Comparative Analysis of Vascular Structures in OLIF51 and the Lateral Corridor Approach under Supine MRI and Intraoperative Enhanced CT in the Lateral Decubitus Position.

Background and Objectives: As the oblique lateral interbody fusion at L5/S1 (OLIF51) and the lateral corridor approach (LCA) have gained popularity, an understanding of the precise vascular structure at the L5/S1 level is indispensable. The objectives of this study were to investigate the vascular anatomy at the L5/S1 level, and to compare the movement of vascular tissue between the supine and lateral decubitus positions using intraoperative enhanced CT and MRI. Materials and Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent either OLIF51 or LCA were investigated with an average age at surgery of 60.4 (37-80) years old. The preoperative MRI was taken to observe the axial and sagittal anatomy of the vascular position under the supine position. The intraoperative vein-enhanced CT was taken just before incision in the right decubitus position, and compared to supine MRI anatomy. Iliolumbar vein appearance and its types were also classified. Results: The average vascular window allowed for OLIF51 was 22.8 mm and 34.1 mm at either the L5 caudal endplate level or the S1 cephalad endplate level, respectively. The LCA was 14.2 mm and 12.6 mm at either level, respectively. The left common iliac vein moved 3.8 mm and 6.9 mm to the right direction at either level from supine to the right decubitus position, respectively. The bifurcation moved 6.3 mm to the caudal direction from supine to right decubitus. The iliolumbar vein was located at 31 mm laterally from the midline, and the MRI detection rate was 52%. Conclusions: The precise measurement of vascular anatomy indicated that the OLIF51 approach was the standard minimally invasive anterior approach for the L5/S1 disc level compared to LCA; however, there were many variations in quantitative anatomy as well as significant vascular movements between the supine and right decubitus positions. In the clinical setting of OLIF51 and LCA surgeries, careful preoperative evaluation and intraoperative 3D imaging are recommended for safe and accurate surgery.

Successful salvage strategy using anterior retroperitoneal approach in failed posterior lumbar interbody fusion. A retrospective analisys on lumbar lordosis and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF, TLIF) are among the most popular surgical options for lumbar interbody fusion. If non-union occurs with consequent pain and reduced quality of life, revision surgery should correct any previous technical errors, avoiding further complications. The aim of this study was to analyze technical advantages, radiological and clinical outcomes of anterior approaches (ALIF) in case of failed PLIF or TLIF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with persistent low back pain after failed PLIF/TLIF where salvage ALIF through an anterior retroperitoneal miniopen video-assisted technique was performed. Surgical, clinical and radiological data were analysed. Uni and multivariate statistical analysis were applied. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (average age: 47.1 years) were included. Mean follow-up was 34.4 months. In 30 patients (83.3%) a posterior surgical step was necessary. Non-union (86.1%), cage migration (5.5%), infection (8.3%) were the causes of revision surgery. In 22 patients (61.1%) the involved level was L5-S1, in 12 patients (33.4%) L4-L5, in 1 patient (2.7%) L3-L4. One patient (2.7%) had two levels (L4-L5 and L5-S1) involved. No major intraoperative complications were recorded. Significant correlation between clinical and radiological outcomes (L4-S1 and L5-S1 lordosis improvement) were observed (postoperative VAS and L5-S1, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Salvage ALIF is a safe option that can significantly ameliorate residual pain achieving primary interbody stability with an ideal segmental lordosis according to pelvic parameters. The advantages of a naive anterior approach fulfils the main objectives of a revision surgery in order to significantly increase the chances of definitive fusion.

L5 corpectomy-the lumbosacral segmental geometry and clinical outcome-a consecutive series of 14 patients and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the lumbosacral segmental geometry and clinical outcome in patients undergoing L5 corpectomy. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent L5 (n = 12) or L4 + 5 (n = 2) corpectomy at our department between January 2010 and April 2015 were included. All patients underwent a baseline physical and neurologic examination on admission. The diagnostic routine included MRI and CT scans and, if possible, an upright X-ray of the lumbar spine before and after surgery. The local lordosis angle [L4(L3)-S1] was measured. RESULTS: The most common pathology was infection (N = 7), followed by neoplastic disease (n = 3), pseudarthrosis (n = 2) after previous spinal fusion procedures and burst fractures (n = 2) of the L5 vertebral body. We observed seven complications (2 intraoperative; 5 postoperative) in five (36%) patients. Three patients needed revision surgery because of cage subsidence and/or dislodgement (21%). Additional anterior plating was used in two of the revision surgeries to secure the cage. Two spondylodiscitis patients (14%) with complications died of sepsis. Of the 12 remaining patients, 8 were available for follow-up. CONCLUSION: L5 corpectomy is a technically challenging but feasible procedure even though the overall complication rate can be as high as 36%. The radiologic and clinical outcome seems to be better in patients with a small lordosis angle between L4(L3) and S1, since an angle of >50 degrees seems to facilitate cage dislodgement. Anterior plating should be considered in these cases to prevent implant failure.

[ALIF and PLIF interposition in low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis L5/S1 : Longterm-Comparison of interbody fusion techniques (ALIF - PLIF)]. / ALIF- und PLIF-Interposition bei low-grade isthmischen Spondylolisthesen L5/S1 : Langzeitvergleich der interkorporellen Fusionstechnik (ALIF - PLIF).

INTRODUCTION: For the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis two alternative interbody fusion techniques are available, the dorsoventral interposition in ALIF technique and the dorsal access interposition in PLIF technique. Due to the complications of anterior lumbar surgery and in order to avoid a second operation, the dorsoventral fusion technique is becoming uncommon and mainly a pure dorsal supply is performed. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical long-term results of both treatment techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 138 patients were treated surgically between 2003 and 2012 in symptomatic isthmic spondylolysis in L5/S1 with a Meyerding degree of I-III. 72 patients were evaluated finally (ALIF n = 25 and PLIF n = 47). The average follow-up period was 7.9 years for the ALIF group and 5.6 years for the PLIF group. In both groups the average drug consumption, duration of recovery, resumption of work and resumption of sport activities was recorded. RESULTS: The results showed an extended time of surgery and a prolonged hospitalization of 5.4 days for the ALIF group. The ODI had a greater improvement in the PLIF group but this difference was not significant. The VAS was reduced in both groups. 36.8 % of the ALIF group and 44.7 % of the PLIF group reported a reduced pain medication postoperatively. The average recovery was 16 weeks for both groups. 29 % of PLIF and 9 % of ALIF patients had no pain relief. ALIF patients were able to get back to work after 149 days and the PLIF patients after 178 days. 31 % of the PLIF group and 13 % of the ALIF group were not able to return back to work. Revisions of fusion and the rate of wound revisions were increased in the PLIF group, adjacent segment diseases occurred more frequently in the ALIF group. CONCLUSION: Both treatment and fusion techniques (ALIF/PLIF) were able to achieve a significant pain relief and reduced consumption of pain medication postoperatively. The recovery period was similar in both groups, but there were differences regarding the date of return to work, hospitalization, duration of surgery and ODI score. Neither of the two methods could show a definite advantage.

Finite element analysis and cadaveric cinematic analysis of fixation options for anteriorly implanted trabecular metal interbody cages.

PURPOSE: To assess, with finite element analysis and an in vitro biomechanical study in cadaver, whether the implementation of an anterior interbody cage made of hedrocel with nitinol shape memory staples in compression increases the stiffness of the stand-alone interbody cage and to compare these constructs' stiffness to other constructs common in clinical practice. METHODS: A biomechanical study with a finite element analysis and cadaveric testing assessed the stiffness of different fixation modes for the L4-L5 functional spinal unit: intact spine, destabilized spine with discectomy, posterior pedicle-screw fixation, anterior stand-alone interbody cage, anterior interbody cage with bilateral pedicle screws and anterior interbody cage with two shape memory staples in compression. These modalities of vertebral fixation were compared in four loading modes (flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation). RESULTS: The L4-L5 spinal unit with an anterior interbody cage and two staples was stiffer than the stand-alone cage. The construct stiffness was similar to that of a model of posterior pedicular stabilization. The stiffness was lower than that of the anterior cage plus bilateral pedicle-screw fixation. CONCLUSION: The use of an anterior interbody implant with shape memory staples in compression may be an alternative to isolated posterior fixation and to anterior isolated implants, with increased stiffness.

Comparison of Complication Rates Between Transforaminal Interbody Fusion and Anteroposterior Fusion for One- or Two-Level Degenerative Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Introduction Although transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) combined with posterior fusion (AP) have similar fusion rates, it is unclear if choice of approach has an impact on post-operative complications. Research question Is the incidence of residual leg and/or back pain requiring additional treatment after one- or two-level TLIF and AP similar? Material and methods Adult patients who underwent one- or two-level TLIF or AP for degenerative pathology were identified and matched using age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), insurance status, smoking status, revision and number of levels fused. The incidence of radicular leg and back pain requiring emergency department visit/readmission or same level surgical intervention was compared between the two groups. Results Of the 319 TLIF and 288 AP cases, 119 cases in each cohort were matched. TLIF patients had shorter operative times (203 min vs 258 min, P<0.001) and hospital stays than the AP patients (3.76 days vs 4.98 days, P<0.001). The incidence of residual leg pain (7 vs 5, P=0.769) and back pain (13 vs 15, P=0.841) was similar between the two groups. Except for constipation, which was more common in the AP group, the incidence of complications was similar between the two groups. Conclusions Patients undergoing one- or two-level TLIF showed shorter operative time and hospital stay compared with those undergoing AP. The incidence of leg radiculopathy and back pain was similar between the two groups. Surgeons should consider these findings as part of the decision-making process regarding which approach to use in patients requiring a lumbar interbody fusion.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion Using Lateral Oblique (Pre-psoas) Approach (Review).

Lumbar spinal fusion is one of the most common operations in spinal surgery. For its implementation, anterolateral (pre-psoas) approach (oblique lumbar interbody fusion, OLIF) is now increasingly used due to its high efficacy and safety. However, there is still little information on the clinical and radiological results of using this technique. The aim of the study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of OLIF in the treatment of lumbar spine disorders as presented in the literature. Materials and Methods: The systematic electronic search was performed using the Ovid Medline, PubMed, and eLIBRARY.RU electronic databases. The following search key words were used: Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion, OLIF, Anterior to Psoas Lumbar Interbody Fusion, and ATP. Results: For the final analysis, 17 sources were selected; with a total of 2900 patients. Total complication rate was 13.9% (403 cases). The incidence of severe persistent complications was less than 1%. Based on the data obtained, we compared the clinical and radiological results of OLIF with other lumbar fusion methods. Conclusion: OLIF is an effective, versatile, and minimally traumatic option for lumbar fusion with relatively few complications, which makes it superior to other retroperitoneal approaches. However, the OLIF technique is not completely free of complications associated with the ventral approach, and it cannot provide adequate decompression of the spinal canal in all cases. In addition, anterior approach surgery is still of limited use in cases of spinal deformities; adequate correction of deformity is achievable mainly in combination with posterior surgery.

An unusual case of a persistent, infected retroperitoneal fluid collection 5 years after anterior lumbar fusion surgery: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Anterior lumbar fusion procedures have many benefits and continue to grow in popularity. The technique has many potential approach- and procedure-related complications. Symptomatic retroperitoneal fluid collections are uncommon but potentially serious complications after anterior lumbar procedures. Collection types include hematomas, urinomas, chyloperitoneum, cerebrospinal fluid collections, and deep infections. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present an unusual case of a patient with persistent symptoms related to a retroperitoneal collection over a 5-year period following anterior lumbar fusion surgery. To the authors' knowledge, no similar case with such extensive symptom duration has been described. The patient had an infected encapsulated fluid collection. The collection was presumed to be a postoperative lymphocele that was secondarily infected after serial percutaneous drainage procedures. LESSONS: When retroperitoneal collections occur after anterior retroperitoneal approaches, clinical clues, such as timing of symptoms, hypotension, acute anemia, urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, low-pressure headaches, anorexia, or systemic signs of infection, can help narrow the differential. Retroperitoneal collections may continue to be symptomatic many years after anterior lumbar surgery. The collections may become infected after serial percutaneous drainage or prolonged continuous drainage. Encapsulated, infected fluid collections typically require surgical debridement of the capsule and its contents.

Retrospective radiographic analysis of anterior lumbar fusion for high grade lumbar spondylolisthesis.

BACKGROUND: High-grade spondylolisthesis (>50% slippage) is infrequently encountered in adults and frequently requires surgical treatment. The optimal surgical treatment is controversial with limited literature guidance as to optimal approach to treatment. An observational study to examine the technique and radiographic outcomes of adult patients treated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior percutaneous instrumentation for high-grade spondylolisthesis. METHODS: ALIF was performed in 5 consecutive patients (3/5 female, 2/5 male) aged 29-67 years old who presented with low back pain and L5 radiculopathy. All patients failed conservative treatment and were treated with L4-5 and L5-S1 ALIF followed by posterior percutaneous L4-S1 pedicle screw and rod fixation. Pre- and postoperative clinical data was collected including L5-S1 posterior disk height in millimeters, millimeters of spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, degrees of segmental lordosis (L4-S1), lumbar lordosis (L1-S1), and lumbar lordosis pelvic incidence (LL-PI) mismatch. RESULTS: Six weeks following surgery, no patient reported residual L5 radicular symptoms. At last follow up, patient satisfaction, according to Modified Macnab Criteria, was excellent in 4/5 patients and good in 1/5 patient. In the 4 patients with greater than 1 year radiographic follow up, fusion rate was 100% on computed tomography (CT). Mean increase in posterior disk height was 12.5 mm (range, 11.4-13.5 mm). Mean reduction in spondylolisthesis was 58.7% (range, 20.2-100%). Mean segmental (L4-S1) and overall (L1-S1) lumbar lordosis increased by 23.6% (range, 6.5-41.7%) and 16.6% (2.5-31.5%), respectively. Following surgery, LL-PI mismatch decreased from a mean of 16.4 to 10.2 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: ALIF with posterior percutaneous instrumentation is a safe and effective treatment for high-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis in properly selected adults. This technique improves lumbar sagittal parameters and reduces spondylolisthesis. The indirect neural decompression from simultaneous disk height restoration and spondylolisthesis reduction may be associated with lower neurological injury rate compared to posterior-only. Future prospective study is needed to validate this hypothesis.

Is postoperative atelectasis following lumbar fusion more prevalent among patients with chronic opioid use?

OBJECTIVE: Chronic opioid use (COU) remains on the rise globally, acting as a marker for patient morbidity and a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Opioid use is a risk factor for respiratory depression, which may lead to dysfunctional breathing, a known cause of atelectasis. The objective of this study was to determine whether COU is associated with increased rates of postoperative atelectasis among patients undergoing lumbar fusion. MATERIALS & METHODS: Three State Inpatient Databases were used to identify patients who underwent an elective lumbar fusion through an anterior, posterior or circumferential approach in Florida, Kentucky and New York between 2013-2015. Patients with COU and those with postoperative atelectasis were identified using ICD diagnosis codes. Three operative groups were created and subsequently matched using propensity scores in order to provide comparable cohorts for analysis. Three-to-one propensity score matching was conducted using the variables of age, sex, race, number of chronic diagnoses and geographic state of admission. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between COU and postoperative atelectasis. RESULTS: A total of 3618 lumbar fusions were identified. Atelectasis was noted in 1.33 % of NCOU patients and 2.32 % of COU patients. On multivariable analysis, while controlling for the Elixhauser Mortality Index and patient insurance status, COU was significantly associated with atelectasis in posterior lumbar fusion (OR = 2.27; CI: 1.09-4.72; p = 0.028) and circumferential lumbar fusion (OR = 4.68; CI: 1.52-14.45; p = 0.007). The Elixhauser Mortality Index was also significantly associated with atelectasis in posterior lumbar fusion (OR = 1.08; CI: 1.04-1.11; p < 0.001) and circumferential lumbar fusion (OR = 1.09; CI: 1.03-1.16; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Higher rates of postoperative atelectasis were found among patients with COU following posterior and circumferential lumbar fusions. The Elixhauser Mortality Index was also independently associated with atelectasis. Knowledge of these risks may allow for earlier identification and intervention in patients who are at risk.

The Effects of Preoperative Steroid Therapy on Perioperative Complications After Elective Anterior Lumbar Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of chronic preoperative steroid therapy on 30-day perioperative complications after anterior lumbar fusion (ALF). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2008 and 2015. Adult patients who underwent ALF were included and divided into 2 groups: steroids and no steroids. We compared baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative variables between these 2 groups and then performed a multivariate regression analysis to determine complications that were independently associated with chronic steroid therapy. We also performed a subgroup analysis of the steroid group to identify additional risk factors that further predispose these patients to postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 9483 patients were included, of whom 289 (3.0%) were on chronic steroid therapy. Univariate analysis showed that chronic steroid use was independently associated with 4 perioperative complications, including deep surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.78; confidence interval [CI], 1.09-7.10; P = 0.033), pulmonary complications (OR, 1.98; CI, 1.02-3.86; P = 0.044), blood transfusion (OR, 1.60; CI, 1.15-2.23; P = 0.005), and extended length of stay (OR, 1.58; CI, 1.17-2.16; P = 0.003). In patients on chronic steroid therapy, pulmonary comorbidity and extended operative time were additional risk factors that further predisposed to perioperative complications, including deep surgical site infection, blood transfusion, and extended length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic preoperative steroid therapy is associated with perioperative complications after ALF. Decisions about the discontinuing or holding steroid therapy preoperatively should be determined through an interdisciplinary approach between the medical and surgical teams.

Risk Factors, Additional Length of Stay, and Cost Associated with Postoperative Ileus Following Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Elderly Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify independent risk factors, additional length of stay, and additional cost associated with postoperative ileus following anterior lumbar interbody fusion in elderly patients. METHODS: The PearlDiver Patient Records Database was queried for all Medicare patients ≥65 years of age undergoing 1- or 2-level primary elective anterior lumbar interbody fusion from 2005 to 2014. Independent risk factors, additional length of stay, and additional cost associated with postoperative ileus were evaluated with multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were 13,139 patients identified, and 642 patients experienced postoperative ileus within 3 days after surgery. Multivariate analysis identified perioperative fluid or electrolyte imbalance (odds ratio = 4.03; 95% confidence interval, 3.37-4.80; P < 0.001) and male sex (odds ratio = 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-2.00; P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for ileus. Multivariate analysis associated postoperative ileus with additional length of stay of 2.83 ± 0.11 days (P < 0.001) and additional cost of $2,349 ± $419 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with perioperative fluid and electrolyte imbalances were 4 times as likely to experience postoperative ileus. Fluid balance and electrolyte levels should be carefully monitored during the perioperative period in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion as a potential means to reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus and the additional length of stay and cost burden associated with this complication.

Anterior Lumbar Fusion: Differences in Patient Selection and Surgical Outcomes Between Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior lumbar fusion (ALF) is performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to determine differences between the 2 surgical subspecialties in terms of patient selection and postoperative outcomes after ALF. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing ALF in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2014 was performed. Univariate analyses were performed to identify differences in baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, and 30-day postoperative outcomes between neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether surgical subspecialty was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. RESULTS: The study included 3182 patients, with 1629 (51.2%) neurosurgery patients and 1553 (48.8%) orthopaedic surgery patients. A greater proportion of neurosurgery patients were >65 years old, were being treated with preoperative steroids, had cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities, and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III or higher. ALF procedures performed by neurosurgeons more frequently involved use of intervertebral devices and bone graft. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, ALF procedures performed by neurosurgeons were independently associated with a higher risk of reoperation (odds ratio = 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.56; P = 0.042) and urinary tract infection (odds ratio = 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.68; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to differences in baseline patient demographics and comorbidities and operative characteristics, ALF performed by neurosurgeons had a higher risk of 30-day reoperation and urinary tract infection compared with ALF performed by orthopaedic surgeons.

High-Risk Subgroup Membership Is a Predictor of 30-Day Morbidity Following Anterior Lumbar Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To determine if membership in a high-risk subgroup is predictive of morbidity and mortality following anterior lumbar fusion (ALF). METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to identify patients undergoing ALF between 2010 and 2014. Multivariate analysis was utilized to identify high-risk subgroup membership as an independent predictor of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Members of the elderly (≥65 years) (OR = 1.3, P = .02) and non-Caucasian (black, Hispanic, other) (OR = 1.7, P < .0001) subgroups were at greater risk for a LOS ≥5 days. Obese patients (≥30 kg/m2 ) were at greater risk for an operative time ≥4 hours (OR = 1.3, P = .005), and wound complications (OR = 1.8, P = .024) compared with nonobese patients. Emergent procedures had a significantly increased risk for LOS ≥5 days (OR = 4.9, P = .021), sepsis (OR = 14.8, P = .018), and reoperation (OR = 13.4, P < .0001) compared with nonemergent procedures. Disseminated cancer was an independent risk factor for operative time ≥4 hours (OR = 8.4, P < .0001), LOS ≥5 days (OR = 15.2, P < .0001), pulmonary complications (OR = 7.4, P = .019), and postoperative blood transfusion (OR = 3.1, P = .040). CONCLUSIONS: High-risk subgroup membership is an independent risk factor for morbidity following ALF. These groups should be targets for aggressive preoperative optimization, and quality improvement initiatives.

Efficacy of TachoSil, a Fibrin-Based Hemostat, for Anterior Lumbar Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy of TachoSil for vessel injury in 6 patients who underwent anterior lumbar fusion surgery (ALF). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: ALF for the lumbar spine has a high rate of success, although intraoperative concerns and iatrogenic complications are known, and injury of a major vessel is sometimes a complication. The efficacy of TachoSil, a fibrin-based hemostat, has been reported for several types of surgery; however, use of TachoSil for ALF surgery has not been described. Here, we report on the efficacy of TachoSil in 6 patients, who underwent ALF after vascular surgeons having difficulty in repairing vessels. METHODS: Two man and 4 women with average age of 50.8±10.9 (mean±standard deviation) were diagnosed with a vertebral tumor (2 patients), L4 degenerative spondylolisthesis (2 patients), and L5 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (2 patients) and underwent ALF. The blood vessels injured included the common iliac vein in 2 patients and a branch of a segmental artery from the aorta in 4 patients. We consulted a vascular surgeon to suture or repair the vessels during surgery, and although the vascular surgeon attempted to address the injuries, suturing or repair was not possible in these cases. For this reason, we used TachoSil to repair the injury in the vessels walls or to stop the bleeding. RESULTS: Time to pressure hemostasis using TachoSil was 34±12 minutes, and total blood loss was 1,488±1,711 mL. Nevertheless, all vessel injuries were controlled by the use of TachoSil. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of TachoSil for vessel injuries that vascular surgeons cannot suture or repair during ALF surgery.

Anterior D-rod and titanium mesh fixation for acute mid-lumbar burst fracture with incomplete neurologic deficits: A prospective study of 56 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Anterior decompression and reconstruction have gained wide acceptance as viable alternatives for unstable mid-lumbar burst fracture, but there are no mid and long term prospective studies regarding clinical and radiologic results of mid-lumbar burst fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-approved prospective study of 56 consecutive patients of mid-lumbar burst fractures with a load-sharing score of 7 or more treated with anterior plating was carried out. All patients were evaluated for radiologic and clinical outcomes. The fusion status, spinal canal compromise, segmental kyphotic angle (SKA), vertebral body height loss (VBHL), and adjacent segment degeneration was examined for radiologic outcome, whereas the American Spinal Injury Association scale, the visual analog scale (VAS), and the employment status were used for clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The patients underwent clinical and radiologic followup for at least 5 years after the surgery. At the last followup, there was no case of internal fixation failure, adjacent segment degeneration, and other complications. Interbody fusion was achieved in all cases. The average fusion time was 4.5 months. No patient suffered neurological deterioration and the average neurologic recovery was 1.3 grades on final observation. Based on VAS pain scores, canal compromise, percentage of VBHL and SKA, the difference was statistically significant between the preoperative period and postoperative or final followup (P < 0.05). Results at postoperative and final followup were better than the preoperative period. However, the difference was not significant between postoperative and final followup (P > 0.05). Thirty-four patients who were employed before the injury returned to work after the operation, 15 had changed to less strenuous work. CONCLUSION: Good mid term clinicoradiological results of anterior decompression with D-rod and titanium mesh fixation for suitable patients with mid-lumbar burst fractures with incomplete neurologic deficits can be achieved. The incident rate of complications was low. D-rod is a reliable implant and has some potential advantages in L4 vertebral fractures.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative ileus following anterior, posterior, and circumferential lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Postoperative ileus is a known complication of surgery. The incidence and risk factors for ileus after lumbar fusion surgery is not well characterized. PURPOSE: To determine rates of postoperative ileus, a population-based database was analyzed to identify incidence, mortality, and risk factors associated with anterior (ALF), posterior (PLF), and combined anterior/posterior (APLF) lumbar fusions. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective database analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 220,522 patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were incidence of postoperative ileus, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital costs, and mortality. METHODS: Data from the NIS were obtained from 2002 to 2009. Patients undergoing ALF, PLF, and APLF for degenerative pathologies were identified and the incidence of postoperative ileus was assessed. Patient demographics, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), LOS, costs, and mortality were assessed. SPSS v.20 was used to detect statistical differences between groups and perform logistic regression analyses to identify independent predictors of postoperative ileus. A p value less than .001 denoted significance. RESULTS: A total of 220,522 lumbar fusions were identified in the United States from 2002 to 2009. There were 19,762 ALFs, 182,801 PLFs, and 17,959 APLFs. The incidence of postoperative ileus was increased in ALFs over PLFs (74.9 vs. 26.0 per 1,000; p<.001). Within PLF and APLF groups, CCI scores were increased in the presence of postoperative ileus (p<.001). Across cohorts, patients with postoperative ileus demonstrated greater LOS and costs (p<.001). PLF-treated patients with postoperative ileus demonstrated increased mortality (p<.001). Independent predictors of postoperative ileus included male gender, 3+ fusion levels, alcohol abuse, anemia, fluid/electrolyte disorders, and weight loss (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study demonstrate increased incidence of postoperative ileus associated with anterior approaches for lumbar fusion. Across cohorts, postoperative ileus was associated with increased LOS and costs. To determine the mortality and resource use associated with postoperative ileus, we recommend preoperatively identifying and treating modifiable risk factors, especially when an anterior approach is used.

Good functional outcome and adjacent segment disc quality 10 years after single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterior fixation.

We reviewed the records of a prospective consecutive cohort to evaluate the clinical performance of anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a titanium box cage and posterior fixation, with emphasis on long-term functional outcome. Thirty-two patients with chronic low back pain underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior fixation. Radiological and functional results (visual analogue scale [VAS] and Oswestry score) were evaluated. Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) was evaluated radiologically and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-five patients (78%) were available for follow-up. Functional scores showed significant improvement in pain and function up to the 2-year follow-up observation. At 4 years, there was some deterioration of the clinical results. At 10-year follow-up, results remained stable compared with 4-year results. MRI showed ASD in 3/25 (12%) above and 2/10 (20%) below index level (compared with absent preoperatively). ASD could not be related to clinical outcome in this study. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior fixation is safe and effective. Initial improvement in VAS and Oswestry scores is partly lost at the 4-year follow-up. Good clinical results are maintained at 10-year follow-up and are not related to adjacent segment degeneration.