Impact of Elevated Body Mass Index on Surgical Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Cervical Fusion Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To investigate whether high body mass index (BMI) had adverse effects on the postoperative outcomes for patients who underwent anterior or posterior cervical fusion procedures. A literature search were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Comparative or controlled studies that examined the influences of high BMI on postoperative outcomes after cervical fusion procedures were included. Using a fixed-effect model or random-effect model, the effects of high BMI were determined by weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. A total of seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled estimate showed that high BMI was associated with longer hospital stay (WMD = 1.61 days, 95% CI: 0.51, 2.71; P = 0.004), longer surgical time (WMD = 4.55, 95% CI: 1.04, 8.07; P = 0.011), higher mortality rate (RR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.75, 3.29; P < 0.001), and higher postoperative rates of cardiac complication (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.52; P = 0.001), deep venous thromboembolism (RR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.86; P = 0.002), and wound complication (RR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.28; P < 0.001). However, there was no significant differences between high and normal BMI groups in terms of Neck Disability Index (WMD = 1.49, 95% CI: -2.34, 5.32; P = 0.447), SF-36 Mental Component Score (MCS) (WMD = -0.87, 95% CI: -2.09, 0.35; P = 0.164), overall complications (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.76; P = 0.399), central nervous system (CNS) complications (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.17, 2.76; P = 0.586), pulmonary complications (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.87, 2.46; P = 0.150), and septic complications (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.32, 2.38; P = 0.785).High BMI seemed to be associated with longer hospital stay, surgical time, and higher postoperative complication rates compared to normal BMI. Therefore, high BMI patients should be counseled carefully regarding the risk of postoperative complications and surgical outcomes after cervical fusion procedures.

Efficacy of Vertebroplasty in Short-Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation of Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation provides superior outcomes in treating thoracolumbar fractures. Nevertheless, the effect of intermediate screws on the outcome of short-segment instrumentation at the fracture level has not been specifically analyzed. We performed an update meta-analysis of the effect of additional vertebroplasty on the outcome of short-segment instrumentation to determine the role of screws for patients with fractured vertebra. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted, updated to January 2019, in terms of the efficacy of additional vertebroplasty on the outcome of short-segment instrumentation at the fracture level. After rigorous quality review, we extracted the data from qualified clinical studies. We further analyzed odds ratios (ORs) of the endpoints of interest based on the included trials. RESULTS Compared with the control group, short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws restored Cobb angle (P<0.001) and reduced anterior vertebral height compression (P=0.001). However, our results did not reveal statistically significant differences in operative time (P=0.28) or estimated blood loss (P=0.23). A statistically significant difference was observed in mean hospital stay (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Reinforcement with fracture-level screw combination can help stabilize the fractures and restore the anatomy. Nevertheless, additional trials and studies with longer follow-ups and on larger populations are warranted to confirm the current findings.

An updated meta-analysis of clinical outcomes comparing minimally invasive with open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Open-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (O-TLIF) is regarded as the standard (S) approach which is currently available for patients with degenerative lumbar diseases patients. In addition, minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has proposed and gradually obtained popularity compared with O-TLIF procedures due to its beneficial outcomes in minimized tissue injury and quicker recovery. Nonetheless, debates exist concerning the use of MI-TLIF with its conflicting outcomes of clinical effect and safety in several publications. The purpose of the current study is to conduct an updated meta-analysis to provide eligible and systematical assessment available for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of MI-TLIF in comparison with O-TLIF. METHODS: Publications on the comparison of O-TLIF and MI-TLIF in treating degenerative lumbar diseases in last 5 years were collected. After rigorous reviewing on the eligibility of publications, the available data was further extracted from qualified trials. All trials were conducted with the analysis of the summary hazard ratios (HRs) of the interest endpoints, including intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Admittedly, it is hard to run a clinical RCT to compare the prognosis of patients undergoing O-TLIF and MI-TLIF. A total of 10 trials including non-randomized trials in the current study were collected according to our inclusion criteria. The pooled results of surgery duration indicated that MI-TLIF was highly associated with shorter length of hospital stay, less blood loss, and less complications. However, there were no remarkable differences in the operate time, VAS-BP, VAS-LP, and ODI between the 2 study groups. CONCLUSION: The quantitative analysis and combined results of our study suggest that MI-TLIF may be a valid and alternative method with safe profile in comparison of O-TLIF, with reduced blood loss, decreased length of stay, and complication rates. While, no remarkable differences were found or observed in the operate time, VAS-BP, VAS-LP, and ODI. Considering the limited available data and sample size, more RCTs with high quality are demanded to confirm the role of MI-TLIF as a standard approach in treating degenerative lumbar diseases.

Late deep cervical infection after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is often performed for the treatment of degenerative cervical spine. While this procedure is highly successful, 0.1-1.6% of early and late postoperative infection have been reported although the rate of late infection is very low. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a case of 59-year-old male patient who developed deep cervical abscess 30 days after anterior cervical discectomy and titanium cage bone graft fusion (autologous bone) at C3/4 and C4/5. The patient did not have esophageal perforation. The abscess was managed through radical neck dissection approach with repated washing and removal of the titanium implant. Staphylococcus aureus was positively cultured from the abscess drainage, for which appropriate antibiotics including cefoxitin, vancomycin, levofloxacin, and cefoperazone were administered postoperatively. In addition, an external Hallo frame was used to support unstable cervical spine. The patient's deep cervical infection was healed 3 months after debridement and antibiotic administration. His cervial spine was stablized 11 months after the surgery with support of external Hallo Frame. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggested that deep cervical infection should be considered if a patient had history of ACDF even in the absence of esophageal perforation.

Unilateral versus bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in elderly patients: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To contrast the effects and complications in unilateral and bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: Multiple databases were adopted to search relevant studies, and the articles eventually satisfied the criteria were included. All the meta-analyses were conducted with the Review Manager 5.2. To estimate the quality of each article, risk of bias table was performed. RESULTS: Finally, 627 patients were enrolled in 9 studies and ultimately met the eligibility criteria. The unilateral and bilateral surgical samples were 314 and 313, respectively. The meta-analysis showed no significant difference in Visual Analog Scale/Score (VAS) (MD = -0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.24, 0.13], P = .57), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score (MD = 0.03, 95% CI [-0.57, 0.62], P = .93) and cement leakage (OR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.67, 1.50], P = 1.00) between unilateral group and bilateral group. The surgery time of unilateral PVP is much less than that of bilateral PVP (MD = -8.42, 95% CI [-13.17, -3.66], P = .0005). Patients with bilateral PVP surgery have been injected more cement than patients with a unilateral surgery (MD = -2.56, 95% CI [-2.79, -2.33], P <.00001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated unipedicular approach is the preferred surgical technique for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) compared with bilateral PVP since unipedicular approach injects less cement and cost less surgery time.

Comparison of Posterolateral Fusion and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolithesis: A Meta-Analysis.

Aim: Both posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF) are the frequently-used techniques to treat lumbar spondylolithesis. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety and effectiveness between these two methods. Materials and Methods: The multiple databases were used to search for the relevant studies, and full-text articles involved in the comparison between PLIF and PLF were reviewed. Review Manager 5.0 was adopted to estimate the effects of the results among selected articles. Forest plots, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis for the articles included were also conducted. Results: Finally, 11 relevant studies were eventually satisfied the included criteria. The meta-analysis suggested that there was no significant difference of the clinical outcome, fusion rate, complication rate and blood loss (RR = 1.07, 95%CI [0.97, 1.17], P = 0.16; RR = 0.84, 95%CI [0.49, 1.45], P = 0.54; RR = 1.07, 95%CI [0.95, 1.21], P = 0.25; SMD = 0.24, 95%CI [-0.50, 0.98], P = 0.52; respectively). No publication bias was observed in this study (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Both these two procedures provide excellent outcomes for patients with spondylolisthesis. There was no significant difference of clinical outcome, complication rate, fusion rate and blood loss between PLIF and PLF techniques.

[Comparative study of proximal femoral shortening after the third generation of Gamma nail versus proximal femoral nail anti-rotation in treatment of intertrochanteric fracture].

Objective: To explore the difference of the proximal femoral shortening (PFS) between the third generation of Gamma nail (TGN) and the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in treating intertrochanteric fracture of femur. Methods: The clinical data of 158 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur who were treated with TGN internal fixation or PFNA internal fixation between January 2014 and December 2015 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into TGN group (69 cases) and PFNA group (89 cases) according to surgical operation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, bone mineral density, causes of injury, AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, accompanied disease, and the time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The result of fracture reduction was divided into 3 types: positive medial cortex support, neutral position cortex support, and negative medial cortex support according to the method of Chang et al. At 18 months postoperatively, bilateral hip anteroposterior X-ray films were taken to measure horizontal PFS values (marked as X), vertical PFS values (marked as Y), and calculate the total PFS values (marked as Z). The PFS values were divided into 4 grades according to the criteria (≤1.0 mm, 1.0-4.9 mm, 5.0-9.9 mm, and ≥10.0 mm), and the constituent ratio was calculated and compared between 2 groups. The X, Y, and Z values and the collodiaphyseal angles of 2 groups at 18 months postoperatively were compared. The X, Y, and Z values of 2 groups of patients with failed fixation and normal healing within 18 months after operation were recorded and compared. The X, Y, and Z values of 2 groups of the patients with different cortex support types were also compared. Results: There were 34 cases of positive medial cortex support, 30 cases of neutral position cortex support, and 5 cases of negative medial cortex support in TGN group, and there were 45, 33, and 11 cases in PFNA group respectively, showing no significant difference between 2 groups ( Z=-1.06, P=0.29). All patients were followed up 18 months after operation. At 18 months after operation, the constituent ratios of PFS values (X, Y, Z) had significant differences between 2 groups ( P<0.05). The patients of shortening of 1.0-4.9 mm and 5.0-9.9 mm were obviously more in TGN group than in PFNA group; the patients of shortening of ≥10.0 mm were obviously more in PFNA group than in TGN group. There were significant differences in X, Y, and Z values between 2 groups ( P<0.05), but no significant difference of the collodiaphysial angle was found between 2 groups ( t=0.47, P=0.64). Six cases of internal fixation failed in TGN group and PFNA group respectively within 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference of X, Y, and Z values between failed fixation and normal healing patients within 2 groups ( P>0.05). When the reposition effect was the positive medial cortex support, the X, Y, and Z values were significantly lower in TGN group than in PFNA group ( P<0.05); but no significant difference was found between 2 groups when the reposition effect was the neutral position cortex support or negative medial cortex support ( P>0.05). At 18 months after operation, the X, Y, and Z values of the negative medial cortex support patients were significantly higher than those of the positive medial cortex support or the neutral position cortex support patients within 2 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion: PFS is a common complication of the intertrochanteric fracture of the femur after internal fixation. During operation, the selection of internal fixation should be based on the results of intraoperative reduction. TGN should be applied to reduce PFS if positive medial cortex support happened.

[A clinical study on the relationship of the tail femur distance and the lag screw migration or cutting-out after the third generation of Gamma nail fixation of intertrochanteric fracture].

Objective: To confirm the association between tail femur distance (TFD) and lag screw migration or cutting-out in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture with the third generation of Gamma nail (TGN). Methods: The clinical data of 124 cases of intertrochanteric fracture treated with TGN internal fixation and followed up more than 18 months between January 2012 and December 2015 were reviewed and analyzed. There were 52 males and 72 females, with an age of 46-93 years (mean, 78.5 years). According to AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, 43 cases were type 31-A1, 69 cases were type 31-A2, and 12 cases were type 31-A3. The time from injury to operation was 1-10 days (mean, 2.9 days). According to the fracture healing of the patients, the patients were divided into the healing group and failure group. The age, gender, height, bone mineral density (BMD), fracture AO/ASIF classification, the time from injury to operation, and the TFD value at 1 day after operation were recorded and compared. The risk factors for the migration or cutting-out of lag screw were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: There were 111 cases in healing group, the healing time was 80-110 days (mean, 95.5 days). There were 13 cases in failure group, including 2 cases of lag screw cutting-out and 11 cases of significant migration. Except for the TFD value at 1 day after operation in failure group was significantly higher than that in the healing group( t=5.14, P=0.00), there was no significant difference in gender, age, height, BMD, fracture of AO/ASIF classification, and the time from injury to operation ( P>0.05) between 2 groups. logistic regression analysis showed that TFD value was a risk factor for the migration or cutting-out of lag screw (B=1.22, standardized coefficient=0.32, Wald χ 2=14.66, P=0.00, OR=3.37). Conclusion: The patients with higher TFD value had higher risk of postoperative lag screw migration or cutting-out. This result indicates that the appropriate length of the lag screw is helpful to reduce TFD value and prevent postoperative lag screw migration or cutting-out.

One or Two Drains for the Treatment of Surgical Site Infections After Lumbar Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Optimal drainage after débridement for treating postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) is controversial. We compared single-tube drainage with double-tube drainage. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1125 patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent lumbar surgery. Postoperative SSI was diagnosed in 26 patients, and these patients were divided into 2 groups: single-tube drainage group (1 drain) and double-tube drainage group (2 drains). RESULTS: The 26 adult patients (17 women and 9 men) with postoperative SSI after lumbar surgery (26/1125 [2.3%]) were treated with débridement. There were no significant differences in patient age, sex, body mass index, mean number of pedicle screws, operative time, amount of bleeding, and drainage between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences between groups in administration of antibiotics (P > 0.05). Bacterial cultures were routinely performed in all 26 cases of SSI; 80.7% (21/26) of patients had a positive culture. Staphylococcus species, including predominantly S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and S. epidermidis, were the most common pathogens, followed by Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. There were no significant differences in drainage efficiency between the 1 drain and 2 drains groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between the 1 drain and 2 drains groups in surgery-related and patient-related risk factors, pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic therapy, laboratory tests results, or drainage efficiency and time. However, patients in the 1 drain group exhibited better clinical outcome and shorter hospital stay.

Association of the insulin-like growth factor-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs35767, rs2288377, and rs5742612 with osteoporosis risk: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in the regulation of bone formation and mineralization. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to assess the association of three IGF-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs35767, rs2288377, and rs5742612 with osteoporosis risk. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang databases was conducted. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a fixed effects model. RESULTS: Four Chinese case-control studies with a total of 2807 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed an association between rs35767 and osteoporosis risk in all study subjects (women and men) in dominant (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.53, P < .001), recessive (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.35-2.21, P < .001), homozygote (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.46-2.45, P < .001), and allelic (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.18-1.47, P < .001) models. Subgroup analysis according to gender showed that rs35767 was associated with osteoporosis risk in women under dominant (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08-1.54, P = .005), recessive (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.19-2.12, P = .002), homozygote (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.28-2.34, P < .001), and allelic (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12-1.47, P < .001) models. Meta-analysis did not find associations of rs2288377 and rs5742612 with osteoporosis risk. There was no evidence of between-study heterogeneity and publication bias. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that rs35767 is associated with osteoporosis risk in Chinese, whereas there is no association of rs2288377 and rs5742612 with osteoporosis risk.

[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of tarsometatarsal joint complex injuries].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tarsometatarsal joint complex injuries. METHODS: Between January 2000 and October 2009, 24 cases of tarsometatarsal joint complex injuries were treated. There were 14 males and 10 females with an average age of 38 years (range, 21-65 years). Injury was caused by a machine in 8 cases, by traffic accident in 12 cases, and by falling from height in 4 cases. All fractures were closed. The time from injury to hospitalization was 2-17 hours (5 hours on average). Open reduction and internal fixation with screw were performed. RESULTS: Incision healed by first intention in other patients except 1 patient who had effusion at incision. Twenty-three cases were followed up 12-47 months with an average of 23 months. X-ray films showed that all fractures healed after 9-15 weeks of operation (13 weeks on average). No complication was found, such as osteofascial compartment syndrome, nonunion infection, loosening or breakage of the internal fixator. According to Maryland scoring, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 3 cases with an excellent and good rate of 65.2%. CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction and stable fixation are important for satisfying results in treating tarsometatarsal joint complex injuries.