Selection of Optimal Lower Instrumented Vertebra for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects approximately 2% of adolescents across all ethnicities. The objectives of surgery for AIS are to halt curve progression, correct the deformity in 3 dimensions, and preserve as many mobile spinal segments as possible, avoiding junctional complications. Despite ongoing development in algorithms and classification systems for the surgical treatment of AIS, there is still considerable debate about selecting the appropriate fusion level. In this study, we review the literature on fusion selection and present current concepts regarding the lower instrumented vertebra in the selection of the fusion level for AIS surgery.

Proximal Junctional Kyphosis or Failure After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery - Review of Risk Factors and Its Prevention.

Proximal junction kyphosis (PJK) is a common imaging finding after long-level fusion, and proximal junctional failure (PJF) is an aggravated form of the progressive disease spectrum of PJK. This includes vertebral fracture of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) or UIV+1, instability between UIV and UIV+1, neurological deterioration requiring surgery. Many studies have reported on PJK and PJF after long segment instrumentation for adult spinal deformity (ASD). In particular, for spine deformity surgeons, risk factors and prevention strategies of PJK and PJF are very important to minimize reoperation. Therefore, this review aims to help reduce the occurrence of PJK and PJF by updating the latest contents of PJK and PJF by 2023, focusing on the risk factors and prevention strategies of PJK and PJF. We conducted a search on multiple database for articles published until February 2023 using the search keywords "proximal junctional kyphosis," "proximal junctional failure," "proximal junctional disease," and "adult spinal deformity." Finally, 103 papers were included in this study. Numerous factors have been suggested as potential risks for the development of PJK and PJF, including a high body mass index, inadequate postoperative sagittal balance and overcorrection, advanced age, pelvic instrumentation, and osteoporosis. Recently, with the increasing elderly population, sarcopenia has been emphasized. The quality and quantity of muscle in the surgical site have been suggested as new risk factor. Therefore, spine surgeon should understand the pathophysiology of PJK and PJF, as well as individual risk factors, in order to develop appropriate prevention strategies for each patient.

From the Spinopelvic Parameters to Global Alignment and Proportion Scores in Adult Spinal Deformity.

In the last 20 years, sagittal alignment and balance of the spine have become one of the most important issues in the field of spine surgery. Recent studies emphasize that sagittal balance and alignment are more important for health-related quality of life. The understanding of normal and abnormal sagittal alignment of the spine is necessary for the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD), and we will discuss the currently used classification of ASD, the parameters of sagittal alignment that are essential for the diagnosis of spinal deformity, compensatory actions to maintain sagittal balance, and the relationship between sagittal alignment and clinical symptoms. Furthermore, we will also discuss the recently introduced Global Alignment and Proportion scores. The Korean Spinal Deformity Society is publishing a series of review articles on spinal deformities to help spine surgeons better understand spinal deformities.

Comparison of Outcomes of Multi-Level Anterior, Oblique, Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery : Impact on Global Sagittal Alignment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in terms of global sagittal alignment. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2019, 141 adult patients who underwent multilevel interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative disorders were enrolled. Regarding the approach, patients were divided into the ALIF (n=23), OLIF (n=60), and TLIF (n=58) groups. Outcomes, including local radiographic parameters and global sagittal alignment, were then compared between the treatment groups. RESULTS: Regarding local radiographic parameters, ALIF and OLIF were superior to TLIF in terms of the change in the anterior disc height (7.6±4.5 mm vs. 6.9±3.2 mm vs. 4.7±2.9 mm, p<0.001), disc angle (-10.0°±6.3° vs. -9.2°±5.2° vs. -5.1°±5.1°, p<0.001), and fused segment lordosis (-14.5°±11.3° vs. -13.8°±7.5° vs. -7.4°±9.1°, p<0.001). However, regarding global sagittal alignment, postoperative lumbar lordosis (-42.5°±9.6° vs. -44.4°±11.6° vs. -40.6°±12.3°, p=0.210), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (7.9°±11.3° vs. 6.7°±11.6° vs. 11.5°±13.0°, p=0.089), and the sagittal vertical axis (24.3±28.5 mm vs. 24.5±34.0 mm vs. 25.2±36.6 mm, p=0.990) did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Although the anterior approaches were superior in terms of local radiographic parameters, TLIF achieved adequate global sagittal alignment, comparable to the anterior approaches.

Development and Validation of an Online Calculator to Predict Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Using Machine Learning.

OBJECTIVE: Although adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery aims to restore and maintain alignment, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) may occur. While existing scoring systems predict PJK, they predominantly offer a generalized 3-tier risk classification, limiting their utility for nuanced treatment decisions. This study seeks to establish a personalized risk calculator for PJK, aiming to enhance treatment planning precision. METHODS: Patient data for ASD were sourced from the Korean spinal deformity database. PJK was defined a proximal junctional angle (PJA) of ≥ 20° at the final follow-up, or an increase in PJA of ≥ 10° compared to the preoperative values. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent variables. Subsequently, 5 machine learning models were created to predict individualized PJK risk post-ASD surgery. The most efficacious model was deployed as an online and interactive calculator. RESULTS: From a pool of 201 patients, 49 (24.4%) exhibited PJK during the follow-up period. Through multivariable analysis, postoperative PJA, body mass index, and deformity type emerged as independent predictors for PJK. When testing machine learning models using study results and previously reported variables as hyperparameters, the random forest model exhibited the highest accuracy, reaching 83%, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.76. This model has been launched as a freely accessible tool at: (https://snuspine.shinyapps.io/PJKafterASD/). CONCLUSION: An online calculator, founded on the random forest model, has been developed to gauge the risk of PJK following ASD surgery. This may be a useful clinical tool for surgeons, allowing them to better predict PJK probabilities and refine subsequent therapeutic strategies.

Sacropelvic Fixation for Adult Deformity Surgery Comparing Iliac Screw and Sacral 2 Alar-Iliac Screw Fixation: Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Two commonly used techniques for spinopelvic fixation in adult deformity surgery are iliac screw (IS) and sacral 2 alar-iliac screw (S2AI) fixations. In this article, we systematically meta-analyzed the complications of sacropelvic fixation for adult deformity surgery comparing IS and S2AI. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane clinical trial databases were systematically searched until March 29, 2023. The proportion of postoperative complications, including implant failure, revision, screw prominence, and wound complications after sacropelvic fixation, were pooled with a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses for the method of sacropelvic fixation were conducted. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 1,931 patients (IS, 925 patients; S2AI, 1,006 patients) were included. The pooled proportion of implant failure was not statistically different between the IS and S2AI groups (21.9% and 18.9%, respectively) (p = 0.59). However, revision was higher in the IS group (21.0%) than that in the S2AI group (8.5%) (p = 0.02). Additionally, screw prominence was higher in the IS group (9.6%) than that in the S2AI group (0.0%) (p < 0.01), and wound complication was also higher in the IS group (31.7%) than that in the S2AI group (3.9%) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: IS and S2AI fixations showed that both techniques had similar outcomes in terms of implant failure. However, S2AI was revealed to have better outcomes than IS in terms of revision, screw prominence, and wound complications.

Surgical Outcomes and Fusion Rate Following Spinal Fusion in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact of Kidney Function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical outcomes and fusion rate following spinal fusion surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease and assess the impact of kidney function. METHODS: From March 2017 to February 2021, 54 consecutive adult patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent spinal fusion surgery were enrolled. According to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories, 35 and 19 patients were classified into the non-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) group (GFR categories 3a-4; eGFR, 15-59 mL/min/1.73 m2) and ESRD group (GFR category 5; eGFR, <15 mL/min/1.73 m2), respectively. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups. The lumbar and thoracolumbar spines were the most operated. The mean number of fused vertebrae (4.9 ± 2.3 vs. 4.1 ± 2.0, P = 0.122), operative time (228.4 ± 129.6 min vs. 160.5 ± 87.5 min, P = 0.113), and surgical bleeding (743.1 ± 630.5 mL vs. 539.5 ± 384.4 mL, P = 0.354) did not differ between the groups. However, occurrence rates of medical complications (25.7% vs. 52.6%, P = 0.048) and 3-month readmission (8.6% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.045) were significantly different between the groups. While the 3-month mortality (10.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.28) and pseudarthrosis rates (35.3% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.047) were higher in the ESRD group, the difference was not statistically significant for the former entity. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should consider the possibility of high morbidity and pseudarthrosis associated with spine surgeries when operating on patients with ESRD.

Surgical Treatment of Dysphagia Secondary to Anterior Cervical Osteophytes Due to Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is an ossifying and ankylosing skeletal condition that can be associated with DISH-related dysphagia in the case of cervical involvement. In contrast to most cases of dysphagia, which are managed conservatively, DISH-related dysphagia can be discouraging due to the progressive nature of DISH. We report two cases of DISH-related dysphagia that were treated with the surgical removal of osteophytes via an anterolateral approach. We were able to remove osteophytes using the bottleneck point as an anatomical landmark between the vertebral body and the bony excrescence. Patients' symptoms improved following osteophyte removal, without recurrence. In cases of DISH-related dysphagia, osteophyte removal using an osteotome could improve dysphagia safely and quickly.

Six Revision Surgeries for Massive Epidural Fibrosis with Recurrent Pain and Weakness in the Left Lower Extremity.

Epidural fibrosis is a common cause of pain after lumbar surgeries. There are no previous reports documenting profound limb weakness associated with epidural fibrosis. A 43-year-old woman uneventfully underwent microscopic discectomy. However, six additional surgeries were needed due to recurrent pain and weakness episodes, several days after the surgery. Operative findings were severe epidural fibrosis around the thecal sac and nerve roots. Epidural fibrosis excision did not prevent recurrent fibrosis; therefore, we performed a lordotic fusion with posterior column shortening to reduce neural tension and nerve-root stretching. Eventually, she became free from recurrent episodes of deteriorations and repetitive surgeries.

Endoscopic Extreme Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Large Spacers: A Technical Note and Preliminary Report.

This report describes a novel endoscopic fusion technique performed with unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) that is known as extreme transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (eXTLIF) and is performed with a large spacer. We also present the short-term results of this procedure. Previous studies reported that minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) could achieve acceptable rates of fusion; therefore, it is often used for treating various degenerative lumbar diseases. Moreover, MIS-TLIF can be performed with a unilateral approach; hence, it is commonly performed with the UBE technique. The biportal endoscopic TLIF procedure is usually performed with a single spacer in the interbody space. It is important to insert the maximum amount of graft material into the preparation site via an autologous bone marrow transplant or any other suitable substance with spacer insertion. Because MIS-TLIF with UBE is performed in water, it might provide an inadequate environment for excellent fusion. Therefore, a modified method was used to increase the surface contact area and insert the maximum amount of bone material with a larger spacer. However, the use of a large spacer necessitates a larger spacer orifice. For this purpose, eXTLIF was performed, which inserts the spacer more laterally compared with the current TLIF position. We report the surgical method and short-term results, which have been satisfactory thus far. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):163-168.].

Partial Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Patients with Thoracolumbar Fractures : Comparative Study between Burst Fracture and Posttraumatic Kyphosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of partial pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PPSO) in patients with thoracolumbar fractures and compare the outcomes of PPSO for burst fractures with those for posttraumatic kyphosis (PTK). METHODS: From June 2013 to May 2019, 20 consecutive adult patients underwent PPSO for thoracolumbar fractures at the levels of T10 to L2. Of these patients, 10 underwent surgery for acute fractures (burst fractures), and 10 for sequelae of thoracolumbar fractures (PTK). Outcomes of PPSO were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Twenty patients (each 10 patients of burst fractures and PTK) with a mean age of 64.7±11.1 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 21.8±11.0 months. The mean correction of the thoracolumbar angle was -34.9°±18.1° (from 37.8°±20.5°preoperatively to 2.8°±15.2° postoperatively). The mean angular correction at the PPSO site was -38.4°±13.6° (from 35.5°±13.6° preoperatively to -2.9°±14.1° postoperatively). The mean preoperative sagittal vertical axis was 93.5±6.7 cm, which was improved to 37.6±35.0 cm postoperatively. The mean preoperative kyphotic angle at the PPSO site was significant greater in patients with PTK (44.8°±7.2°) than in patients with burst fractures (26.2°±12.2°, p=0.00). However, the mean postoperative PPSO angle did not differ between the two groups (-5.9°±15.7° in patients with burst fractures and 0.2°±12.4° in those with PTK, p=0.28). The mean angular correction at the PPSO site was significantly greater in patients with PTK (-44.6°±10.7°) than in those with burst fractures (-32.1°±13.7°, p=0.04). The mean operation time was 188.1±37.6 minutes, and the mean amount of surgical bleeding was 1030.0±533.2 mL. There were seven cases of perioperative complications occurred in five patients (25%), including one case (5%) of neurological deficit. The operation time, surgical bleeding, and complication rates did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: In cases of burst fracture, PPSO provided enough spinal cord decompression without corpectomy and produced sagittal correction superior to that achieved with corpectomy. In case of PTK, PPSO achieved satisfactory curve correction comparable to that achieved with conventional PSO, with less surgical time, less blood loss, and lower complication rates. PPSO could be a viable surgical option for both burst fractures and PTK.

Utilization of S1 Foraminal Hooks for Augmentation of S1 Screws in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Comparative Study With Iliac Screws.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of S1 foraminal hooks and iliac screws regarding fusion rate at the lumbosacral junction and protective effects on S1 screws. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2019, consecutive patients who underwent long fusions (uppermost instrumented vertebra at or above L1) to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity were enrolled. Patients were divided into S1 foraminal hook group and iliac screw group. Radiographic parameters and the incidence of pseudarthrosis and instrument failure at the lumbosacral junction were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (male:female = 1:28) with a mean age of 73.6 ± 6.8 years were evaluated. Sixteen patients (55.2%) had S1 foraminal hook fixation and 13 patients (44.8%) had iliac screw fixation. Lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, and sagittal vertical axis did not differ between the groups preoperatively and postoperatively. The rate of L5/S1 pseudarthrosis was significantly higher in S1 foraminal hook group (5 of 16, 31.3%), compared to iliac screw group (0 of 13, 0%; p = 0.048). Instrument failure at the lumbosacral junction trended toward a higher rate in S1 foraminal hook group (6 of 16, 37.5%) than in iliac screw group (1 of 13, 7.7%), without statistical significance (p = 0.09). Proximal junctional kyphosis/failure occurred less often in S1 foraminal hook group (2 of 16, 12.5%) than in iliac screw group (3 of 13, 30.8%) without statistical significance (p = 0.36). CONCLUSION: Treatment with S1 foraminal hooks achieved equivalent satisfactory sagittal correction with proportioned alignment compared to that with iliac screws. However, S1 foraminal hooks did not provide enough structural support to the lumbosacral junction in long fusions to the sacrum.

Efficacy and radiographic analysis of oblique lumbar interbody fusion in treating adult spinal deformity.

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is usually rigid and requires a combined anterior-posterior approach for deformity correction. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) allows direct access to the disc space and placement of a large interbody graft. A larger interbody graft facilitates correction of ASD. However, an anterior approach carries significant risks. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) through a minimally invasive approach has recently been used for ASD. The present study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of ASD. We performed a retrospective study utilizing the data of 74 patients with ASD. The inclusion criteria were lumbar coronal Cobb angle > 20°, pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL) mismatch > 10°, and minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were divided into two groups: ALIF combined with posterior spinal fixation (ALIF+PSF) (n = 38) and OLIF combined with posterior spinal fixation (OLIF+PSF) (n = 36). The perioperative spinal deformity radiographic parameters, complications, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes were assessed and compared between the two groups. The preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA), LL, PI-LL mismatch, and lumbar Cobb angles were similar between the two groups. Patients in the OLIF+PSF group had a slightly higher mean number of interbody fusion levels than those in the ALIF+PSF group. At the final follow-up, all radiographic parameters and HRQoL scores were similar between the two groups. However, the rates of perioperative complications were higher in the ALIF+PSF than OLIF+PSF group. The ALIF+PSF and OLIF+PSF groups showed similar radiographic and HRQoL outcomes. These observations suggest that OLIF is a safe and reliable surgical treatment option for ASD.

Effect of Combined Bee Venom Acupuncture and NSAID Treatment for Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Pilot Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a combined treatment of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP). Patients with NCNP for ≥3 months were randomly allocated to a BVA, NSAIDs, or combined group (1:1:1), receiving 6 sessions of BVA, loxoprofen (180 mg daily), or a combination, respectively, for 3 weeks. Recruitment, adherence, and completion rates were calculated to assess feasibility. Bothersomeness, pain, disability, quality of life, depressive status, treatment credibility, and adverse events were assessed. In total, 60 participants were enrolled, and 54 completed the trial. Recruitment, adherence, and completion rates were 100%, 95%, and 90%, respectively. Bothersomeness, pain, disability, and depressive symptoms significantly improved in all groups after treatment (p < 0.05). The combined group showed continuous improvement during the follow-up period (p < 0.05). Quality of life was significantly improved (p < 0.05), and treatment credibility was maintained in the BVA and combined groups. No serious adverse events were reported. Combined treatment of BVA and NSAIDs are feasible for the treatment of NCNP, showing high persistence of the effect, credibility, and safety. Additional trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm this effect.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusions combined with posterior column osteotomy in patients who had sagittal imbalance associated with degenerative lumbar flat-back deformity: a retrospective case series.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) combined with posterior column osteotomy (PCO) may be effective to achieve ideal lumbar curve correction in lumbar flat-back deformity (LFD). We aimed to investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with primary degenerative LFD treated with multi-level ALIFs combined with PCOs. Seventy patients with primary degenerative LFD who underwent corrective surgery were divided into three groups according to the 1-month postoperative pelvic incidence/lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) angles (≤ - 10°, from - 9° to 9°, and ≥ 10°). The spinopelvic parameters, including thoracic kyphosis, LL, pelvic tilt, T1 pelvic angle, and sagittal vertical axis, were analyzed at the preoperative, postoperative follow-up periods. The clinical outcomes, including the Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r, were also evaluated. Further, the paraspinal muscles were qualitatively and quantitatively examined, preoperatively. All spinopelvic parameters were corrected as close to the normal values at the 1-month postoperative period. The spinopelvic parameters in the PI-LL ≤ - 10° group were better corrected and maintained than those in the other groups. The ODI, VAS, and SRS-22r scores improved at the final follow-up in all groups. The PI-LL ≤ - 10° group showed better clinical outcomes than the other groups. In the paraspinal muscle examination, the mean lumbar muscularity value and fatty degeneration ratio were 236.7% and 20.7%, respectively. Multi-level ALIFs with PCOs in patients with LFD are effective in restoring sagittal balance and improving clinical symptoms. In addition, the postoperative LL angles should be larger than PI + 10° to achieve good overall outcomes in patients with severe degenerative back muscle.

Late-onset neurological deficits induced by proximal adjacent segment degeneration related to severe post-tuberculous kyphotic deformities of the spine: a series of 7 cases and surgical correction concept.

OBJECTIVE: Late-onset neurological deficits are a rare complication of spinal tuberculosis that may be caused by proximal adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) above the kyphus. The objective of this study was to report several cases of neurological deficits due to proximal ASD in patients with post-tuberculous kyphotic deformity and discuss the characteristics of the authors' corrective surgical technique. METHODS: The inclusion criteria in this study were severe angular kyphosis due to a post-tuberculous kyphotic deformity and a late-onset neurological deficit. The cause of these deficits was related to a lesion in the proximal cephalad portion of the kyphotic deformity. Surgical intervention, including decompression and compromised restoration of the sagittal imbalance, was performed in all patients. Preoperative surgical planning with a radiological evaluation included CT, plain radiograph, and MRI studies. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: The main goal of our surgical technique was the correction of sagittal malalignment by positioning the patient's head above the kyphotic deformity on the sagittal plane, excluding aggressive osteotomy. The neurological symptoms showed immediate improvements postoperatively, except in 1 patient. Compared to the preoperative value of 66.9, the mean ODI score improved to 42.6 at the final follow-up for all patients. Preoperatively, the mean values of the angles of deformity and the sagittal vertical axis were 99.7° and 157.7 mm, respectively, and decreased to 75.3° and 46.0 mm, respectively, at the final follow-up. No major complications were observed, and the patients' self-satisfaction was high with respect to both cosmetic and functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the degeneration of the vertebrae above the kyphotic segment in patients with post-tuberculosis deformity. Successful neurological recovery and compromised sagittal balance could be obtained by using our "head on kyphus" surgical concept.

Effect and neurophysiological mechanism of acupuncture in patients with chronic sciatica: protocol for a randomized, patient-assessor blind, sham-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sciatica is a relatively frequent illness that easily becomes a chronic and relapsing condition. Although numerous systematic reviews have analyzed various therapies for sciatica, the validity of their included studies is limited. Considering the limitations of conventional treatment options for sciatica, acupuncture is a possible option; however, evidence supporting its efficacy and mechanism in patients with sciatica is lacking. The aim of this proposed protocol is to investigate the effect and neurophysiological mechanism of acupuncture in patients with chronic sciatica. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a randomized, patient-assessor blind, two-arm, parallel, non-penetrating, sham-controlled clinical trial. Eligible participants will include adults (aged 19-70 years old) with a clinical diagnosis of chronic sciatica (40 mm or more of a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) for bothersomeness) blinded to the treatment received. Patients will be randomly allocated into the acupuncture treatment group (manual acupuncture plus electroacupuncture (EA), n = 34) or the sham acupuncture control group (sham acupuncture plus placebo EA without electrical stimulation, n = 34). Groups will receive treatment twice a week for a total of eight sessions over 4 weeks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging will be implemented at baseline and endpoint to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture. The primary outcome measure is the VAS for bothersomeness and secondary outcomes include the VAS for pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol 5-Dimension, Coping Strategy Questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Adverse events will be assessed at every visit. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial (which will be available in 2020) should provide important clinical evidence for the effect of acupuncture and demonstrate how acupuncture can be helpful for the treatment of chronic sciatica. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03350789 . Registered on 15 November 2017.

Oblique retroperitoneal approach for lumbar interbody fusion from L1 to S1 in adult spinal deformity.

In recent years, with advancements in surgical techniques and instrumentation, the lateral lumbar interbody fusion is being used increasingly as an alternative procedure to anterior approach. In this study, we illustrated a oblique retroperitoneal approach for lumbar interbody fusion with one incision site and tilting of the operation table in adult spinal deformity and evaluate the radiographical findings and clinical outcomes of patients treated using this technique. This study included 32 patients scheduled to undergo anterior and posterior long-level fusions for lumbar degenerative kyphosis or degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Data collected included blood loss, operative time, incision size, and perioperative complications. Pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters and clinical outcome measures were assessed. Mean follow-up time was 26.1 months. The mean blood losses were 107.4 and 102.4 ml, and the mean operative times were 116, 97, and 82 min for the patients within five levels (4 cases), four levels (18 cases), and three levels (10 cases). The mean incision sizes were 14.63, 13.82, and 12.5 cm in the patients with five, four, and three levels. The mean pelvic incidence was 50.3°. The mean preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was + 13.66 cm, and the last follow-up SVA was + 2.94 cm. The preoperative lumbar lordosis (LL) was 5.79°, and the last follow-up LL was 46.54°. The mean correction angle was 41°. The mean Cobb angle decreased from a preoperative value of 21.55° to 9.6°at the last follow-up. An oblique retroperitoneal approach is very safe, allowing reproducible access from L1 to S1 for lumbar interbody fusion in adult spinal deformity.

Efficacy of Bee Venom Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Trial.

Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is an effective treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP) through the pharmacological effects of bee venom and the simultaneous stimulation of acupoints. However, evidence of its efficacy and safety in humans remains unclear. Using a double-blind, randomized study, 54 patients with non-specific CLBP were assigned to the BVA and sham groups. All participants underwent six sessions of real or sham BVA for 3 weeks, in addition to administration of 180 mg of loxonin per day. The primary outcome, that is, "bothersomeness" derived from back pain, was assessed using the visual analog scale. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, dysfunction related to back pain (Oswestry Disability Index), quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension), and depressive mood (Beck's depression inventory). Outcomes were evaluated every week during the treatment period and followed up at weeks 4, 8, and 12. After 3 weeks of the treatment, significant improvements were observed in the bothersomeness, pain intensity, and functional status in the BVA group compared with the sham group. Although minimal adverse events were observed in both groups, subsequent recovery was achieved without treatment. Consequently, our results suggest that it can be used along with conventional pharmacological therapies for the treatment of CLBP.

Giant Intrathoracic Meningocele and Breast Cancer in a Neurofibromatosis Type I Patient.

Intrathoracic meningoceles are relatively rare entities found in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). Given that both the BRCA1 and NF-1 genes are located on the same long arm of chromosome 17, one would expect concurrence of neurofibromatosis and breast cancer. However, incidence of such co-disorders is very rare in the literature. Here, the authors report a case of a 50-year-old female patient with NF-1 and concurrent cancer of the left breast, who had a huge bilobulated intrathoracic meningocele with thoracic dystrophic scoliosis, treated surgically via a posterior-only approach for the meningocele and spinal deformity in the same setting.