative Technique and Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Incidental durotomy is a common complication of posterior lumbar spine surgery; however, effective and durable methods for primary repair remain elusive. Multiple existing techniques have previously been reported and extensively described, including sutured repair and the use of nonpenetrating titanium clips. The use of cranial aneurysm clips for primary repair of lumbar durotomy serves as a safe and effective alternative to obtain watertight closure of a dural tear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients at a single institution who underwent primary repair of an incidental lumbar durotomy with the use of an aneurysm clip during open posterior lumbar surgery between 2012 and 2023. Patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative metrics were collected and examined to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel technique. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were included for analysis. Four patients underwent durotomy repair with an aneurysm clip alone, 27 patients were repaired with an aneurysm clip and fibrin glue, and 20 patients underwent repair with an aneurysm clip, fibrin glue, and a collagen dural substitute. Three patients (5.9%) reported headaches: 2 (3.9%) with pseudomeningocele and 1 (2%) with wound leakage. Two patients (3.9%) had treatment failure with a return to the operating room for repair of a cerebrospinal fluid leak. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we report the largest series of patients undergoing primary repair of incidental durotomy with the use of an aneurysm clip. Use of an aneurysm clip is noted to be a safe, quick, and effective method of primary repair compared with existing repair techniques such as sutured repair or nonpenetrating titanium clips.

Exploring tribology and material contact science in spine surgery: implications for implant design.

Tribology, an interdisciplinary field concerned with the science of interactions between surfaces in contact and their relative motion, plays a well-established role in the design of orthopedic implants, such as knee and hip replacements. However, its applications in spine surgery have received comparatively less attention in the literature. Understanding tribology is pivotal in elucidating the intricate interactions between metal, polymer, and ceramic components, as well as their interplay with the native human bone. Numerous studies have demonstrated that optimizing tribological factors is key to enhancing the longevity of joints and implants while simultaneously reducing complications and the need for revision surgeries in both arthroplasty and spinal fusion procedures. With an ever-growing and diverse array of spinal implant devices hitting the market for static and dynamic stabilization of the spine, it is important to consider how each of these devices optimizes these parameters and what factors may be inadequately addressed by currently available technology and methods. In this comprehensive review, the authors' objectives were twofold: 1) delineate the unique challenges encountered in spine surgery that could be addressed through optimization of tribological parameters; and 2) summarize current innovations and products within spine surgery that look to optimize tribological parameters and highlight new avenues for implant design and research.

Treatment of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: a modified Delphi technique of the North American Spine Society Section of Spine Oncology.

OBJECTIVE: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare tumors with heterogeneous presentations and natural histories that complicate their management. Standardized guidelines are lacking on when to surgically intervene and the appropriate aggressiveness of resection, especially given the risk of new neurological deficits following resection of infiltrative tumors. Here, the authors present the results of a modified Delphi method using input from surgeons experienced with IMSCT removal to construct a framework for the operative management of IMSCTs based on the clinical, radiographic, and tumor-specific characteristics. METHODS: A modified Delphi technique was conducted using a group of 14 neurosurgeons experienced in IMSCT resection. Three rounds of written correspondence, surveys, and videoconferencing were carried out. Participants were queried about clinical and radiographic criteria used to determine operative candidacy and guide decision-making. Members then completed a final survey indicating their choice of observation or surgery, choice of resection strategy, and decision to perform duraplasty, in response to a set of patient- and tumor-specific characteristics. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement, while responses with 70%-79% agreement were defined as agreement. RESULTS: Thirty-six total characteristics were assessed. There was consensus favoring surgical intervention for patients with new-onset myelopathy (86% agreement), chronic myelopathy (86%), or progression from mild to disabling numbness (86%), but disagreement for patients with mild numbness or chronic paraplegia. Age was not a determinant of operative candidacy except among frail patients, who were deemed more suitable for observation (93%). Well-circumscribed (93%) or posteriorly located tumors reaching the surface (86%) were consensus surgical lesions, and participants agreed that the presence of syringomyelia (71%) and peritumoral T2 signal change (79%) were favorable indications for surgery. There was consensus that complete loss of transcranial motor evoked potentials with a 50% decrease in the D-wave amplitude should halt further resection (93%). Preoperative symptoms seldom influenced choice of resection strategy, while a distinct cleavage plane (100%) or visible tumor-cord margins (100%) strongly favored gross-total resection. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present a modified Delphi technique highlighting areas of consensus and agreement regarding surgical management of IMSCTs. Although not intended as a substitute for individual clinical decision-making, the results can help guide care of these patients. Additionally, areas of controversy meriting further investigation are highlighted.

Characterizing the Next Generation of Neurosurgeons: A Descriptive Analysis and Publicly Available Web Application of Neurosurgery Residency Programs' Website Data.

OBJECTIVE: Neurosurgery program websites serve as a valuable resource for applicants. However, each website exists in isolation, and it can be difficult to understand the general trends in U.S. neurosurgery resident demographics. In the present study, we collected data from program websites and analyzed the trends in the demographics of the current U.S. neurosurgery residents. METHODS: We used a program list obtained from the American Association of Medical Colleges Electronic Residency Application System to extract data from the current resident complement listed in each program's website, including program, year in program, medical school, sex (male vs. female), graduate and/or PhD degrees, and assessed the trends during 7 years of resident data using linear regression. RESULTS: We identified 116 neurosurgery residency programs in the United States, with 111 providing information on their current resident complement, yielding a dataset of 1599 residents. Of these 1599 residents, 348 (22%) were female, 301 (19%) had a graduate degree in addition to an MD or DO degree, 151 (9.4%) had a PhD degree, 300 (19%) had matched at the program affiliated with their medical school, and 121 (7.6%) had graduated from a foreign medical school. The proportion of matriculating female residents had increased an average of 2.1% annually (95% confidence interval, 0.6%-3.7%) from 2015 to 2021. The other demographic data had not changed significantly during the same period. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to summarizing the current resident demographics, our analysis identified a significant increase in the proportion of female residents between 2015 (15.1%) and 2021 (25.6%). This publicly available dataset should enable additional analyses of the evolution of neurosurgery resident demographics.

Metastatic Breast Cancer to the Spine: Incidence of Somatic Gene Alterations and Association of Targeted Therapies With Overall Survival.

BACKGROUND: The increase in use of targeted systemic therapies in cancer treatments has catalyzed the importance of identifying patient- and tumor-specific somatic mutations, especially regarding metastatic disease. Mutations found to be most prevalent in patients with metastatic breast cancer include TP53, PI3K, and CDH1. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of somatic mutations in patients with metastatic breast cancer to the spine (MBCS). To determine if a difference exists in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and progression of motor symptoms between patients who do or do not undergo targeted systemic therapy after treatment for MBCS. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients with MBCS. Review of gene sequencing reports was conducted to calculate the prevalence of various somatic gene mutations within this population. Those patients who then underwent treatment (surgery/radiation) for their diagnosis of MBCS between 2010 and 2020 were subcategorized. The use of targeted systemic therapy in the post-treatment period was identified, and post-treatment OS, progression-free survival, and progression of motor deficits were calculated for this subpopulation. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients were included in the final analysis with 56% of patients found to have a PI3K mutation. Patients who received targeted systemic therapies were found to have a significantly longer OS compared with those who did not receive targeted systemic therapies. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that there is an increased prevalence of PI3K mutations in patients with MBCS and there are a significant survival benefit and delay in progression of motor symptoms associated with using targeted systemic therapies for adjuvant treatment.

Prospective, randomized controlled multicenter study of posterior lumbar facet arthroplasty for the treatment of spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a posterior facet replacement device, the Total Posterior Spine (TOPS) System, for the treatment of one-level symptomatic lumbar stenosis with grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis. Posterior lumbar arthroplasty with facet replacement is a motion-preserving alternative to lumbar decompression and fusion. The authors report the preliminary results from the TOPS FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) trial. METHODS: The study was a prospective, randomized controlled FDA IDE trial comparing the investigational TOPS device with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and pedicle screw fixation. The minimum follow-up duration was 24 months. Validated patient-reported outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. The primary outcome was a composite measure of clinical success: 1) no reoperations, 2) no device breakage, 3) ODI reduction of ≥ 15 points, and 4) no new or worsening neurological deficit. Patients were considered a clinical success only if they met all four measures. Radiographic assessments were made by an independent core laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were evaluated (n = 170 in the TOPS group and n = 79 in the TLIF group). There were no statistically significant differences between implanted levels (L4-5: TOPS, 95% and TLIF, 95%) or blood loss. The overall composite measure for clinical success was statistically significantly higher in the TOPS group (85%) compared with the TLIF group (64%) (p = 0.0138). The percentage of patients reporting a minimum 15-point improvement in ODI showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.037) favoring TOPS (93%) over TLIF (81%). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the percentage of patients reporting a minimum 20-point improvement on VAS back pain (TOPS, 87%; TLIF, 64%) and leg pain (TOPS, 90%; TLIF, 88%) scores. The rate of surgical reintervention for facet replacement in the TOPS group (5.9%) was lower than the TLIF group (8.8%). The TOPS cohort demonstrated maintenance of flexion/extension range of motion from preoperatively (3.85°) to 24 months (3.86°). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that posterior lumbar decompression and dynamic stabilization with the TOPS device is safe and efficacious in the treatment of lumbar stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Additionally, decompression and dynamic stabilization with the TOPS device maintains segmental motion.

Transcervical, retropharyngeal odontoidectomy - Anatomical considerations.

Context: Anterior craniocervical junction lesions have always been a challenge for neurosurgeons. Presenting with lower cranial nerve dysfunction and symptoms of brainstem compression, decompression is often required. While posterior approaches offer indirect ventral brainstem decompression, direct decompression via odontoidectomy is necessary when they fail. The transoral and endoscopic endonasal approaches have been explored but come with their own limitations and risks. A novel retropharyngeal approach to the cervical spine has shown promising results with reduced complications. Aims: This study aims to explore the feasibility and potential advantages of the anterior retropharyngeal approach for accessing the odontoid process. Methods and Surgical Technique: To investigate the anatomical aspects of the anterior retropharyngeal approach, a paramedian skin incision was performed below the submandibular gland on two cadaveric specimens. The subcutaneous tissue followed by the platysma is dissected, and the superficial fascial layer is opened. The plane between the vascular sheath laterally and the pharyngeal structures medially is entered below the branching point of the facial vein and internal jugular vein. After reaching the prevertebral plane, further dissection cranially is done in a blunt fashion below the superior pharyngeal nerve and artery. Various anatomical aspects were highlighted during this approach. Results: The anterior, submandibular retropharyngeal approach to the cervical spine was performed successfully on two cadavers highlighting relevant anatomical structures, including the carotid artery and the glossopharyngeal, hypoglossal, and vagus nerves. This approach offered wide exposure, avoidance of oropharyngeal contamination, and potential benefit in repairing cerebrospinal fluid fistulas. Conclusions: For accessing the craniocervical junction, the anterior retropharyngeal approach is a viable technique that offers many advantages. However, when employing this approach, surgeons must have adequate anatomical knowledge and technical proficiency to ensure better outcomes. Further studies are needed to enhance our anatomical variations understanding and reduce intraoperative risks.

Incorporation of Blood and Fluid Management Within an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol in Complex Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary set of evidence-based interventions to reduce morbidity and accelerate postoperative recovery. Complex spine surgery carries high risks of perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and suboptimal fluid states. This study evaluates the efficacy of a perioperative fluid and blood management component comprised of a restrictive transfusion policy, goal directed fluid management, number of tranexamic acid (TXA) utilization, and autologous blood transfusion within our ERAS protocol for complex spine surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review compared patients undergoing elective complex spine surgery prior to and following implementation of an ERAS protocol with intraoperative blood and fluid management. Outcomes included incidence of blood transfusion, estimated blood loss, intraoperative crystalloids administered, frequency of intraoperative TXA utilized, incidence of patients extubated within the operating room (OR), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Following implementation, the rate of blood transfusion decreased by 11.7%(P = .017) and average crystalloid infusion was reduced 680 mL per case(P < .001). Intraoperative blood loss decreased on average 342 mL per case(P = .001) and TXA use increased significantly by 25%(P < .001). Postoperative ICU admissions declined by 8.5%(P = .071); extubation within the OR increased by 13.3%(P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: This protocol presents a unique perspective with the inclusion of an interdisciplinary and comprehensive blood and fluid management protocol as an integral part of our ERAS pathway for complex spine surgery. These results indicate that a standardized approach is associated with reduced rates of blood transfusion and optimized fluid states which was correlated with decreased postoperative ICU admissions.

Attitudes and trends in the use of radiolucent spinal implants: A survey of the North American Spine Society section of spinal oncology.

Background: In spinal oncology, titanium implants pose several challenges including artifact on advanced imaging and therapeutic radiation perturbation. To mitigate these effects, there has been increased interest in radiolucent carbon fiber (CF) and CF-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) implants as an alternative for spinal reconstruction. This study surveyed the members of the North American Spine Society (NASS) section of Spinal Oncology to query their perspectives regarding the clinical utility, current practice patterns, and recommended future directions of radiolucent spinal implants. Methods: In February 2021, an anonymous survey was administered to the physicians of the NASS section of Spinal Oncology. Participation in the survey was optional. The survey contained 38 items including demographic questions as well as multiple-choice, yes/no questions, Likert rating scales, and short free-text responses pertaining to the "clinical concept", "efficacy", "problems/complications", "practice pattern", and "future directions" of radiolucent spinal implants. Results: Fifteen responses were received (71.4% response rate). Six of the participants (40%) were neurosurgeons, eight (53.3%) were orthopedic surgeons, and one was a spinal radiation oncologist. Overall, there were mixed opinions among the specialists. While several believed that radiolucent spinal implants provide substantial benefits for the detection of disease recurrence and radiation therapy options, others remained less convinced. Ongoing concerns included high costs, low availability, limited cervical and percutaneous options, and suboptimal screw and rod designs. As such, participants estimated that they currently utilize these implants for 27.3% of anterior and 14.7% of all posterior reconstructions after tumor resection. Conclusion: A survey of the NASS section of Spinal Oncology found a lack of consensus with regards to the imaging and radiation benefits, and several ongoing concerns about currently available options. Therefore, routine utilization of these implants for anterior and posterior spinal reconstructions remains low. Future investigations are warranted to practically validate these devices' theoretical risks and benefits.

Primary Paraganglioma of the Spine: A Systematic Review of Clinical Features and Surgical Management in Cauda Equina versus Non-Cauda Equina Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Primary spine paragangliomas are rare tumors. Surgical resection plays a role, but aggressive lesions are challenging. We reviewed the literature on primary spine paragangliomas. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA guidelines to include studies on primary spine paragangliomas. Clinical-radiologic features, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed and compared between cauda equina versus non-cauda equina tumors. RESULTS: We included 143 studies comprising 334 patients. Median age was 46 years (range, 6-85 years). The most frequent symptoms were lower back (64.1%) and radicular (53.9%) pain, and sympathetic in 18 patients (5.4%). Cauda equina paragangliomas (84.1%) had frequently lumbar (49.1%) or lumbosacral (29%) locations. Non-cauda equina tumors were mostly in the thoracic (11.4%), thoracolumbar (5.1%), and cervical (3.6%) spine. Median tumor diameter was 2.5 cm (range, 0.5-13.0 cm). Surgical resection (98.5%) was preferred over biopsy (1.5%). Decompressive laminectomy (53%) and spine fusion (6.9%) were also performed. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in 39 patients (11.7%) with aggressive tumors. Posttreatment symptomatic improvement was described in 86.2% cases. Median follow-up was 19.5 months (range, 0.1-468.0 months), and 23 patients (3.9%) had tumor recurrences. No significant differences were found between cauda equina versus non-cauda equina tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is effective and safe in treating primary spine paragangliomas; however, adjuvant treatments may be needed for aggressive lesions.

Opioid Alternatives in Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Adequate analgesia is known to improve outcomes after spine surgery. Despite recent attention highlighting the negative effects of narcotics and their addiction potential, opioids have been the mainstay of management for providing analgesia following spine surgeries. However, side effects including hyperalgesia, tolerance, and subsequent dependence restrict the generous usage of opioids. Multimodal analgesia regimens acting through different mechanisms offer significant opioid sparing and minimize the side effects of individual drugs. Hence, they are being increasingly incorporated into enhanced recovery protocols. Multimodal analgesia includes drugs such as N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and membrane-stabilizing agents, neuraxial opioids, local anesthetic infiltration, and fascial compartment blocks. Analgesia started before the painful stimulus, termed preemptive analgesia, facilitates subsequent pain management. Both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and neuraxial analgesia have been conclusively shown to reduce opioid requirements after spine surgery, and there is a resurgence of interest in the use of low-dose ketamine or methadone. Neuraxial narcotics offer enhanced analgesia for a longer duration with lower dosage and side effect profiles compared with systemic opioid administration. Fascial compartment blocks are increasingly used as they provide effective analgesia with fewer adverse effects. In this narrative review, we will discuss multimodality analgesic regimens incorporating opioid-sparing adjuvants to manage pain after spine surgery.

Predictors of Nonelective Surgery for Spinal Metastases: Insights from a National Database.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a national all-payer database. OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to identify patient- and hospital-level factors independently associated with the receipt of nonelective surgery and determine whether nonelective surgery portends differences in perioperative outcomes compared to elective surgery for spinal metastases. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal metastases may progress to symptomatic epidural spinal cord compression that warrants urgent surgical intervention. Although nonelective surgery for spinal metastases has been associated with poor postoperative outcomes, literature evaluating disparities in the receipt of nonelective versus elective surgery in this population is lacking. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (2012-2015) was queried for patients who underwent surgical intervention for spinal metastases. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association of patient- and hospital-level factors with the receipt of nonelective surgery, as well as to evaluate the influence of admission status on perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: After adjusting for disease-related factors and other baseline covariates, our multivariable logistic regression model revealed several sociodemographic differences in the receipt of nonelective surgery. Patients of black (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.84, P = 0.032) and other race (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13-1.98, P = 0.005) had greater odds of undergoing nonelective surgery than their white counterparts. Patients of lower income (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.84, P = 0.019) and public insurance status (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26-1.93, P < 0.001) were more likely to receive nonelective surgery than higher income and privately insured patients, respectively. Higher comorbidity burden was also associated with greater odds of non-elective admission (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 2.07-4.16, P  < 0.001). With respect to perioperative outcomes, multivariable analysis revealed that patients receiving nonelective surgery were more likely to experience nonroutine discharge (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 2.09-2.98, P  < 0.001) and extended length of stay [LOS] (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.91-3.16, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates substantial disparities in the receipt of nonelective surgery across sociodemographic groups and highlights its association with nonroutine discharge and extended LOS.Level of Evidence: 3.

Factors associated with adjacent-level tumor progression in patients receiving surgery followed by radiosurgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

OBJECTIVE: Separation surgery followed by spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) has been shown to achieve favorable rates of local tumor control and patient-reported outcomes in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). However, rates and factors associated with adjacent-level tumor progression (ALTP) in this population have not yet been characterized. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with ALTP and examine its association with overall survival (OS) in patients receiving surgery followed by radiosurgery for MESCC. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients who underwent separation surgery followed by SSRS for MESCC were identified using a prospectively collected database and were retrospectively reviewed. Radiological measurements were collected from preoperative, postoperative, and post-SSRS MRI. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and Cox proportional hazards test. Subgroup analysis was conducted for patients who experienced ALTP into the epidural space (ALTP-E). RESULTS: The authors' cohort included 39 patients with a median OS of 14.7 months (range 2.07-96.3 months). ALTP was observed in 16 patients (41.0%) at a mean of 6.1 ± 5.4 months postradiosurgery, of whom 4 patients (10.3%) experienced ALTP-E. Patients with ALTP had shorter OS (13.0 vs 17.1 months, p = 0.047) compared with those without ALTP. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of ALTP included the amount of bone marrow infiltrated by tumor at the index level, amount of residual epidural disease following separation surgery, and prior receipt of radiotherapy at the index level (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that primary tumor type, amount of preoperative epidural disease, time elapsed between surgery and radiosurgery, and prior receipt of radiotherapy at the index level were significantly associated with ALTP-E (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to identify possible risk factors for ALTP, and they suggest that it may be associated with shorter OS in patients receiving surgery followed by radiosurgery for MESCC. Future studies with higher power should be conducted to further characterize factors associated with ALTP in this population.

Reducing Wrong-level Spinal Surgeries Through Root Cause Analyses: A 10-year Longitudinal Analysis of a Single Tertiary Institution's Iterative Policy Improvements.

MINI: This study is a comprehensive narrative of all wrong-level spine surgeries and prevention strategies employed at our institution between 2008 and 2019, and aims to provide a roadmap for developing a rigorous prevention protocol. We systematically track root cause analyses and policy changes to determine which prevention strategies are most effective.

Retrospective review. We aim to create a comprehensive narrative of all wrong-level spinal surgeries (WLSS) and subsequent prevention strategies employed at our institution and provide a roadmap for developing a rigorous prevention protocol. There is currently no published evidence-based protocol to prevent WLSS. Previous studies are limited to multi-institution surgeon surveys and opinion pieces; the impact of serial interventions to eliminate WLSS is lacking. No studies have longitudinally analyzed a single institution's serial root cause analyses (RCA) of individual WLSS cases and the stepwise impact of targeted interventions to reduce WLSS occurrence. We reviewed all wrong-site spine surgeries and prevention strategies employed at our institution between 2008 and 2019, and corresponding WLSS-related RCAs were collected from institutional records. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of these reports and tracked policy implementations that resulted along with the incidence of WLSS following each policy. Fifteen WLSS were identified with 13 corresponding RCAs of 21,179 spine surgeries between 2008 and 2019. Three policy categories emerged: imaging, operating room (OR) culture, and vertebral body marking. The salient changes from each category were: requiring two immovable vertebral markers (2013); requiring intraoperative radiographs with markers and retractors positioned (2014); open-ended questioning during spinal level verification by residents and fellows (2015); and requiring an impartial radiologist to have verbal contact with the operating surgeon intraoperatively to collaboratively discuss localization (2018). Each change resulted in WLSS incidence decline (five in 2014, three in 2015, 0 in 2019). Stepwise process improvement based on WLSS case review is necessary, as no one change in standard operating procedure effectively eliminated WLSS. Improvements in communication between OR staff, surgeon, and radiologist, as well as intraoperative imaging and marking optimization all contributed to improvements in WLSS rates. By focusing on lessons learned from RCAs using this methodology, institutions can iteratively improve rates of WLSS. Level of Evidence: 4.

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Diagnosis, Outcomes, and Prognostic Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Typically, the clinical presentation of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) will be insidious, with patients' symptoms regularly attributed to other conditions. Although previous studies have characterized the neurologic outcomes after treatment for SDAVFs, little is known about the pretreatment patient characteristics associated with poor and/or positive patient outcomes. We sought to characterize the pretreatment patient demographics, diagnostic history, and neurologic outcomes of patients treated for SDAVFs and to identify the patient factors predictive of these outcomes. METHODS: The medical records of patients who had been treated for SDAVFs from 2006 to 2018 across 1 healthcare system were retrospectively analyzed. Neurologic status was assessed both before and after intervention using the Aminoff-Logue scales for gait and micturition disturbances. RESULTS: Of 46 total patients, 16 (35%) had a documented misdiagnosis. Patients with a history of misdiagnosis had had a significantly longer symptom duration before treatment compared with those without a misdiagnosis (median, 2.3 vs. 0.9 years; P = 0.018). A shorter symptom duration before intervention was significantly associated with both improved motor function (median, 0.8 vs. 3.1 years; P = 0.001) and improved urinary function (median, 0.8 vs. 2.2 years; P = 0.040) after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Misdiagnosis has been relatively common in patients with SDAVFs and contributes to delays in treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of SDAVFs appear to be associated with worse clinical outcomes for patients who, ultimately, receive treatment.

Analyzing the role of adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy for spinal myxopapillary ependymomas.

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to describe the long-term recurrence patterns, prognostic factors, and effect of adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy (RT) on treatment outcomes for patients with spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE). METHODS: The authors reviewed a tertiary institution IRB-approved database and collected data regarding patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics for all patients treated consecutively from 1974 to 2015 for histologically confirmed spinal MPE. Key outcomes included relapse-free survival (RFS), postrecurrence RFS, failure patterns, and influence of timing of RT on recurrence patterns. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were utilized. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients included in the study, the median age at initial surgery was 34 years (range 12-74 years), 30 patients (51%) were female, and the most common presenting symptom was pain (n = 52, 88%). Extent of resection at diagnosis was gross-total resection (GTR) in 39 patients (66%), subtotal resection (STR) in 15 (25%), and unknown in 5 patients (9%). After surgery, 10 patients (17%) underwent adjuvant RT (5/39 GTR [13%] and 5/15 STR [33%] patients). Median follow-up was 6.2 years (range 0.1-35.3 years). Overall, 20 patients (34%) experienced recurrence (local, n = 15; distant, n = 5). The median RFS was 11.2 years (95% CI 77 to not reached), and the 5- and 10-year RFS rates were 72.3% (95% CI 59.4-86.3) and 54.0% (95% CI, 36.4-71.6), respectively.STR was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (HR 6.45, 95% CI 2.15-19.23, p < 0.001) than GTR, and the median RFS after GTR was 17.2 years versus 5.5 years after STR. Adjuvant RT was not associated with improved RFS, regardless of whether it was delivered after GTR or STR. Of the 20 patients with recurrence, 12 (60%) underwent salvage treatment with surgery alone (GTR, n = 6), 4 (20%) with RT alone, and 4 (20%) with surgery and RT. Compared to salvage surgery alone, salvage RT, with or without surgery, was associated with a significantly longer postrecurrence RFS (median 9.5 years vs 1.6 years; log-rank, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: At initial diagnosis of spinal MPE, GTR is key to long-term RFS, with no benefit to immediate adjuvant RT observed in this series. RT at the time of recurrence, however, is associated with a significantly longer time to second disease recurrence. Surveillance imaging of the entire neuraxis remains crucial, as distant failure is not uncommon in this patient population.

Multimodal Analgesic Regimen for Spine Surgery: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Various multimodal analgesic approaches have been proposed for spine surgery. The authors evaluated the effect of using a combination of four nonopioid analgesics versus placebo on Quality of Recovery, postoperative opioid consumption, and pain scores. METHODS: Adults having multilevel spine surgery who were at high risk for postoperative pain were double-blind randomized to placebos or the combination of single preoperative oral doses of acetaminophen 1,000 mg and gabapentin 600 mg, an infusion of ketamine 5 µg/kg/min throughout surgery, and an infusion of lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg/h intraoperatively and during the initial hour of recovery. Postoperative analgesia included acetaminophen, gabapentin, and opioids. The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery 15-questionnaire (0 to 150 points, with 15% considered to be a clinically important difference) assessed on the third postoperative day. Secondary outcomes were opioid use in morphine equivalents (with 20% considered to be a clinically important change) and verbal-response pain scores (0 to 10, with a 1-point change considered important) over the initial postoperative 48 h. RESULTS: The trial was stopped early for futility per a priori guidelines. The average duration ± SD of surgery was 5.4 ± 2.1 h. The mean ± SD Quality of Recovery score was 109 ± 25 in the pathway patients (n = 150) versus 109 ± 23 in the placebo group (n = 149); estimated difference in means was 0 (95% CI, -6 to 6, P = 0.920). Pain management within the initial 48 postoperative hours was not superior in analgesic pathway group: 48-h opioid consumption median (Q1, Q3) was 72 (48, 113) mg in the analgesic pathway group and 75 (50, 152) mg in the placebo group, with the difference in medians being -9 (97.5% CI, -23 to 5, P = 0.175) mg. Mean 48-h pain scores were 4.8 ± 1.8 in the analgesic pathway group versus 5.2 ± 1.9 in the placebo group, with the difference in means being -0.4 (97.5% CI; -0.8, 0.1, P = 0.094). CONCLUSIONS: An analgesic pathway based on preoperative acetaminophen and gabapentin, combined with intraoperative infusions of lidocaine and ketamine, did not improve recovery in patients who had multilevel spine surgery.