[ Symptomatic Triple-Region Spinal Stenosis (TRSS): case report and narrative Literature Review] / Estenosis Espinal de Triple Región Sintomática (EETRS): reporte de un caso y revisión narrativa de la literatura.

Introduction: Simultaneous spinal stenosis in three regions of the spine is an unusual condition that demands proper clinical evaluation and imaging. Currently, there are no established guidelines for its diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe, based on a case report, the clinical presentation, treatment, and patient progression concerning triple stenosis, contrasting it with available evidence through a narrative review of the literature. Case Presentation: A 69-year-old woman presented with a progressive paraparesis accompanied by right sciatica and positive signs of upper motor neuron involvement. Imaging confirmed triple stenosis: cervical, dorsal, and lumbar. Dorsal decompression and tumor resection were performed in association with conservative treatment for cervical and lumbar stenosis, resulting in a favorable evolution one year post-surgery. Conclusion: Symptomatic triple-region spinal stenosis is an unusual condition. Proper clinical and radiological assessments will enable accurate diagnosis and timely management.

Introducción: La estenosis espinal de las tres regiones de la columna en simultáneo es una entidad infrecuente, que requiere una adecuada valoración clínica e imagenológica. Actualmente no existen guías establecidas para su abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir, partiendo del reporte de un caso, la presentación clínica, el tratamiento y la evolución en un paciente con triple estenosis y contrastarlo con la evidencia disponible a través de una revisión narrativa de la literatura. Presentación del caso: Mujer de 69 años de edad que consultó con un cuadro de paraparesia progresiva asociado a ciatalgia derecha y signos de motoneurona superior positivos. Imagenologicamente se constató una triple estenosis: cervical, dorsal y lumbar, realizándose una descompresión y resección tumoral dorsal asociado al tratamiento conservador de las estenosis cervical y lumbar, con una evolución favorable al año postquirúrgico. Conclusión: La estenosis espinal de triple región sintomática es una condición rara, las valoraciones clínicas y radiológicas adecuadas permitirán un diagnóstico correcto con un abordaje adecuado y oportuno.

Estenosis espinal de triple región sintomática: reporte de un caso y revisión narrativa de la bibliografía / Symptomatic triple-region spinal stenosis: Case report and narrative literature review

La estenosis espinal de las tres regiones de la columna en simultáneo es un cuadro infrecuente que requiere una adecuada valoración clínica y de las imágenes. En la actualidad, no existen guías establecidas para su abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la presentación clínica, el tratamiento y la evolución en un paciente con triple estenosis y contrastarlos con la evidencia disponible a través de una revisión narrativa de la bibliografía. Se presenta a una mujer de 69 años de edad que consultó con un cuadro de paraparesia progresiva asociado a ciatalgia derecha y signos de motoneurona superior positivos. En los estudios por imágenes, se constató una triple estenosis: cervical, torácica y lumbar. Se procedió a la descompresión y la resección tumoral torácica asociadas al tratamiento conservador de las estenosis cervical y lumbar. La evolución era favorable al año de la cirugía. La estenosis espinal de triple región sintomática es una condición rara, las valoraciones clínicas y radiológicas adecuadas permitirán un diagnóstico correcto con un abordaje adecuado y oportuno. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Simultaneous spinal stenosis across all three regions of the spine is an uncommon condition that requires proper clinical and imaging assessment. There are currently no established guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this paper is to describe, based on a case report, the clinical presentation, treatment, and progression of triple stenosis in a patient and compare it with available evidence through a narrative literature review. A 69-year-old woman presented with progressive paraparesis associated with right sciatica and positive signs of upper motor neuron involvement. Imaging confirmed triple stenosis: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. She underwent thoracic decompression and tumor resection, as well as conservative treatment for cervical and lumbar stenoses, and showed favorable progress one year after surgery. Symptomatic triple-region spinal stenosis is an uncommon condition. Proper clinical and radiological assessments will enable an accurate diagnosis with appropriate and timely intervention. Level of Evidence: IV

Three-level thoracic disc herniation: transthoracic decompression without fixation.

Thoracic disc herniation is a rare pathology compared to the rest of the herniated discs. Due to their difficult access to the area of compromise and proximity to the spinal cord they represent a real challenge for the spine surgeon. The objective is to report an atypical case with three symptomatic dorsal disc herniations which required surgical treatment. Surgery was performed in two times with a lapse of 12 months between interventions. It was done a minimally invasive transthoracic decompression and intersomatic arthrodesis without instrumentation. The patient presented good neurological recovery without any serious sequelae.

La hernia de disco dorsal es una afección poco frecuente en comparación con el resto de las hernias discales. Por su difícil acceso a la zona de compromiso y cercanía de la médula espinal representan un verdadero desafío para el cirujano de columna. El objetivo del trabajo es presentar un caso atípico con tres hernias de disco dorsales sintomáticas en forma sincrónica que requirió tratamiento quirúrgico. La cirugía se hizo en dos tiempos con un lapso de 12 meses entre las intervenciones. Se realizó descompresión transtorácica mínimamente invasiva y artrodesis intersomática sin instrumentación en cada nivel. El paciente presentó buena recuperación neurológica sin ninguna secuela grave.

Association between Modic changes and intervertebral vacuum phenomenon severity in patients undergoing percutaneous cement discoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Modic changes and intervertebral vacuum phenomenon (IVP) are considered spinal degenerative changes. The correlation between Modic and IVP has not been analyzed in the literature. PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between IVP severity, Modic changes, and subchondral sclerosis across the lumbar spine in patients with lumbar degeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study analyzing patients who underwent percutaneous cement discoplasty at a single institution between 2015 and 2020. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans were analyzed to make the measurements. Modic type and grade as well as severity of IVP were preoperatively measured. The association between Modic type, grade, subchondral sclerosis, and the presence of IVP was analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 110 patients (mean age = 77.03 ± 7.1 years) were finally included in the study. Per level correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between IVP and Modic type, IVP and Modic grade, and IVP and subchondral sclerosis. Moreover, subchondral sclerosis was significantly associated with Modic type and grade. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a significant positive correlation among Modic changes, IVP, and subchondral sclerosis throughout the lumbar spine. Our findings support the theory that endplate degeneration parameters are associated with the presence and severity of IVP.

Vertebroplastia percutánea en fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas / Percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures

La osteoporosis es una enfermedad sistémica que deteriora la calidad del hueso y su arquitectura. Como consecuencia, predispone a fracturas por fragilidad, entre las cuales las fracturas vertebrales son frecuentes. Estas se asocian a una gran morbimortalidad. La vertebroplastia ha surgido en 1984 como alter-nativa terapéutica para tratar algunos tumores vertebrales y fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas dolorosas. Este procedimiento consiste en la inyección de cemento guiado por imágenes, para estabilizar la vértebra fracturada y disminuir el dolor. La vertebroplastia puede ser realizada con anestesia local, sedación o anestesia general. La fuga de cemento fuera de la vértebra es una complicación común; sin embargo esto no suele tener traducción clínica y solamente se trata de un hallazgo imagenológico. En este artículo revisaremos las indicaciones, contraindicaciones, la eficacia, controversias y las complicaciones de la vertebroplastia percutánea. (AU)

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by bone quality deterioration. As a consequence of this deterioration, osteoporosis results in high fracture risk due to bone fragility. Fractures to the spine are common in this scenario, and relate to an increased morbi-mortality. Vertebroplasty emerged in 1984 as an alternative to treat painful vertebral tumors and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This procedure relies on image guided cement injection to achieve pain relief and strengthen the vertebral body. Vertebroplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, mild sedation, or general anesthesia. Among its complications, cement leakage is common but it is rarely associated with any symptoms and it is usually an imaging finding. In this article, we will review indications and contraindications, effectiveness, controversies and complications related to percutaneous vertebroplasty. (AU)

Accuracy of intraoperative neuromonitoring during percutaneous cement discoplasty.

Introduction: Percutaneous cement discoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat low back pain due to advanced degenerative disc disease in elderly patients. Complications of this procedure has been described such as infection, vertebral fracture, cement leakage and nerve injury. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is used to detect the latter. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of neuromonitoring during discoplasty to detect new neurological compromise. Methods: 100 consecutive patients were included in this retrospective study, (30 males and 70 females, mean age of 76.3 ± 5.71 years) with mechanical low back pain who underwent percutaneous cement discoplasty. Results: Sensitivity to detect neurological injury was 82% (CI 95% 66-98), specificity was of 99% (CI 95%98-100) with a positive predictive value of 0.95 (CI 95% 85-100) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (CI 95% 95-99). In 5 patients neurological compromise was not detected by neuromonitoring. Discussion: Our study showed high sensitivity and specificity of neuromonitoring to detect neurological irritation during percutaneous discoplasty. Intraoperative neuromonitoring resulted an effective assistance during this minimally invasive procedure.

Introducción: La Discoplastia percutánea con cemento es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para tratar el dolor lumbar debido a la enfermedad degenerativa del disco avanzada en pacientes ancianos. Se han descrito complicaciones de este procedimiento como infección, fractura vertebral, fuga de cemento y lesión nerviosa. El neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio se utiliza para detectar este último. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la utilidad del neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio durante la Discoplastia para detectar un nuevo compromiso neurológico. Material y métodos: se incluyeron en este estudio retrospectivo 100 pacientes consecutivos (30 varones y 70 mujeres, edad media 76,3 ± 5,71 años) con lumbalgia mecánica sometidos a Discoplastia percutánea con cemento. Resultados: La sensibilidad para detectar lesión neurológica fue del 82% (IC 95% 66-98), la especificidad fue del 99% (IC 95% 98-100) con un valor predictivo positivo de 0,95 (IC 95% 85-100) y un valor predictivo negativo. valor predictivo de 0,97 (IC 95% 95-99). En 5 pacientes no se detectó compromiso neurológico mediante neuromonitoreo. Discusión: Nuestro estudio mostró una alta sensibilidad y especificidad del neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio para detectar irritación neurológica durante la discoplastia percutánea. El neuromonitoreo intraoperatorio resultó una ayuda eficaz durante este procedimiento mínimamente invasivo.

Percutaneous Cement Discoplasty for Degenerative Low Back Pain with Vacuum Phenomenon: A Multicentric Study with a Minimum of 2 Years of Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: To report clinical results after percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) in a multicentric case series with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: Between December 2014 and January 2019, 180 patients with low back pain and advanced degeneration were treated with percutaneous discoplasty in 2 centers. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients 65 years or older, with mechanical low back pain with or without spinal stenosis, who did not respond to conservative management. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1: patients without previous spine surgeries who underwent PCD, group 2: patients with previous spine surgeries who underwent PCD, and group 3: patients with/without previous surgery who underwent PCD plus decompression surgery. Clinical and radiological analyses were performed as well as complication and readmission rates. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (74% female; mean age, 75.8 ± 5.7 years; mean body mass index, 29.9 ± 5.2) were included in our study. Overall preoperative visual analog score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were 7.8 ± 0.9 and 68.1 ± 9.6, respectively. At 2 years of follow-up, mean VAS improvement was 3.56 (95% confidence interval: 3.92-3.20; P < 0.0001) and mean ODI improvement was 17.18 (95% confidence interval: 19.52-14.85; P < 0.0001), showing a significant and sustained improvement in both scores. In addition, 84% of patients reached both VAS and ODI minimum important clinical difference at the final follow-up. Finally, 5.7% of patients suffered major complications 30 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: PCD showed significant improvement of VAS and ODI scores at 2 years of follow-up with relatively low rate of complications.

Symptomatic Atlas Hypoplasia in a Latin-American Patient: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Atlas hypoplasia is an infrequent cause of upper cervical stenosis. Only 24 cases in nonsyndromic adult population have been published. We are not aware of previous reports describing isolated fully formed atlas hypoplasia in a Latin-American patient. The purpose of this work was to report a case of an 80-year-old Argentinian woman with cervical myelopathy because of atlas hypoplasia and a literature review about this subject. METHODS: A clinical case and an extended review of the literature are presented. We assessed from each case: age, sex, posterior atlanto-dens interval, surgical treatment, outcomes, and follow-up period. RESULTS: Neurologic symptoms markedly improved after posterior decompression from severe to moderate in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scoring System and from four to three on the Nurick scale. Twenty-five patients were analyzed (mean 58.4 years, 32% female). The mean posterior atlanto-dens interval was 8.8 mm. Twenty-three patients underwent decompression alone, and two needed posterior fusion. All patients reported clinical improvement at an average follow-up of 13 months. CONCLUSION: Cervical myelopathy caused by fully formed atlas hypoplasia is not an exclusive pathology of far east population, and it may present in nonsyndromic patients. Surgical treatment by C1 laminectomy improved neurologic impairment. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review.

La Frailty as a predictor index in spine surgery / [La fragilidad como índice predictor en cirugía de columna]

Introduction: Frailty is a term used to quantify the physiological age of patients. Higher levels of frailty correlate with higher complications and mortality rates after different surgical procedures. The objective of this work is to evaluate the relationship between frailty and the complications and mortality rates after elective spinal surgeries within 90 days. Material and Methods: A retrospective observational analytical study of patients older than 18 years with elective spine surgery was performed. The following variables were analyzed differentially according to their Modified Frailty Index (mFI) with a cut-off point of 0,18: age, sex, body mass index, ASA score, details of the procedures, length of stay, complications, unscheduled rehospitalizations, reoperations, and mortality within 90 postoperative days. Results: 257 patients were included. Within the 30 complications, 16 occurred in the non-frail group (8%) and 14 in frail patients (24.5%), (p = 0.02). Six complications were infectious in the group of frail patients (10.5%) and 4 in the non-frail patients (2%), (p = 0.009). No significant differences were detected regarding the duration of surgeries, the length of stay or the reoperations, re-hospitalizations or mortality rates. Conclusion: Patients with a modified Frailty Index ≥0,18 who underwent elective spine surgery were 3 times more likely to present complications, particularly, infectious ones.

Introducción: La fragilidad es un término utilizado para cuantificar la edad fisiológica de los pacientes. Niveles más altos de fragilidad se correlacionan con mayores tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad luego diferentes procedimientos quirúrgicos. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la relación entre la fragilidad y la tasa de complicaciones y mortalidad posterior a cirugías columna electivas dentro de los 90 días. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico observacional retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 18 años operados de manera electiva en su columna vertebral. Se analizaron las siguientes variables de manera diferencial según su Índice de Fragilidad modificado (IFm) con punto de corte en 0,18: edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, score de ASA, detalles de los procedimientos, días de internación, complicaciones, reinternaciones, reoperaciones, y mortalidad dentro de los 90 días postoperatorios. Resultados: Se incluyeron 257 pacientes. De las 30 complicaciones, 16 ocurrieron en el grupo de los no frágiles (8%) y 14 a pacientes frágiles (24,5%), (p= 0,02). Seis complicaciones fueron infecciosas en el grupo de pacientes frágiles (10,5%) y 4 en los no frágiles (2%), (p= 0,009). No se detectaron diferencias significativas en cuanto a la duración de las cirugías, los días de internación, en la tasa de reoperaciones, reinternaciones ni en la mortalidad. Conclusión: Los pacientes operados electivamente de columna con un Índice de Fragilidad Modificado ≥0,18 presentaron una probabilidad 3 veces mayor de presentar complicaciones, particularmente infecciosas.

Percutaneous cement discoplasty for the treatment of advanced degenerative disk disease in elderly patients.

PURPOSE: The authors describe a percutaneous technique to treat advanced degenerative disk disease in elderly patients. METHOD: A step-by-step technical description based on our experience in selected cases. RESULT: Postoperative imaging results are presented as well as indications and recommendations. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous discoplasty can result as an alternative minimal invasive strategy for the treatment of advanced degenerative disk disease.

Development of a New Therapy-Oriented Classification of Intervertebral Vacuum Phenomenon With Evaluation of Intra- and Interobserver Reliabilities.

STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostic study, level of evidence III. OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is a common cause of disability among elderly patients. Percutaneous discoplasty has been developed as a tool to treat degenerative disease when conservative management is not successful. Indications for this procedure include low back pain and the presence of vacuum phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe a new classification of vacuum phenomenon based on computed tomography scan in order to improve the indications for percutaneous discoplasty. METHODS: We developed a classification of vacuum phenomenon based on computed tomography scan images. We describe 3 types of vacuum based on the relationship between vacuum and the superior/inferior endplates and 2 subtypes based on the presence of significant subchondral sclerosis. A validation study was conducted selecting 10 orthopedic residents with spine surgery training to analyze 25 vacuum scenarios. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed through the Fleiss's and Cohen's kappa statistics, respectively. RESULTS: The overall Fleiss's κ value for interobserver reliability was 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.86) in the first reading and 0.93 (95% CI 0.92-0.95) in the second reading. Cohen's κ for intraobserver reliability was 0.88 (95% CI 0.77-0.99). CONCLUSION: The new classification has shown almost perfect inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for grading the vacuum phenomenon and could be an important tool to improve the indications for percutaneous cement discoplasty.

Paraparesia aguda por hemangioma vertebral agresivo. Reporte de dos casos y revisión bibliográfica / Acute paraparesis due to aggressive vertebral hemangioma. Report of two cases and literature review

Introducción: Los hemangiomas agresivos constituyen el 1% del total de los hemangiomas vertebrales. Pueden producir dolor, fracturas, deformidad y compromiso neurológico, generalmente de larga evolución. Se han descrito diferentes opciones terapéuticas, pero el manejo óptimo sigue sin estar claro. Comunicamos dos casos de paraparesia aguda secundaria a un hemangioma torácico agresivo, describimos su tratamiento y evolución. Realizamos una revisión narrativa de la bibliografía. Conclusión: Mediante la descompresión y la artrodesis tempranas seguidas de radioterapia, se logró la recuperación neurológica completa y el control de la enfermedad en un seguimiento a mediano plazo. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Aggressive hemangiomas make up 1% of all vertebral hemangiomas. They can produce pain, fractures, deformity and slowly progressive neurological compromise. Different treatment approaches have been described, but optimal management remains unclear. We report two cases of acute paraparesis secondary to aggressive thoracic hemangioma, we describe their treatment and evolution. We carry out a narrative review of the literature on vertebral hemangiomas. Conclusion: Through early decompression and arthrodesis followed by local adjuvant radiotherapy, we obtained complete neurological recovery and disease control in a medium-term follow-up. Level of Evidence: IV

Tratamiento mínimamente invasivo para fracturas toracolumbares / Minimally invasive treatment for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures

Introducción: Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas para tratar las fracturas toracolumbares se han desarrollado con el objetivo de reducir, al mínimo, la morbilidad perioperatoria. El objetivo primario de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados clínicos y radio-lógicos de una serie de pacientes con diagnóstico de fractura toracolumbar por causa traumática tratados con procedimientos mínimamente invasivos. materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un análisis retrospectivo de los datos demográficos, radiológicos pre y posoperatorios, y funcionales posoperatorios mediante el índice de Oswestry y la escala analógica visual para dolor, en una serie de pacientes que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Se registraron las complicaciones y la estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se analizaron 15 pacientes (10 hombres) con una edad promedio de 59 años y un seguimiento promedio de 32.9 meses. Los pacientes tenían un dolor promedio posoperatorio de 2/10 y un valor promedio del índice de Oswestry de 14/100. El análisis radiológico mostró un valor promedio preoperatorio de cifosis de 16°, que se corrigió a 10° (p = 0,01). La altura promedio de la vértebra comprometida fue de 18 mm en el preoperatorio y de 21 mm en el último seguimiento (p = 0,02).Hubo tres complicaciones (20%) en tres pacientes. La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 9 días. Tres pacientes fueron internados nuevamente dentro de los 90 días de la cirugía. Conclusión: El tratamiento de las fracturas toracolumbares por causa traumática mediante técnicas mínimamente invasivas fue un procedimiento seguro y logró buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos en el seguimiento a mediano plazo. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures have been developed to reduce peri-operative morbidity. The primary purpose of this work is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in a group of patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fracture treated with minimally invasive procedures. materials and methods: Taking a group of patients within the inclusion criteria, we retrospectively analyzed demographic data, along with pre and postoperative radiographic measurements and postoperative functional scores, using the Oswestry Disability Index and the Visual Analog Scale for pain. We recorded the complications and the hospital stay. Results: 15 patients were analyzed (10 of them were male). The average age was 59 years, and the average follow-up was 32.9 months. The patients presented an average postoperative pain score of 2/10 and an average Oswestry Disability Index score of 14/100. The radiographic analysis showed an average preoperative segmental kyphosis value of 16° that was corrected to 10° (p = 0.01). The preoperative average height for compromised vertebrae was 18 mm, with an average height of 21 mm at the last follow-up (p = 0.02). There were 3 complications (20%) in 3 patients. Hospital stay was 9 days long on average. Three patients were rehospitalized within 90 days after surgery. Conclusion: The treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures by minimally invasive techniques was a safe procedure, with good clinical and radiological results in the medium term of follow-up. Level of Evidence: IV

Chylothorax, a rare complication after anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Case report

Introduction: Chylous leakage into the retroperitoneum is a rare complication after spinal surgery using an anterior retroperitoneal approach. Chylothorax is the presence of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity and it is even less frequent during these surgeries. The aim of this work is to report the first case of isolated left chylothorax after a retroperitoneal Left Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in supine position in an adult female patient. Case: A female 30-years-old patient underwent L4-L5 anterior interbody fusion. Four days after the intervention she was diagnosed with isolated left chylothorax that was drained and treated conservatively with good outcomes. Conclusion: Chylothorax is an extremely rare complication after anterior lumbar spine procedures, and it is usually secondary to a chyloretroperitoneum. We present a unique case of isolated chylothorax after anterior retroperitoneal lumbar approach successfully treated in a conservative manner. Key Words chylothorax; spine; lumbosacral region; arthrodesis.

Percutaneous Cement Discoplasty for the Treatment of Advanced Degenerative Disc Conditions: A Case Series Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. Level of evidence III. OBJECTIVES: To describe the results after a minimum 1-year follow-up in patients treated with percutaneous discoplasty (PD), a minimally invasive technique to treat low back pain in elderly patients with advanced degenerative disc disease. The procedure consists in improving stability by injecting bone cement in a severely degenerated pneumodisc. There are few reports in the literature about this technique. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with advanced disc disease with/without degenerative scoliosis treated with PD with at least 1 year follow-up were studied, variables included clinical (visual analogue scale [VAS] and Owestry Disability Index [ODI]) and radiological parameters (lumbar lordosis and Cobb angle), as well as hospital length of stay and complications. RESULTS: At 1-year postoperation, significant pain reduction (VAS: preoperative 7.8 ± 0.90; postoperative 4.4 ± 2.18) and improvement in the ODI (preoperative 62 ± 7.12; postoperative 36.2 ± 15.47) were observed with partial correction of radiological parameters (5° mean increase in lumbar lordosis and decrease in Cobb angle). Mean surgical time was 38 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.2 days. CONCLUSION: PD, currently not a very well-known technique, appears to be-at least in the short-term follow-up-an effective treatment option in selected cases with low back pain due to advanced degenerative disc disease.

En bloc vertebral resection for primary and metastatic spine tumors / Ressecção vertebral em bloco de tumores primários e metastáticos da coluna vertebral / Resección vertebral en bloque de tumores primarios y secundarios espinales

ABSTRACT Objective Primary and secondary spine tumors occur frequently and treating them surgically has gained prominence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and complications in a series of patients with primary and secondary vertebral tumors treated by en bloc vertebral resection. Methods A retrospective review of the patients who underwent en bloc vertebral resection between 2004 and 2017 was conducted. Results During the study period, 16 patients underwent en bloc vertebral resection. They were divided into primary tumor and metastatic tumor groups, 11 being primary tumors and 5 metastatic tumors. The average follow-up period was 95 months (3-156 months). The patients were treated by the same surgical team and the analysis was carried out by an independent observer. Conclusion In this case series, the results where comparable to those reported in the literature in terms of complications, survival, recurrence and neurological status. It is a demanding surgical technique, with a high percentage of morbidity and mortality, nevertheless, it allows local control and recurrence of the lesion. Level of evidence I; Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo Os tumores primários e secundários da coluna vertebral ocorrem com frequência e o respectivo tratamento cirúrgico tem tido destaque. O objetivo do presente estudo consistia em avaliar os resultados e complicações em um grupo de pacientes com tumores primários e secundários da coluna vertebral tratados através da ressecção vertebral em bloco. Métodos Uma revisão retrospectiva dos pacientes submetidos à ressecção vertebral em bloco foi realizada entre 2004 e 2017. Resultados Durante o período do estudo, 16 pacientes foram submetidos à ressecção vertebral em bloco. Eles foram divididos em grupos de tumores primários e tumores metastáticos; 11 eram tumores primários e cinco tumores metastáticos. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 95 meses (três-156 meses). Os pacientes foram tratados pela mesma equipe cirúrgica e a análise foi realizada por um observador independente. Conclusão Nessa série de casos, os resultados foram comparáveis aos relatados na literatura em termos de complicações, sobrevida, recidiva e estado neurológico. É uma técnica cirúrgica exigente, com alto percentual de morbimortalidade, porém permite controle local e recorrência da lesão. Nível de evidência I; Série de Casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo Los tumores primarios y secundarios en columna vertebral son una entidad frecuente. En el tratamiento de los mismos la cirugía ha ganado protagonismo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los resultados y complicaciones en una serie de pacientes con tumores vertebrales primarios y secundarios tratados mediante resección vertebral en bloque. Métodos Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes intervenidos mediante resección vertebral en bloque desde el año 2004 hasta el año 2017. Resultados Durante el período evaluado, 16 pacientes fueron intervenidos mediante resección vertebral en bloque. Se los dividió en grupo de tumores primarios y tumores metastásicos, 11 fueron tumores primarios y 5 metastásicos. El tiempo de seguimiento promedio fue de 95 meses (3-156 meses). Los pacientes fueron intervenidos por el mismo equipo quirúrgico y el análisis fue realizado por un observador independiente. Conclusión En la serie, se encontraron resultados comparables a los reportados en la literatura en cuanto a complicaciones, sobrevida, recidiva y estatus neurológico. Es una técnica quirúrgica exigente, con un alto porcentaje de morbilidad y mortalidad, sin embargo, permite el control local y la recurrencia de la lesión. Nivel de evidencia IV; Serie de Casos.

Osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma" de columna cervical: A propósito de un caso / Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cervical spine. A case report

El osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma", una variante menos agresiva del osteosarcoma, es una enfermedad poco frecuente y representa un desafío diagnóstico tanto clínico como histopatológico. Se han publicado escasos reportes de casos de este tumor. Presentamos a un paciente de 16 años con un osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma" localizado en la columna cervical. La biopsia ósea bajo tomografía reveló una lesión con un patrón de crecimiento permeativo, con sospecha de osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma". Se realizó una espondilectomía total en bloque mediante un doble abordaje. Se describen el caso clínico, la secuencia diagnóstica, la técnica quirúrgica y el seguimiento a 10 años. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma, a less aggressive variant of osteosarcoma, is a rare tumor which presents a clinical and histopathological diagnostic challenge. We have found few reports of cases of this tumor in the literature. In this case, we describe an osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cervical spine in a 16-year-old patient. CT-guided bone biopsy showed a lesion with a permeated growth pattern, which led to the suspicion of an osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. A total en bloc spondylectomy was performed through a dual approach. We present the clinical case, the diagnostic sequence, the surgical technique and 10-year follow-up results. Level of Evidence: IV

Artrodesis intersomática lateral de columna lumbar: Técnica quirúrgica y conceptos actuales / Lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Surgical technique and current concepts

El abordaje lateral mínimamente invasivo de columna lumbar para la artrodesis intersomática es una técnica relativamente nueva y ha conseguido resultados prometedores en los pacientes con diferentes patologías de la columna lumbar. Es una técnica segura que proporciona un adecuado soporte estructural entre los platillos vertebrales, puede corregir la deformidad en los planos coronal y sagital, y ejercer una descompresión indirecta del canal raquídeo respetando los elementos posteriores. La evidencia sobre esta técnica ha ido creciendo y diversificándose en los últimos años, se han comunicado nuevas indicaciones, y resultados a mediano y largo plazo. El propósito de este trabajo es detallar el procedimiento quirúrgico paso a paso, con sus variantes tal como lo realizamos en nuestros Centros, y puntualizar los conceptos actuales basados en una revisión bibliográfica. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Minimally invasive lateral approach for lumbar interbody fusion is a relatively new technique and has shown promising results in patients with different spine disorders. It is a safe technique, provides adequate structural support between vertebral plates, and it can correct coronal and sagittal plane deformity and apply an indirect nerve decompression avoiding posterior elements. In recent years, experience with this approach has increased; new indications and medium- and long-term results were reported. The purpose of this work is to explain step-by-step surgical procedure and its variants as they are performed in our centers, and to point out current concepts based on a bibliographic review. Level of Evidence: IV

Short-term complication rate following orthopedic surgery in a tertiary care center in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Registration of adverse events following orthopedic surgery has a critical role in patient safety and has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of postoperative complications in the department of orthopedic unit in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review from the postoperative complication registry of a cohort of consecutive patients operated in the department of orthopedic surgery from May 2015 to June 2016 was performed. Short-term complications (3 months after surgery), age gender, types of surgery (elective, scheduled urgency, non-scheduled urgency, and emergency), operative time, surgical start time (morning, afternoon or evening), American Society of Anesthesiologists score and surgeon's experience were assessed. Complications were classified based on their severity according to Dindo-Clavien system: Grade I complications do not require alterations in the postoperative course or additional treatment; Grade II complications require pharmacological treatment; Grade III require surgical, endoscopic, or radiological interventions without (IIIa) or with (IIIb) general anesthesia; Grade IV are life-threatening with single (IVa) or multi-organ (IVb) dysfunction(s), and require ICU management; and Grade V result in death of the patient. Complications were further classified in minor (Dindo I, II, IIIa) and major (Dindo IIIb, IVa, IVb and V), according to clinical severity. RESULTS: 1960 surgeries were performed. The overall 90-day complication rate was 12.7% (249/1960). Twenty-three complications (9.2 %) were type I, 159 (63.8%) type II, 9 (3.6%) type IIIa, 42 (16.8%) type IIIb, 7 (2.8%) type IVa and 9 (3.6%) were grade V according to Dindo-Clavien classification (DCC). The most frequent complication was anemia that required blood transfusion (27%) followed by wound infection (15.6%) and urinary tract infection (6%). DISCUSSION: The overall complication rate after orthopedic surgery in our department was 12.7%. The implementation of the DCC following orthopedic surgery was an important tool to measure the standard of care.

Monosegmental combined anterior posterior instrumentation for the treatment of a severe lumbar tuberculous spondylodiscitis: case report and literature review / Instrumentação monossegmentar anterior e posterior combinada para o tratamento de uma espondilodiscite tuberculosa severa: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT Spinal tuberculosis (Pott disease) can produce severe deformities when it is not properly treated. Long instrumentations through single or combined double approaches are usually required to prevent and correct the deformity. The authors present a case of severe deformity secondary to tuberculous spondylodiscitis in the lumbar spine treated with a monosegmental instrumentation through a double approach in a patient with idiopathic scoliosis. Deformity correction and infection resolution through debridement and arthrodesis is observed after one year of follow-up.

RESUMO A tuberculose espinhal (doença de Pott) pode produzir deformidades severas se não for tratada adequadamente. Instrumentações longas através de uma abordagem simples ou dupla geralmente são necessárias para corrigir a deformidade. Os autores apresentam um caso de deformidade severa em região lombar secundária a espondilodiscite tuberculosa tratada com instrumentação monossegmentária por dupla abordagem em um paciente com diagnóstico inicial de escoliose idiopática. A cirurgia corretiva e a resolução da infecção através de debridamento e artrodese são observadas após um ano de acompanhamento.