Search

Introduction: Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) is the most common osteoporotic fracture, and some patients require surgical intervention to improve their impaired activities of daily living with neurological deficits. However, many previous reports have focused on OVF around the thoracolumbar junction, and the surgical outcomes of lumbar OVF have not been thoroughly discussed. We aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes for lumbar OVF with a neurological deficit. Methods: Patients who underwent fusion surgery for thoracolumbar OVF with a neurological deficit were enrolled at 28 institutions. Clinical information, comorbidities, perioperative complications, Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, visual analog scale scores, and radiographic parameters were compared between patients with lower lumbar fracture (L3-5) and those with thoracolumbar junction fracture (T10-L2). Each patient with lower lumbar fracture (L group) was matched with to patients with thoracolumbar junction fracture (T group). Results: A total 403 patients (89 males and 314 females, mean age: 73.8 ± 7.8 years, mean follow-up: 3.9 ± 1.7 years) were included in this study. Lower lumbar OVF was frequently found in patients with lower bone mineral density. After matching, mechanical failure was more frequent in the L group (L group: 64%, T group: 39%; p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups in the clinical and radiographical outcomes, although the rates of complication and revision surgery were still high in both groups. Conclusions: The surgical intervention for OVF is effective in patients with myelopathy or radiculopathy regardless of the surgical level, although further study is required to improve clinical and radiographical outcomes. Level of evidence: Level III

Introduction: Approximately 3% of osteoporotic vertebral fractures develop osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC) with neurological deficits, and such patients are recommended to be treated surgically. However, a proximal junctional fracture (PJFr) following surgery for OVC can be a serious concern. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the incidence and risk factors of PJFr following fusion surgery for OVC. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed registry data collected from facilities belonging to the Japan Association of Spine Surgeons with Ambition (JASA) in 2016. We retrospectively analyzed 403 patients who suffered neurological deficits due to OVC below T10 and underwent corrective surgery; only those followed up for ≥2 years were included. Potential risk factors related to the PJFr and their cut-off values were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Sixty-three patients (15.6%) suffered PJFr during the follow-up (mean 45.7 months). In multivariate analysis, the grade of osteoporosis (grade 2, 3: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.92; p=0.001) and lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) level (sacrum: aOR 6.75; p=0.003) were independent factors. ROC analysis demonstrated that lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) was a predictive factor (area under curve: 0.72, p=0.035) with optimal cut-off value of 0.61 g/cm(2) (sensitivity, 76.5%; specificity, 58.3%), but that of the hip was not (p=0.228). Conclusions: PJFr was found in 16% cases within 4 years after surgery; independent risk factors were severe osteoporosis and extended fusion to the sacrum. The lumbar BMD with cut-off value 0.61 g/cm(2) may potentially predict PJFr. Our findings can help surgeons select perioperative adjuvant therapy, as well as a surgical strategy to prevent PJFr following surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To clarify the poor patient satisfaction after lumbar spinal surgery in elderly patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA As the global population continues to age, it is important to consider the surgical outcome and patient satisfaction in the elderly. No studies have assessed patient satisfaction in elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment and risk factors for poor satisfaction in elderly patients after lumbar spinal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective multicenter survey was performed in 169 patients aged above 80 years who underwent lumbar spinal surgery. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year after surgery. We assessed patient satisfaction from the results of surgery by using a newly developed patient questionnaire. Patients were assessed by demographic data, surgical procedures, complications, reoperation rate, pain improvement, and risk factors for poor patient satisfaction with surgery for lumbar spinal disease. RESULTS In total, 131 patients (77.5%, G-group) were satisfied and 38 patients (22.5%, P-group) were dissatisfied with surgery. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics and surgical data. Postoperative visual analog scale score for low back pain and leg pain were significantly higher in the P-group than in the G-group (low back pain: G-group, 1.7±1.9 vs. P-group, 5.2±2.5, P

Background Vertebroplasty with posterior spinal fusion (VP + PSF) is one of the most widely accepted surgical techniques for treating osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC). Nevertheless, the effect of the extent of fusion on surgical outcomes remains to be established. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of short- versus long-segment VP + PSF for OVC with neurological impairment in thoracolumbar spine. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 133 patients (median age, 77 years; 42 men and 91 women) from 27 university hospitals and their affiliated hospitals. We divided patients into two groups: a short-segment fusion group (S group) with 2- or 3-segment fusion (87 patients) and a long-segment fusion group (L group) with 4- through 6-segment fusion (46 patients). Surgical invasion, clinical outcomes, local kyphosis angle (LKA), and complications were evaluated. Results No significant differences between the two groups were observed in terms of neurological recovery, pain scale scores, and complications. Surgical time was shorter and blood loss was less in the S group, whereas LKA at the final follow-up and correction loss were superior in the L group. Conclusion Although less invasiveness and validity of pain and neurological relief are secured by short-segment VP + PSF, surgeons should be cautious regarding correction loss.

Study design A retrospective single-center and single-surgeon study. Objective This study investigated the screw perforation rate according to main curve flexibility in pedicle screw fixation using a computed tomography (CT) guidance for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Summary of background The authors have been using a CT-based navigation system during pedicle screw insertion for AIS to avoid serious neurovascular or visceral structure injury but suspect that high main curve flexibility may account for some breaches. Data Seventy-two consecutive patients with AIS Lenke type 1 or 2 who had undergone pedicle screw fixation using a CT-based navigation system between February 2008 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Materials and methods The authors evaluated the perforation rate of pedicle screws inserted into the main thoracic curve between the upper-end and lower-end vertebrae for factors associated with screw violations using multivariate logistic regression mixed models. Results A total of 723 pedicle screws were inserted into the T4-T12 vertebrae with the aid of CT-based navigation. The respective grade 3 perforation rates according to main curve flexibility were 0%-30%: 3.2%; 30%-55%: 1.1%; 55%-75%: 5.2%; and 75%-100%: 5.5%. Main curve flexibility of ≥55% was significantly associated with grade 3 screw perforations (P=0.02). Conclusions Main curve flexibility of ≥55% was significantly related to screw violation in AIS surgery. Greater care is thus advised for screw insertion using CT navigation in AIS with main curve flexibility ≥55%.

Background The optimal treatment of osteoporosis after reconstruction surgery for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) remains unclear. In this multicentre retrospective study, we investigated the effects of typically used agents for osteoporosis, namely, bisphosphonates (BP) and teriparatide (TP), on surgical results in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Methods Retrospectively registered data were collected from 27 universities and affiliated hospitals in Japan. We compared the effects of BP vs TP on postoperative mechanical complication rates, implant-related reoperation rates, and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion for OVF. Data were analysed according to whether the osteoporosis was primary or glucocorticoid-induced. Results A total of 159 patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion for OVF were included. The overall mechanical complication rate was significantly lower in the TP group than in the BP group (BP vs TP: 73.1% vs 58.2%, p = 0.045). The screw backout rate was significantly lower and the rates of new vertebral fractures and pseudoarthrosis tended to be lower in the TP group than in the BP group. However, there were no significant differences in lumbar functional scores and visual analogue scale pain scores or in implant-related reoperation rates between the two groups. The incidence of pseudoarthrosis was significantly higher in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) than in those with primary osteoporosis; however, the pseudoarthrosis rate was reduced by using TP. The use of TP also tended to reduce the overall mechanical complication rate in both primary osteoporosis and GIOP. Conclusions The overall mechanical complication rate was lower in patients who received TP than in those who received a BP postoperatively, regardless of type of osteoporosis. The incidence of pseudoarthrosis was significantly higher in patients with GIOP, but the use of TP reduced the rate of pseudoarthrosis in GIOP patients. The use of TP was effective to reduce postoperative complications for OVF patients treated with posterior fusion.

It is generally recognized that the main thoracic curve Cobb angle threshold for surgical correction is approximately 50 degrees in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Although AIS with a Cobb angle of50 degrees is sometimes treated surgically to improve cosmesis, the precise outcomes are unclear. This study analyzed the postoperative results for AIS with a main thoracic curve of 50 degrees.Thirty-nine consecutive patients with Lenke type 1-2 curves underwent posterior spinal fusion for AIS. These subjects were divided into the50 degrees of main thoracic curve group (n = 14) and the ≥50 degrees group (n = 25). Clinical and radiographic data were compared.The mean Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve before and at 2 years after surgery for the50 degrees and ≥50 degrees groups was 44.5 and 60.3 degrees (p 0.001) and 14.0 and 19.5 degrees (p = 0.016), respectively. Preoperatively, both groups had comparable Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) scores (all p 0.05). Patients with a Cobb angle of50 degrees displayed significantly milder postoperative pain (4.7 vs. 4.3, p = 0.031), with no remarkable differences in other SRS-22 domain scores. These patients also had a significantly shorter operative time (194 vs. 235 min, p = 0.021) and fused level (9.2 vs. 10.8 vertebrae, p = 0.006) along with similar correction rate (68.1 vs. 65.8%, p = 0.622) and blood loss volume (932 vs. 1009 ml, p = 0.715).Surgical correction of AIS with50 degrees of main thoracic curve may less invasively achieve results that are comparable with those for AIS with 50 degrees or more, including improvements in self-image.

Study design A retrospective chart review. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of screw loosening in surgically treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Summary of background data Pedicle screws are widely used in posterior spinal fusion for AIS, although postoperative loosening can occur. However, few reports exist on screw loosening after pedicle screw fixation in young scoliosis patients and the etiology of loosening is not well known. Methods One hundred twenty AIS patients (9 males, 111 females; mean age: 15.0 years) who had received pedicle screw fixation were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent routine computed tomography (CT) reconstruction scans at 6 months postoperatively to assess screw position, bony fusion, and the presence of screw loosening. The perforation status of each pedicle screw was assigned a grade of 0 to 3 using Rao classification. Results Forty-three of 1624 (2.6%) screws showed evidence of loosening on CT. Screw loosening rates according to vertebral insertion level were upper instrumented vertebra (UIV): 9.6%; lower instrumented vertebra (LIV): 5.4%; one vertebra below the UIV: 1.8%; one vertebra above the LIV: 0.5%; two vertebrae below the UIV: 1.2%; and three vertebrae below the UIV: 0.9%. Screw loosening rates based on screw perforation grade were Grade 0: 1.4%; Grade 1: 3.1%; Grade 2: 15.5%; and Grade 3: 15.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed a distance from the UIV or LIV of one vertebra as well as the presence of major perforation to be independent factors affecting screw loosening. The odds ratios (ORs) of UIV/LIV insertion and major perforation were 73.4 and 17.2, respectively. When major perforations occurred in the UIV or LIV, the OR for loosening approached 1262. Conclusion Pedicle screw loosening after posterior spinal fusion in AIS patients tend to occur in the UIV or LIV. Major screw perforation is also significantly associated with screw loosening. The risk of loosening becomes compounded when major perforations are present in the UIV or LIV. Level of evidence 4.

Introduction: With an aging population, the proportion of patients aged 80 years requiring cervical surgery is increasing. Surgeons are concerned with the high incidence of complications in this population, because “age” itself has been reported as a strong risk factor for complications. However, it is still unknown which factors represent higher risk among these elderly patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the risk factors related to surgical complications specific to elderly patients by analyzing the registry data of patients aged 80 years who underwent cervical surgery. Methods: We retrospectively studied multicenter collected registry data using multivariate analysis. Sixty-six patients aged 80 years who underwent cervical surgery and were followed up for more than one year were included in this study. Preoperative patient demographic data, including comorbidities and postoperative complications, were collected from multicenter registry data. Complications were considered as major if they required invasive intervention, caused prolonged morbidity, or resulted in prolongation of hospital stay. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for complications. A p-value of

Study Design: Retrospective study of registry data. Objectives: Aging of society and recent advances in surgical techniques and general anesthesia have increased the demand for spinal surgery in elderly patients. Many complications have been described in elderly patients, but a multicenter study of perioperative complications in spinal surgery in patients aged 80 years or older has not been reported. Therefore, the goal of the study was to analyze complications associated with spine surgery in patients aged 80 years or older with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar lesions. Methods: A multicenter study was performed in patients aged 80 years or older who underwent 262 spinal surgeries at 35 facilities. The frequency and severity of complications were examined for perioperative complications, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, and for major postoperative complications that were potentially life threatening, required reoperation in the perioperative period, or left a permanent injury. Results: Perioperative complications occurred in 75 of the 262 surgeries (29%) and 33 were major complications (13%). In multivariate logistic regression, age over 85 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.007, P = 0.025) and estimated blood loss ≥500 g (HR = 3.076, P = .004) were significantly associated with perioperative complications, and an operative time ≥180 min (HR = 2.78, P = .007) was significantly associated with major complications. Conclusions: Elderly patients aged 80 years or older with comorbidities are at higher risk for complications. Increased surgical invasion, and particularly a long operative time, can cause serious complications that may be life threatening. Therefore, careful decisions are required with regard to the surgical indication and procedure in elderly patients.

Study Design:Retrospective database analysis.Objective:Spine surgeries in elderly patients have increased in recent years due to aging of society and recent advances in surgical techniques, and postoperative complications have become more of a concern. Postoperative delirium is a common complication in elderly patients that impairs recovery and increases morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to analyze postoperative delirium associated with spine surgery in patients aged 80 years or older with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar lesions.Methods:A retrospective multicenter study was performed in 262 patients 80 years of age or older who underwent spine surgeries at 35 facilities. Postoperative complications, incidence of postoperative delirium, and hazard ratios of patient-specific and surgical risk factors were examined.Results:Postoperative complications occurred in 59 of the 262 spine surgeries (23%). Postoperative delirium was the most frequent complication, occurring in 15 of 262 patients (5.7%), and was significantly associated with hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, cervical lesion surgery, and greater estimated blood loss ( P < .05). In multivariate logistic regression using perioperative factors, cervical lesion surgery (odds ratio = 4.27, P < .05) and estimated blood loss ≥300 mL (odds ratio = 4.52, P < .05) were significantly associated with postoperative delirium.Conclusions:Cervical lesion surgery and greater blood loss were perioperative risk factors for delirium in extremely elderly patients after spine surgery. Hypertension and cerebrovascular disease were significant risk factors for postoperative delirium, and careful management is required for patients with such risk factors.

A retrospective single-center and single-surgeon study.This study investigated the clinical and radiological results of skip pedicle screw fixation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).At present, the generally used technique for pedicle screw fixation for the surgical correction of AIS entails inserting a pedicle screw into every segment on the corrective side and into every or every other segment on the supportive side. To reduce operation time, blood loss, and cost, we developed skip pedicle screw fixation to achieve correction of AIS using fewer pedicle screws.We evaluated 62 consecutive patients who had undergone computer-assisted skip pedicle screw fixation from August 2005 to June 2014. All patients were followed up for at least two years. We investigated the clinical results of skip pedicle screw fixation for AIS.The mean number of fused vertebrae was 10.3 ± 2.0, the mean surgical time was 242 ± 78 min, and the mean blood loss volume was 1060 ± 688 ml. The mean Cobb angle of main thoracic (MT) curve two years after surgery improved significantly compared with that before surgery (p 0.01). The mean correction rate of MT curve immediately after surgery was 62.4 ± 12.4% and correction loss of MT curve at two years after surgery was 1.9 ± 5.8°. The SRS-22 subtotal score two years after surgery improved significantly compared to that before surgery (p 0.01). Although no patients experienced major complications, eight (12.9%) encountered minor complications (two [3.2%] had massive blood loss [3000 ml], three [4.8%] had a broken screw, one [1.6%] had a set-screw that dropped out, one [1.6%] experienced deep vein thrombosis, one [1.6%] experienced acute renal failure, and one [1.6%] experienced intercostal neuralgia). Revision surgery was not performed.Subjects with AIS who underwent skip pedicle screw fixation had significantly improved clinical and radiological parameters at two years after surgery, indicating that skip pedicle screw fixation could be used to successfully treat AIS.Level 4.

There have been few reports on the incidence and risk factors of the complications after spinal fixation surgery for osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC) with neurological deficits. This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of the complications after OVC surgery.In this retrospective multicenter study, a total of 403 patients (314 women and 89 men; mean age 73.8 years) who underwent spinal fixation surgery for OVC with neurological deficits between 2005 and 2014 were enrolled. Data on patient demographics were collected, including age, sex, body mass index, smoking, steroid use, medical comorbidities, and surgical procedures. All postoperative complications that occurred within 6 weeks were recorded. Patients were classified into two groups, namely, complication group and no complication group, and risk factors for postoperative complications were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses.Postoperative complications occurred in 57 patients (14.1%), and the most common complication was delirium (5.7%). In the univariate analysis, the complication group was found to be older (p = 0.039) and predominantly male (p = 0.049), with higher occurrence rate of liver disease (p = 0.001) and Parkinson's disease (p = 0.039) compared with the no-complication group. In the multivariate analysis, the significant independent risk factors were age (p = 0.021; odds ratio [OR] 1.051, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007-1.097), liver disease (p 0.001; OR 8.993, 95% CI 2.882-28.065), and Parkinson's disease (p = 0.009; OR 3.636, 95% CI 1.378-9.599).Complications after spinal fixation surgery for OVC with neurological deficits occurred in 14.1%. Age, liver disease, and Parkinson's disease were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for postoperative complications.

Background To date, there have been little published data on surgical outcomes for patients with PD with thoracolumbar OVF. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of registry data to investigate the outcomes of fusion surgery for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) in the thoracolumbar junction. Methods Retrospectively registered data were collected from 27 universities and their affiliated hospitals in Japan. In total, 26 patients with PD (mean age, 76 years; 3 men and 23 women) with thoracolumbar OVF who underwent spinal fusion with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were included (PD group). Surgical invasion, perioperative complications, radiographic sagittal alignment, mechanical failure (MF) related to instrumentation, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. A control group of 296 non-PD patients (non-PD group) matched for age, sex, distribution of surgical procedures, number of fused segments, and follow-up period were used for comparison. Results The PD group showed higher rates of perioperative complications (p

Study Design Multicenter analysis of two groups of patients surgically treated for degenerative L4 unstable spondylolisthesis. Purpose To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of posterolateral fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for degenerative L4 unstable spondylolisthesis. Overview of Literature Surgery for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis is widely performed. However, few reports have compared the outcome of PLF to that of PLIF for degenerative L4 unstable spondylolisthesis. Methods Patients with L4 unstable spondylolisthesis with Meyerding grade II or more, slip of >10° or >4 mm upon maximum flexion and extension bending, and posterior opening of >5 degree upon flexion bending were studied. Patients were treated from January 2008 to January 2010. Patients who underwent PLF (n=12) and PLIF (n=19) were followed-up for >2 years. Radiographic findings and clinical outcomes evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were compared between the two groups. Radiographic evaluation included slip angle, translation, slip angle and translation during maximum flexion and extension bending, intervertebral disc height, lumbar lordotic angle, and fusion rate. Results JOA scores of the PLF group before surgery and at final follow-up were 12.3±4.8 and 24.1±3.7, respectively; those of the PLIF group were 14.7±4.8 and 24.2±7.8, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. Correction of slip estimated from postoperative slip angle, translation, and maintenance of intervertebral disc height in the PLIF group was significantly (p

Case report.We report here on an 18-month-old boy with brachytelephalangic chondrodysplasia punctata (BCDP), whose atlantoaxial instability was successfully managed with occipitocervical instrumented fusion (OCF) using screw and rod instrumentations.Recently, there have been a number of reports on BCDP with early onset of cervical myelopathy. Surgical OCF is a vital intervention to salvage affected individuals from the life-threatening morbidity. Despite recent advancement of instrumentation techniques, however, rigid OCF is technically demanding in very young children with small and fragile osseous elements. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on application of the instrumentation technique to a toddler patient with BCDP.A 16-month-old boy with BCDP presented with tetraplegia and swallow obstacle. Hypoplasia of the odontoid process and atlantoaxial instability were present in lateral radiographs. T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed a high signal region in the spinal cord at the C1-2 and C7-T1 levels. Cervical computed tomography (CT) showed that the pedicles and lateral masses in the cervical spine were small and immature, but the laminae were comparatively thick.One week before surgery, the patient was fitted with a Halo-body jacket. We performed plate-rod placement with occipital cortical screws and C2/C3 interlaminar screws, and added an autogenous bone graft using the right 8 and 9 ribs. Rigid fixation of the occipito-cervical spine was completed successfully without major complications. Postoperative halo-body jacket immobilization was continued for 3 months, after which Aspen collar was fitted. CT confirmed occipitocervical bone fusion at 6 months after surgery. Mild clinical improvements in motor power of the affected muscles and swallowing were witnessed at 1 year postoperatively.Rigid fixation using screw, rod, and occipital plate instrumentation was successful in an 18-month-old toddler with BCDP and atlantoaxial instability. Bone fusion was achieved at postoperative 6 months.5.

Study design A retrospective study. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate mid-term results of cervical pedicle screw (CPS) fixation for cervical instability. Overview of literature CPS fixation has widely used in the treatment of cervical spinal instability from various causes; however, there are few reports on mid-term surgical results of CPS fixation. Methods Record of 19 patients who underwent cervical and/or upper thoracic (C2-T1) pedicle screw fixation for cervical instability was reviewed. The mean observation period was 90.2 months. Evaluated items included Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and C2-7 lordotic angle before surgery and at 5 years after surgery. Postoperative computerized tomography was used to determine the accuracy of screw placement. Visual analog scale (VAS) for neck pain and radiological evidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) at the 5-year follow-up were also evaluated. Results Mean JOA score was significantly improved from 9.0 points before surgery to 12.8 at 5 years after surgery (p=0.001). The C2-7 lordotic angle of the neutral position improved from 6.4° to 7.8° at 5 years after surgery, but this was not significant. The major perforation rate was 5.0%. There were no clinically significant complications such as vertebral artery injury, spinal cord injury, or nerve root injury caused by any screw perforation. Mean VAS for neck pain was 49.4 at 5 years after surgery. The rate of ASD was 21.1%. Conclusions Our mid-term results showed that CPS fixation was useful for treating cervical instability. Severe complications were prevented with the assistance of a computed tomography-based navigation system.

Study design Seventy-five patients who had been treated for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) were reviewed retrospectively. Purpose Invasion into the paravertebral muscle can cause major problems after laminectomy for LSS. To address these problems, we performed spinous process-splitting laminectomy. We present a comparative study of decompression of LSS using 2 approaches. Overview of literature There are no other study has investigated the lumbar spinal instability after spinous process-splitting laminectomy. Methods This study included 75 patients who underwent laminectomy for the treatment of LSS and who were observed through follow-ups for more than 2 years. Fifty-five patients underwent spinous process-splitting laminectomy (splitting group) and 20 patients underwent conventional laminectomy (conventional group). We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of each surgical procedure. Results Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improved significantly in both groups two years postoperatively. The following values were all significantly lower, as shown with p-values, in the splitting group compared to the conventional group: average operating time (p=0.002), postoperative C-reactive protein level (p=0.006), the mean postoperative number of days until returning to normal body temperature (p=0.047), and the mean change in angulation 2 years postoperatively (p=0.007). The adjacent segment degeneration occurred in 6 patients (10.9%) in the splitting group and 11 patients (55.0%) in the conventional group. Conclusions In this study, the spinous process-splitting laminectomy was shown to be less invasive and more stable for patients with LSS, compared to the conventional laminectomy.

This study aimed to determine whether Ponte osteotomy combined with skip pedicle screw fixation (SPSF) can improve the correction rate and restore thoracic kyphosis for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Surgical time, blood loss, preoperative Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve, flexibility, Cobb angle at 1 year after surgery, thoracic curve correction rate, and Cincinnati correction index (CCI) were determined for both the Ponte (n = 17) and non-Ponte (control; n = 21) groups. Furthermore, kyphotic angles at T5–T12 before and 1 year after the surgery were measured. The following measurements were obtained for the Ponte and control groups, respectively: surgical time, 236 ± 13 and 187 ± 9 min; blood loss, 1,141 ± 150 and 745 ± 120 g; preoperative Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve, 52.5° ± 10.4° and 51.5° ± 9.2°; flexibility, 31.7 ± 13.2 and 45.1 ± 12.3 % (p = 0.003); thoracic curve correction rate, 62.0 ± 2.5 and 63.6 ± 2.5 %; CCI, 2.2 ± 0.2 and 1.5 ± 0.1 (p = 0.003); preoperative kyphotic angle at T5–T12, 11.3° ± 11.2° and 13.0° ± 9.0°; and kyphotic angle at T5–T12 at 1 year after the surgery, 21.8° ± 1.7° and 24.2° ± 1.9°. Ponte osteotomy was combined with SPSF in case of rigid curve. CCI was significantly greater in the Ponte group. Postoperative thoracic kyphotic angles were identical in both groups.

A cross-sectional study of the data retrospectively collected by chart review. This study aimed to clarify screw perforation features in 129 consecutive patients treated with computer-assisted cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion and to determine important considerations for computer-assisted CPS insertion. CPS fixation has been criticized for the potential risk of serious injury to neurovascular structures. To avoid such serious risks, computed tomography (CT)-based navigation has been used during CPS insertion, but screw perforation can occur even with the use of a navigation system. The records of 129 consecutive patients who underwent cervical (C2–C7) pedicle screw insertion using a CT-based navigation system from September 1997 to August 2013 were reviewed. Postoperative CT images were used to evaluate the accuracy of screw placement. The screw insertion status was classified as grade 1 (no perforation), indicating that the screw was accurately inserted in pedicle; grade 2 (minor perforation), indicating perforation of less than 50 % of the screw diameter; and grade 3 (major perforation), indicating perforation of 50 % or more of the screw diameter. We analyzed the direction and rate of screw perforation according to the vertebral level. The rate of grade 3 pedicle screw perforations was 6.7 % (39/579), whereas the combined rate of grades 2 and 3 perforations was 20.0 % (116/579). No clinically significant complications, such as vertebral artery injury, spinal cord injury, or nerve root injury, were caused by the screw perforations. Of the screws showing grade 3 perforation, 30.8 % screws were medially perforated and 69.2 % screws were laterally perforated. Of the screws showing grades 2 and 3 perforation, 21.6 % screws were medially perforated and 78.4 % screws were laterally perforated. Furthermore, we evaluated screw perforation rates according to the vertebral level. Grade 3 pedicle screw perforation occurred in 6.1 % of C2 screws; 7.5 % of C3 screws; 13.0 % of C4 screws; 6.5 % of C5 screws; 3.2 % of C6 screws; and 4.0 % of C7 screws. Grades 2 and 3 pedicle screw perforations occurred in 12.1 % of C2 screws, 22.6 % of C3 screws, 31.5 % of C4 screws, 22.2 % of C5 screws, 14.4 % of C6 screws, and 12.1 % of C7 screws. C3–5 screw perforation rate was significantly higher than C6–7 (p = 0.0024). Careful insertion of pedicle screws is necessary, especially at C3 to C5, even when using a CT-based navigation system. Pedicle screws tend to be laterally perforated.

Study design A retrospective single-center study. Summary and background We routinely have used C1-C2 transarticular and cervical pedicle screw fixations to reconstruct highly destructed unstable rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cervical lesions. However, there is little data on midterm results of surgical reconstruction for rheumatoid cervical disorders, particularly, cervical pedicle screw fixation. Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term surgical results of computer-assisted cervical reconstruction for such lesions. Methods Seventeen subjects (4 men, 13 women; mean age, 61 +/- 9 years) with RA cervical lesions who underwent C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation or occipitocervical fixation, with at least 5 years follow-up were studied. A frameless, stereotactic, optoelectronic, CT-based image-guidance system, was used for correct screw placement. Variables including the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Ranawat class, EuroQol (EQ-5D), atlantodental interval, and Ranawat values before, and at 2 and 5 years after surgery, were evaluated. Furthermore, screw perforation rates were evaluated. Results The lesions included atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS, n = 6), AAS + vertical subluxation (VS, n = 7), and AAS + VS + subaxial subluxation (n = 4). There was significant neurological improvement at 2 years after surgery, as evidenced by the JOA scores, Ranawat class, and the EQ-5D utility weight. However, at 5 years after surgery, there was a deterioration of this improvement. The Ranawat values before, and at 2 and 5 years after surgery, were not significantly different. Major screw perforation rate was 2.1 %. No neural and vascular complications associated with screw insertion were observed. Conclusions Subjects with rheumatoid cervical lesions who underwent C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation or occipitocervical fixation using a pedicle screw had significantly improved clinical parameters at 2 years after surgery. However, there was a deterioration of this improvement at 5 years post surgery., Article, JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SCIENCE. 18(6):916-925 (2013)

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The EuroQol (EQ-5D) is a widely used comprehensive measure of health-related quality of life. There has been no study that has evaluated the health-related quality of life before and after the surgical reconstruction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cervical spine lesions using EQ-5D. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the improvement of quality of life before and after surgical reconstruction of rheumatoid cervical spine using EQ-5D, and the surgical outcomes of cervical spine affected by RA. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of the patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of cervical disorders in RA. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twenty-five patients (seven men, 18 women, mean age 62.2 years) who underwent surgical reconstruction of cervical disorders in RA were enrolled. OUTCOME MEASURES: Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and EQ-5D. METHODS: Clinical symptoms were evaluated before surgery and at 2 years after surgery by measuring the JOA score. We also investigated health-related quality of life before surgery and outcome at 2 years after surgery using the EQ-5D questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean observation period was 46.3 months. Mean JOA score significantly improved from 9.1 +/- 4.5 points before surgery to 12.4 +/- 2.8 at the 2 years after surgery (p=.0001). All the EQ-5D data were improved at the 2 years after surgery, compared with the data before surgery; especially, pain (p=.005), usual activity (p=.005), mobility (p=.008), and anxiety/depression (p=.02) were significantly improved. Utility weight was 0.37 +/- 0.27 before surgery and 0.56 +/- 0.26 at the 2 years after surgery, showing significant improvement at the 2 years after surgery compared to before surgery (p=.002). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical reconstruction of rheumatoid cervical spine has been demonstrated to improve patients' health-related quality of life., Article, SPINE JOURNAL. 13(4):391-396 (2013)

Background Context Pedicle screw fixation is commonly employed for the surgical correction of scoliosis but carries a risk of serious neurovascular or visceral structure events during screw insertion. To avoid these complications, we have been using a computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system during pedicle screw placement. As this could also prolong operation time, multilevel registration for pedicle screw insertion for posterior scoliosis surgery was developed to register three consecutive vertebrae in a single time with CT-based navigation. The reference frame was set either at the caudal end of three consecutive vertebrae or at one or two vertebrae inferior to the most caudal registered vertebra, and then pedicle screws were inserted into the three consecutive registered vertebrae and into the one or two adjacent vertebrae. Objectives This study investigated the perforation rates of vertebrae at zero, one, two, three, or four or more levels above or below the vertebra at which the reference frame was set. Study Design This is a retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon study. Patient Sample One hundred sixty-one scoliosis patients who had undergone pedicle screw fixation were reviewed. Outcome Measures Screw perforation rates were evaluated by postoperative CT. Materials and Methods We evaluated 161 scoliosis patients (34 boys and 127 girls; mean±standard deviation age: 14.6±2.8 years) who underwent pedicle screw fixation guided by a CT-based navigation system between March 2006 and December 2015. Results A total of 2,203 pedicle screws were inserted into T2–L5 using multilevel registration with CT-based navigation. The overall perforation rates for Grade 1, 2, or 3, Grade 2 or 3 (major perforations), and Grade 3 perforations (violations) were as follows: vertebrae at which the reference frame was set: 15.9%, 6.1%, and 2.5%; one vertebra above or below the reference frame vertebra: 16.5%, 4.0%, and 1.2%; two vertebrae above or below the reference frame vertebra: 20.7%, 8.7%, and 2.3%; three vertebrae above or below the reference frame vertebra: 23.8%, 7.9%, and 3.5%; and four vertebrae or more above/below the reference frame vertebra: 25.4%, 9.5%, and 4.1%, respectively. Fisher exact test was performed to detect significant differences among the above five groups. With regard to Grade 1, 2, or 3 perforations, the rates of screw perforation for three and four vertebrae or more above or below the reference frame vertebra were significantly larger than that for vertebrae at the reference frame (both p Conclusions In multilevel registration of three consecutive vertebrae, the accuracy of screw insertion into vertebrae at which the reference frame was not set was not significantly inferior to that in vertebrae at which the reference frame was set with regard to major perforation rate. Including minor perforations, however, a distance of three vertebrae or more above or below the reference frame vertebra produced significantly more frequent perforations.

Cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion is technically demanding and carries a risk of serious neurovascular complications when screws perforate. To avoid such serious risks, we currently perform CPS insertion using a computed tomography (CT)-guided navigation system. However, there remains a low probability of screw perforation during CPS insertion that is affected by factors such as CPS insertion angle and anatomical pedicle transverse angle (PTA).This study aimed to understand the perforation tendencies of CPS insertion angles in relation to anatomical PTA.This is a retrospective chart review.The study enrolled 151 consecutive patients (95 men and 56 women, with a mean age of 64.6 years).Anatomical PTA and CPS insertion angles were evaluated by axial CT images.The medical records of 151 consecutive patients who underwent CPS insertion using a CT-based navigation system were reviewed. We examined the relationships between PTA and CPS insertion angle on axial CT images according to vertebral level.The average preoperative PTA at each vertebral level was 32.1° for C2, 41.5° for C3, 41.0° for C4, 39.4° for C5, 34.4° for C6, and 27.3° for C7. Corresponding CT-determined pedicle screw insertion angles were 24.9°, 31.3°, 28.7°, 27.8°, 28.0°, and 26.0°, respectively. The CPS insertion angles at C2-C6 were significantly smaller than those for PTA (p.01). In evaluations of angle thresholds from C3 to C5 that predicted a higher risk of perforation, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined CPS insertion angles of24.5° and36.5° for the identification of lateral and medial perforations, respectively.For CPS insertion into the C3-C5 pedicles using CT, there is an increased likelihood of lateral or medial perforation for insertion angles of24.5° or36.5°, respectively.

Central blood pressure (BP) is a useful predictor of cardiovascular risk. Recently, a fully automated device that measures central SBP (cSBP) from radial late SBP (rSBP2) has been developed.We measured cSBP using this device, compared it with aortic SBP (aSBP) measured with a high-fidelity pressure sensor, and evaluated the accuracy of cSBP before and after vasodilator administration. The data of 66 patients (mean age, 63.4 ± 9.7 years; 49 men) who underwent cardiac catheterization were analyzed. The radial artery pulse waveform and brachial BP were measured sequentially and used to calculate cSBP. Brachial SBP and DBP were used for radial SBP (rSBP) and radial DBP to calculate the absolute value of rSBP2. The radial pulse waveform was recorded by an applanation tonometer (HEM-9000AI; Omron Healthcare Co. Ltd). A high-fidelity pressure sensor was placed in the ascending aorta, and aSBP was measured simultaneously by an invasive method.Significant positive correlations between directly measured aortic late SBP and cSBP or rSBP were observed (r = 0.93, 0.88, respectively). Changes in aSBP before and after vasodilator administration showed a trend toward higher correlation with changes in cSBP than with changes in rSBP (r = 0.84, 0.78, respectively). The slope of the linear regression line of aSBP with cSBP (slope: 0.94) was closer to unity than with rSBP (0.66).Noninvasive cSBP calculated with rSBP2 accorded well with aSBP measured by the invasive method. Vasodilator medication and four of five diseases did not affect this relation.

We aimed to investigate the value of the diameter of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on initial computed tomography (CT) to predict hemodynamic deterioration in patients with blunt torso trauma.We reviewed the initial CT scans, taken after admission to emergency room (ER), of 114 patients with blunt torso trauma who were consecutively admitted during a 24-month period. We measured the maximal anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the IVC at the level of the renal vein. Flat vena cava (FVC) was defined as a maximal transverse to anteroposterior ratio of less than 4:1. According to the hemodynamic status, the patients were categorized into three groups. Patients with hemodynamic deterioration after the CT scans were defined as group D (n = 37). The other patients who remained hemodynamically stable after the CT scans were divided into two groups: patients who were hemodynamically stable on ER arrival were defined as group S (n = 60) and those who were in shock on ER arrival and responded to the fluid resuscitation were defined as group R (n = 17).The anteroposterior diameter of the IVC in group D was significantly smaller than those in groups R and S (7.6 mm ± 4.4 mm, 15.8 mm ± 5.5 mm, and 15.3 mm ± 4.2 mm, respectively; p0.05). Of the 93 patients without FVC, 16 (17%) were in group D, 14 (15%) required blood transfusion, and 8 (9%) required intervention. However, of the 21 patients with FVC, all patients were in group D, 20 (95%) required blood transfusion, and 17 (80%) required intervention. The patients with FVC had higher mortality (52%) than the other patients (2%).In cases of blunt torso trauma, patients with FVC on initial CT may exhibit hemodynamic deterioration, necessitating early blood transfusion and therapeutic intervention.

症例は43歳の男性で, 発熱, 黄疸, 嚥下困難を主訴に入院した. 高度炎症反応があり, 造影CTで胸部から腹部食道の全周性の壁肥厚と壁内低吸収域を認めた. 上部消化管内視鏡検査では食道壁は全周性に浮腫状であった. 血液培養でKlebsiella pneumoniaeが検出され, 急性食道蜂窩織炎と診断し, 抗菌薬による保存的治療を開始した. 第45病日には全身状態は改善し, 炎症所見もほぼ消退したが, 食道の狭窄, 嚥下痛のため経口摂取は不能であった. さらに, 保存的治療を継続したが, 第100病日経過後も, 食道狭窄, 嚥下痛が改善しなかったため, 第126病日, 右側結腸を用いた食道バイパス術を施行した. 術後経過は順調で術後54日目に軽快退院した. 禁食および広域抗菌薬による保存的治療を行うも狭窄症状と嚥下痛が改善せず, 外科的治療を要した急性食道蜂窩織炎の1例を経験した.

Retrospective observational study OBJECTIVE.: To clarify the efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin-beta (EPO-beta) injections during autologous blood donation (ABD) before spinal deformity surgery in children and teenagers.ABD is preferred for spinal deformity surgery. A few studies have assessed the usefulness of preoperative ABD with EPO-beta in anemic patients.Fifty-six spinal deformity surgery patients (41 females, 15 males; median age: 15 yrs; range, 5-19 yrs) underwent preoperative ABD. ABD was performed weekly according to the patient's body weight with a subcutaneous EPO-beta injection (24,000 U). The collected blood volumes were compared among the low hemoglobin (low-Hb) (13 g/dL), mid-Hb (13-13.9 g/dL), and high-Hb (≥14 g/dL) groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The effects of EPO-beta injection on the Hb levels were estimated using a linear mixed model.The patients underwent a median of four ABD collections (range, two to six). The median collected volume per ABD was 200 mL (range, 40-400 mL). The median total blood collection was 700 mL (range, 160-1,350 mL); the corresponding values were 700 mL, 700 mL, and 800 mL in the low-Hb, mid-Hb, and high-Hb groups, respectively (P = 0.964). The median blood loss was 500 mL (range, 10-2,940 mL); 53 out of 55 patients (96%) did not require unplanned allogeneic transfusion, including 11 out of 12 (92%) cases with blood loss1,000 mL. The additional recovery of Hb levels with one EPO-beta injection was 0.29 ± 0.14 g/dL (P = 0.039) after adjusting for confounding factors.ABD with an EPO-beta injection is useful for avoiding allogeneic transfusion during spinal deformity surgery in children and teenagers, and patients in the low-Hb group achieved ABD volumes equivalent to those in the high-Hb group. Thus, an additional recovery of Hb levels of 0.29 g/dL per injection can be expected after 1 week.4.

Background Context Osteoid osteoma of the thoracic spine is relatively uncommon and is often difficult to diagnose, especially when patients do not complain of pain. Purpose This study aims to describe an unusual case of scoliosis caused by osteoid osteoma of the thoracic spine that was challenging to diagnose. Study Design/Setting A case report of a 12-year-old girl who presented with scoliosis caused by osteoid osteoma of the thoracic spine without apparent pain was carried out. Methods Diagnosis of the lesion was made using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging as well as the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient-based questionnaire. Results A preoperative CT myelogram revealed a mass lesion in the lamina of the 10th thoracic vertebra that was considered to be osteoid osteoma. This diagnosis was histologically confirmed following tumor excision. The patient's spinal deformity and SRS-22 scores were both improved at 5 months postoperatively. Conclusions Osteoid osteoma of the thoracic spine may present as non-painful scoliosis. Tumor resection is effective. Clinicians should bear this uncommon lesion in mind during recommended CT examination before scoliosis surgery.

Study design Retrospective chart review. Purpose A comparison of mini open foraminotomy (MOF) for cervical radiculopathy using either large tubular (LT) or TrimLine (TL) retractors. Overview of literature Posterior foraminotomy relieves compression of the cervical nerve root in radiculopathy patients. However, invasion of the paravertebral muscle may cause major problems in these patients. To address these problems, we performed MOF. Methods Twenty cervical radiculopathy patients (16 male and 4 female) who underwent MOF between May 2004 and August 2011 were assigned to LT and TL groups. Each group contained 10 subjects. Surgical and clinical outcomes were compared. Results The average operating time in the TL group was significantly shorter than that in the LT group. The final follow-up mean neck disability indices significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (LT group, 12.0±7.8 vs. 28.0±9.4; TL group, 6.0±5.9 vs. 21.9±10). The final follow-up neck pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores also decreased significantly from the preoperative of 8.0±1.5 and 2.5±2.5 to the final follow-up values of 2.2±2.2 and 1.0±2.5 in the LT and TL groups, respectively. The recovery rate for the neck pain VAS score was 70.0±31.9 in the LT group and 87.0±32.0 in the TL group, thus suggesting no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions MOF with the TL retractor is an easy and safe procedure. Furthermore, the use of the TL retractor allows for a minimally invasive and effective surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy patients.

Background The advanced trauma life support guidelines suggest that, in primary care, the chest tube should be placed posteriorly along the inside of the chest wall. A chest tube located in the posterior pleural cavity is of use in monitoring the volume of hemothoraces. However, posterior chest tubes have a tendency to act as nonfunctional drains for the evacuation of pneumothoraces, and additional chest tube may be required. Thus, it is not always necessary to insert chest tubes posteriorly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether posterior chest tubes are unnecessary in trauma care. Methods We reviewed the volume of hemothoraces from 78 chest drains emergently placed posteriorly at a primary trauma care in 75 blunt chest trauma patients who were consecutively admitted over a 6-year period, excluding those with cardiopulmonary arrest and occult pneumothoraces. Massive acute hemothorax (MAH), in which the chest tube should be inserted posteriorly, was defined as the evacuation of more than 500 mL of blood or the need for hemostatic intervention within 24 hours of trauma admission. Demographics, interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. We also reviewed the malpositioning of 74 chest tubes based on anterior and posterior insertion directions in patients who subsequently underwent computed tomography. Results The overall incidence of MAH was 23% (n = 18). In the univariate analysis, the presence of multiple rib fractures, shock, pulmonary opacities on chest x-ray, and the need for intubation were found to be independent predictors for the development of MAH. If all 4 independent predictors were absent, none of the patients developed MAH. The incidence of nonfunctional chest drains that required reinsertion or the addition of a new drainage was 27% (n = 20). The rates of both radiologic and functional malposition in chest tubes with posterior insertion were significantly higher than in patients with anterior insertion (64% and 43% vs 13% and 6%, respectively; P Conclusions Chest tubes did not need to be directed posteriorly in many trauma cases. Posterior chest tubes have a high incidence of being malpositioned. This malpositioning may be prevented by judging the necessity for posterior insertion.

We describe a case of type-2 bronchial artery endoleak after endovascular aortic repair of Kommerell diverticulum (KD) involving right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery (LSA). A 68-year-old woman underwent an endovascular repair of KD with an aberrant LSA in our hospital. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) at 6 months after the procedure showed an endoleak. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a type-2 endoleak from a bronchial artery, but no type-1 or type-2 endoleak from the aberrant left subclavian artery. We performed coil embolization of the KD and the left subclavian artery. The endoleak disappeared in the postoperative CT.

We developed a new multilevel registration technique for pedicle screw (PS) insertion that has the capability of registering three consecutive vertebrae simultaneously, using a reference frame set to one of the caudal vertebrae. PSs are inserted in the consecutive and adjacent one or two vertebrae. This study aimed to investigate the perforation rates of the registered and unregistered adjacent vertebrae and compare the perforation rate of the PS and insertion time per PS between the conventional and new techniques. Sixty-nine consecutive scoliosis patients who underwent PS insertion using multilevel registration were enrolled. The conventional and new techniques were used in 29 subjects, and in 40 subjects, respectively. The total numbers of PSs used were 375 and 492, respectively. Of the 492 PSs, 301 were inserted to the registered vertebrae and 191 were inserted to the unregistered adjacent vertebrae. The PS malposition on postoperative axial computed tomography was classified as grades 2 and 3 perforation, using the Rao classification. The perforation rate and insertion time per PS were compared between the conventional and new techniques. The perforation rates did not significantly differ between the registered and unregistered vertebrae (10.3 vs. 6.3 %,), and between the new and conventional techniques (8.7 vs. 9.6 %). The insertion time per PS was significantly shorter in the new technique than in the conventional technique (3.9 ± 1.0 vs. 4.9 ± 1.3 min; p

Objective Antegrade central perfusion for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection prevents malperfusion and retrograde cerebral embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass. Prompt establishment of antegrade perfusion via the ascending aorta may improve surgical results of type A dissections, especially in situations of hemodynamic instability. Thus, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of cannulation of the dissected ascending aorta in acute type A dissection. Methods We reviewed the medical charts of patients undergoing repair of acute ascending aortic dissection (n = 52) from April 2010 to April 2013. Cannulation was accomplished in 29 patients via the ascending aorta (central) and in 23 patients via the femoral or axillary artery (peripheral). The ascending aorta was routinely cannulated using Seldinger technique under epiaortic ultrasound guidance. Comorbidities, mortality, complications, and durations of hospital stays were compared for the groups. Results In all cases, routine cannulation of the ascending aorta was safely performed with no resultant malperfusion or thromboembolism. Mean operative duration, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intubation time, and intensive care unit stay were significantly shorter in the central group. Two patients (6.8 %) in the central group died compared with four patients (17.3 %) in the peripheral group (P = 0.005). Conclusions Antegrade central perfusion via the ascending aorta, a simple and safe technique that enables rapid establishment of antegrade systemic perfusion, was as safe as peripheral cannulation in patients with type A acute aortic dissection.