Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training / Acuerdo inter e intraobservador independiente de la clasificación de Schizas de estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Comparación entre tres niveles de entrenamiento quirúrgico

Introduction and objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. Materials and methods: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. Results: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52–0.63) and 0.69 (0.55–0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46–0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54–0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59–0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48–0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55–0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60–0.72) for attendings. Conclusion: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: La estenosis espinal lumbar es una condición frecuente relacionada con la edad que afecta la calidad de vida. Se han desarrollado múltiples clasificaciones para cuantificar la gravedad de la estenosis que afectan la comparación entre estudios y la comunicación homogénea entre cirujanos e investigadores. A pesar de que esta clasificación no ha mostrado una correlación directa con la clínica, la clasificación de Schizas parece ser un método simple para evaluar la estenosis. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador de la clasificación de Schizas en la severidad de la estenosis. Además, comparamos la concordancia entre tres niveles de formación en cirugía de columna. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador entre los residentes ortopédicos principiantes, avanzados y los cirujanos de columna; 90 niveles lumbares de 30 pacientes fueron evaluados por 16 observadores. Se utilizó concordancia a través del kappa ponderado. Resultados: La concordancia global interobservador e intraobservador fue de 0,57 (IC 95%=0,52-0,63) y 0,69 (0,55-0,79), respectivamente. La concordancia interobservador según el nivel de formación arroja valores de 0,53 (0,46-0,60) para los residentes menores, 0,61 (0,54-0,67) para los residentes mayores y 0,67 (0,59-0,74) para los asistentes. La concordancia intraobservador fue de 0,54 (0,48-0,60) para principiantes, 0,60 (0,55-0,66) para avanzados y 0,66 (0,60-0,72) para cirujanos de columna. Conclusión: La clasificación de Schizas mostró concordancia interobservador moderada y concordancia intraobservador sustancial. Entre los cirujanos de columna, se observó un acuerdo sustancial inter e intraobservador. La clasificación permitió una comunicación aceptable entre los cirujanos de columna entrenados.(AU)

[Artículo traducido] Acuerdo inter-e intraobservador independiente de la clasificación de Schizas de estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Comparación entre tres niveles de entrenamiento quirúrgico / Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training

Introduction and objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. Materials and methods: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. Results: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52–0.63) and 0.69 (0.55–0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46–0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54–0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59–0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48–0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55–0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60–0.72) for attendings. Conclusion: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: La estenosis espinal lumbar es una condición frecuente relacionada con la edad que afecta la calidad de vida. Se han desarrollado múltiples clasificaciones para cuantificar la gravedad de la estenosis que afectan la comparación entre estudios y la comunicación homogénea entre cirujanos e investigadores. A pesar de que esta clasificación no ha mostrado una correlación directa con la clínica, la clasificación de Schizas parece ser un método simple para evaluar la estenosis. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador de la clasificación de Schizas en la severidad de la estenosis. Además, comparamos la concordancia entre tres niveles de formación en cirugía de columna. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador entre los residentes ortopédicos principiantes, avanzados y los cirujanos de columna; 90 niveles lumbares de 30 pacientes fueron evaluados por 16 observadores. Se utilizó concordancia a través del kappa ponderado. Resultados: La concordancia global interobservador e intraobservador fue de 0,57 (IC 95%=0,52-0,63) y 0,69 (0,55-0,79), respectivamente. La concordancia interobservador según el nivel de formación arroja valores de 0,53 (0,46-0,60) para los residentes menores, 0,61 (0,54-0,67) para los residentes mayores y 0,67 (0,59-0,74) para los asistentes. La concordancia intraobservador fue de 0,54 (0,48-0,60) para principiantes, 0,60 (0,55-0,66) para avanzados y 0,66 (0,60-0,72) para cirujanos de columna. Conclusión: La clasificación de Schizas mostró concordancia interobservador moderada y concordancia intraobservador sustancial. Entre los cirujanos de columna, se observó un acuerdo sustancial inter e intraobservador. La clasificación permitió una comunicación aceptable entre los cirujanos de columna entrenados.(AU)

Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training. / [Artículo traducido] Acuerdo inter- e intraobservador independiente de la clasificación de Schizas de estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Comparación entre tres niveles de entrenamiento quirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. RESULTS: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52-0.63) and 0.69 (0.55-0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46-0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54-0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59-0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48-0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55-0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60-0.72) for attendings. CONCLUSION: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.

Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. RESULTS: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52-0.63) and 0.69 (0.55-0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46-0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54-0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59-0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48-0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55-0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60-0.72) for attendings. CONCLUSION: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.

Atrofia paraespinal postoperatoria. ¿El abordaje importa? / Postoperative paraspinal atrophy. Does boarding matter?

Objetivo: Comparar la magnitud de la atrofia muscular postoperatoria que producen tres abordajes en fusiones lumbares segmentarias para patología degenerativa (línea media vs. Wiltse vs. MIS TLIF). Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico, descriptivo y retrospectivo, de una serie de pacientes operados por patología degenerativa lumbar. Analizamos 45 pacientes (24 mujeres), con una edad media de 58.7 años, operados en 5 centros quirúrgicos entre 2015 y 2018. Se realizó una fusión instrumentada de un nivel, desde L3 hasta S1 (7 casos L3-L4, 25 casos L4-L5 y 13 casos L5-S1). Quince casos fueron realizados por abordajes por línea media, 15 por abordaje de Wiltse y 15 MIS TLIF. Todos fueron estudiados con Resonancia Magnética preoperatoria y con un mínimo de 6 meses luego de la cirugía (media de 14.6 meses). Estas fueron analizadas por 3 observadores especialistas en cirugía de columna. Se tomaron 2 variables para comparar el grado de atrofia entre pre y postoperatorio: área de sección transversal (AST) de músculo multifidus (MM) y erectores espinales (EE) y grado de infiltración grasa (IG) mediante la clasificación visual de Kjaer. Los análisis realizados fueron ejecutados utilizando el programa estadístico RStudio (versión 1.1.383) y se compararon valores de p obtenidos mediante la suma de rangos de Wilcoxon. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los distintos abordajes en relación a la atrofia del MM. La comparación de p para AST de los EE mostró diferencias entre MIS TLIF vs línea media (p 0.018) y de línea media vs Wiltse (p 0.027). Conclusión: Los abordajes mínimamente invasivos utilizados para descompresión y artrodesis monosegmentaria lumbar, tuvieron más impacto sobre la atrofia muscular en los EE que en MM. Estudios randomizados y controlados serían de utilidad para validar los resultados de este trabajo.

Aim: To compare the level of post-operative muscle atrophy associated with three different approaches to achieve segmental lumbar fusion in patients with degenerative back disease: (1) the standard midline approach; (2) Wiltse's minimally-invasive surgery (MIS-W) approach; and (3) minimal-invasive surgery (MIS) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Methods and Materials: A multi-center, observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed on a series of patients who had undergone surgery for degenerative lumbar disease. All patients were studied preoperatively and for at least six months post-operatively (mean follow-up: 14.6 months) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), all images analyzed by three spine-imaging specialists. Three variables were used to compare the level of atrophy before and after surgery: (1) the cross sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle (MM); (2) the CSA of the spinal erector muscles (SEM); and (3) fat infiltration level, as rated per the Kjaer visual classification system. Inter-group differences in these three outcomes were assessed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results: Forty-five patients (24 females), of mean age 58.7 years, underwent surgery at five participating surgical centers between 2015 and 2018. One-level instrumented fusion, from L3 to S1, was performed: at the L3-L4 level in seven patients, L4-L5 in 25, and L5-S1 in 13. Surgical access was split evenly between the three approaches, each performed in 15 patients. No significant differences were detected between the approaches, in terms of MM atrophy or fat infiltration level. Less CSA-SEM atrophy was detected with the MIS-TLIF than midline (p = 0.018), and with the MIS-W than midline (p = 0.027) approach. Conclusions: Relative to the standard midline approach, two minimally-invasive surgery approaches used for decompression and lumbar mono-segmental arthrodesis reduced atrophy in the spinal erector muscles, but not the multifidus muscle. Randomized controlled trials might be useful to validate the results of this investigation.