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Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare early complication, morbidity and mortality risks associated with fusion surgery crossing the cervico-thoracic junction in patients aged over 80 years undergoing combined anterior and posterior approach versus a posterior-only approach. Methods: We retrospectively identified octogenarian patients with myelopathy who underwent fusion crossing the cervico-thoracic junction. Patient demographics, Nurick score, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital course, early outcome and 90-day mortality were collected. Comorbidities were classified using the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (AACCI). Radiographic measurements for deformity correction included the C2-C7 sagittal Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis and T1 slope pre- and postoperatively. Results: Out of 8,521 surgically treated patients, 12 octogenarian patients had a combined anterior and posterior approach (AP group) and 14 were treated from posterior-only (P group). Mean age was 81.4 ± 1.2 and 82.5 ± 2.7 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in Nurick scores between the groups ( P > 0.05). The major complication risk in the AP group was significantly higher, requiring PEG tube placement due to severe dysphagia in 4 patients (33%) compared to none in the P group. A greater improvement in cervical lordosis could be achieved through a combined approach. The 90-day mortality risk was 8% for the AP group and 0% for the P group. Conclusions: A combined anterior and posterior approach is associated with a significantly higher major complication rate and can result in severe dysphagia requiring PEG tube placement in one-third of patients over 80 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety,s and complications of computer tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transpedicular gold fiducial marker insertion to reduce incidence of wrong-level surgery in the thoracic spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Intraoperative localization of the correct thoracic level can be challenging and time-consuming, especially in obese patients and patients with anatomical variations. In the literature there are very few studies containing low numbers of patients which assessed CT or CT fluoroscopy-guided fiducial marker placement of the thoracic spine. Description of this technique has been similarly scarce. METHODS All patients who underwent percutaneous CT fluoroscopy-guided gold fiducial marker placement of the thoracic spine were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for surgery included degenerative disc disease, infection, spinal metastasis, and intra- and extradural tumors. Gold fiducial markers were placed using a percutaneous CT fluoroscopy-guided transpedicular approach with local anesthesia. In addition, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), thoracic level, related pathology, and procedure-related complications were also recorded. RESULTS A total of 57 patients (24 females, 33 males) were included. Mean age was 58.6 ± 15.5 years. No complications during CT fluoroscopy-guided gold fiducial marker placement were recorded. Intraoperative localization was successful in all patients. Mean BMI was 32.98 kg/m (range, 18.63-56.03 kg/m), and 63% of patients were obese (>30 kg/m). T7 (n = 11) was the most often marked vertebral body, followed by T10 (n = 10) and T6 (n = 7). The most cranial and most caudal levels marked were T2 and T12, respectively. CONCLUSION Preoperative CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous gold fiducial marker placement is safe, feasible, and accurate. The resulting facilitated localization of the intended thoracic level of surgery can reduce the length of surgery and prevent wrong-level surgery. Further studies are needed to evaluate in the effect on exposure to radiation and quantify the difference in operating room time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a severe infection of the vertebral body and the adjacent disc space, where Staphylococcus aureus is most commonly isolated. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine risk factors for and compare outcome differences between de novo methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) VO and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) VO. A retrospective cohort study was performed by review of the electronic medical records of 4541 consecutive spine surgery patients. Among these 37 underwent surgical treatment of de novo MRSA and MSSA spinal infections. Patient demographics, pre- and postoperative neurological status (ASIA impairment score), surgical treatment, inflammatory laboratory values, nutritional status, comorbidities, antibiotics, hospital stay, ICU stay, reoperation, readmission, and complications were collected. A minimum follow-up (FU) of 12 months was required. Among the 37 patients with de novo VO, 19 were MRSA and 18 were MSSA. Mean age was 52.4 and 52.9 years in the MRSA and MSSA groups, respectively. Neurological deficits were found in 53% of patients with MRSA infection and in 17% of the patients with MSSA infection, which was statistically significant (p

Study Design: Cadaver study. Objective: The retropharyngeal space’s (RPS’s) clinical relevance is apparent in anterior cervical spine surgery with respect to postoperative hematoma, which can cause life-threatening airway obstruction. This cadaver study aims to establish guidance toward a better understanding of the tolerance of the RPS to accommodate fluid accumulation. Methods: Five fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected in the supine position. A digital manometer and a 20 Fr Foley catheter were inserted into the RPS via an anterolateral approach. While inflating the Foley catheter, the position of the esophagus/trachea was documented using fluoroscopy, and the retropharyngeal pressure was measured. We quantified the volume required to deviate the esophagus/trachea >1 cm from its original position using fluoroscopy. We also recorded the volume required to cause a visible change to the normal neck contour. Results: A mean volume of 12.5 mL (mean pressure 1.50 mm Hg) was needed to cause >1 cm of esophageal deviation. Tracheal deviation was encountered at a mean volume of 20.0 mL (mean pressure of 2.39 mm Hg). External visible clinical neck contour changes were apparent at a mean volume of 39 mL. Conclusion: A relatively small volume of fluid in the RPS can cause the esophagus/trachea to radiographically deviate. The esophagus is the structure in the RPS to be most influenced by mass effect. The mean volume of fluid required to cause clinically identifiable changes to the normal neck contour was nearly double the volume required to cause 1 cm of esophageal/tracheal deviation in a cadaver model.

Advancements in modern medicine have led to longer life expectancy. Literature on spinopelvic fixation in elderly patients is limited. We investigated morbidity and mortality in octogenarians who underwent spinopelvic fixation.A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent spinopelvic fixation from January 2014 through December 2018 at a single institution. Patients were grouped into the octogenarian group (OG), 80-89 years old, and comparison group (CG), 40-50 years old. Demographics; pathology; Charlson Comorbidity Index; Hounsfield units; surgery details; and clinical data including complications, intensive care unit and length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected and compared.Inclusion criteria were met by 26 patients (OG: n = 14; CG: n = 12). Diagnoses in the OG were deformity (42.9%), pseudarthrosis (35.7%), fracture (7.1%), infection (7.1%), and tumor (7.1%). The only significant differences in baseline patient characteristics were that Charlson Comorbidity Index was significantly higher in the OG (6.0 ± 1.4) compared with the CG (1.1 ± 1.0) (P0.001) and the OG had lower Hounsfield units (P0.001), indicating poorer bone quality. More patients in the CG underwent staged and anterior approaches compared with the OG (P = 0.031). Major and minor complication rates were 57.1% and 42.9%, respectively, in the OG (P = 0.98) and 25% and 25% in the CG (P = 0.34). Mortality rate was 14.3%.With an aging population, the number of patients requiring spinopelvic fixation will continue to grow. Spine surgeons must carefully weigh benefits and risks in patients with multiple comorbidities.

Background This study describes a modified iliac screw technique and compares it with the traditional iliac screw in regard to neurovascular structures at risk. Few studies have detailed the insertion point's surrounding anatomy and its relationship to vulnerable neurovascular structures when this modified technique is used. Therefore we describe our modified iliac screw entry and trajectory and detail the surrounding anatomy and neurovascular structures at risk with this technique in comparison with the “gold standard” trajectory. Methods The traditional iliac screw (TS) and modified iliac screw (MS) were placed into 12 fresh-frozen adult cadavers (3 female, 9 male). We measured the screw-to−supragluteal artery, vein, and nerve (SGANV) bundle and screw-to−sciatic notch distances. Further, we dissected the medial cortical border of the iliac screw to identify its final position with respect to the surrounding anatomy. Results No medial or lateral cortical breaches were visualized after screw placement. The MS was 18.31 mm from the greater sciatic foramen compared with 18.65 mm with the TS. The smallest distance from the MS to the greater sciatic foramen was 13.9 mm compared with 14.8 mm with the TS, an insignificant difference. The SGANV bundle−to-MS distance was 20.6 mm, and SGANV bundle−to-TS distance was 20.77 mm, again an insignificant difference. Conclusions Using the modified iliac screw technique does not change the intraosseous pathway (and thus bone purchase) with respect to the distance between the screw and neurovascular structures at risk.

Study Design Systemic review and meta-analysis. Objective To review and establish the effect of tobacco smoking on risk of nonunion following spinal fusion. Methods A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to December 31, 2020, was conducted. Cohort studies directly comparing smokers with nonsmokers that provided the number of nonunions and fused segments were included. Following data extraction, the risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies Tool, and the strength of evidence for nonunion was evaluated using the GRADE working group criteria. All data analysis was performed in Review Manager 5, and a random effects model was used. Results Twenty studies assessing 3009 participants, which included 1117 (37%) smokers, met inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis found that smoking was associated with increased risk of nonunion compared to not smoking ≥1 year following spine surgery (RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.35). Smoking was significantly associated with increased nonunion in those receiving either allograft (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.73) or autograft (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.72). Both multilevel and single level fusions carried increased risk of nonunion in smokers (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.64 to 3.23; RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.86, respectively). Conclusion Smoking status carried a global risk of nonunion for spinal fusion procedures regardless of follow-up time, location, number of segments fused, or grafting material. Further comparative studies with robust methodology are necessary to establish treatment guidelines tailored to smokers.

Study design . Retrospective study. Objective . To determine incidence, risk factors, complications, and early postoperative outcome in patients with intraoperative ischemic stroke during elective spine surgery. Summary of background data . Overall, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death worldwide. It can be a catastrophic event and the main cause of neurological disability in adults. Methods . A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of patients who underwent elective spine surgery between January 2016 and November 2018 at a larger tertiary referral center was conducted. Patients with infection and neoplastic disease were excluded. Patient demographics, pre- and postoperative neurological status, surgical treatment, surgical time, blood loss, intraoperative abnormalities, risk factors, history of stroke, medical treatment, diagnostics, hospital stay, complications, and mortality were collected. Results . Out of 5029 surgically treated patients receiving elective spine surgery, a total of seven patients (0.15%) were identified who developed an ischemic stroke during the surgical procedure. Patients were predominantly females (n = 6). Ischemic pontine stroke occurred in two patients. Further distributions of ischemic stroke were: left caudate nucleus, left posterior inferior cerebellar artery, left external capsule, left middle cerebral artery, and acute ischemic supratentorial spots. The main risk factors identified for intraoperative ischemic stroke include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, and possibly major intraoperative CSF leak. Three patients (43%) had neurological deficits which did not improve during hospital stay. Two patients recovered fully and two patients died. Therefore, in-hospital mortality rate of this subset of patients was 29%. Conclusion . With the increase of spinal procedures, it is important to identify patients at risk for having an ischemic stroke and to optimize their comorbidities preoperatively. Patients with intraoperative ischemic stroke carry a higher risk for morbidity and mortality during the index hospitalization. Level of evidence 4.

Study design Survey analysis among spine surgeons. Objective To identify current consensus and discrepancies in managing adverse intraoperative events among spine surgeons. Summary of background data Major intraoperative events are not commonly the subject of formal medical training, in part due to the relative paucity of their occurrence and in part due to an insufficient evidence base. Given the clinical impact of appropriate complication management, it is important to identify where surgeons may be able to improve decision making when choosing interventions. Methods A survey was created including five hypothetical unpredicted scenarios affecting different organ systems to assess the respondents' preferred reactions. The five clinical vignettes that were selected by the researchers involved: 1) loss of spinal signals in neuro-monitoring, 2) prone position cardiac arrest, 3) prone position hypoxia during thoracic corpectomy and instrumentation, 4) supine cervical vertebral artery injury, and 5) sudden onset hypotension in major prone position reconstructive spine surgery. Twenty-eight surveys (Spine Fellows n = 11; Spine surgeon Faculty n = 17) were completed and returned to the investigators. Results were sorted and ranked according to the frequency each action was identified as a top five choice. Results Following formal statistical evaluation loss of signals in neuro-monitoring had the statistically significantly most uniform response while the scenario involving cardiac compromise had the most heterogeneous. Many "best" responses had near or complete consensus while some "distractor" possibilities that could harm a patient were also selected by the respondents. Conclusion The heterogeneity of responses in the face of "disaster scenario" intraoperative events shows there is room for more thorough and directed education of spine surgeons during training. As surgical teaching moves toward increased use of patient simulation and situational learning, these vignettes hopefully serve to provide direction for training future spine surgeons on how best to approach difficult situations. Level of evidence 4.

Study design: Case-Control Study. Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate risk factors for developing a postoperative ileus after posterior spine surgery. Methods: Patient charts, including radiographs were evaluated retrospectively. Diagnosis of an ileus was confirmed radiographically by a CT scan in all cases. The control group was retrieved by selecting a random sample of patients undergoing posterior spine surgery who did not develop bowel dysfunction postoperatively. Results: A total of 40 patients had a postoperative ileus. The control group consisted of 80 patients. Both groups did not differ significantly in age, gender, BMI, tobacco use, comorbidities or status of previous abdominal surgery. Significant differences between the 2 groups was the length of stay (5.9 vs. 11.2; p = 0.001), surgery in the lumbar spine (47.5% vs. 87.5%; p < 0.001) and major spine surgery involving > 3 levels (35.0% vs. 57.5%; p = 0.019). Patients who suffered from an ileus were more likely to be treated in ICU (23.8% vs. 37.5%; p = 0.115), being re-admitted (0.0% vs 5.0%; p = 0.044) and having a delayed discharge (32.5% vs. 57.5%; p = 0.009). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that lumbar spine surgery compared to thoracic and/or cervical spine surgery (p = 0.00, OR 8.7 CI 2.9-25.4) and major spine surgery involving > 3 levels (p = 0.012; OR 3.0, CI 1.3-7.2) are associated with developing an ileus postoperatively. Conclusion: Surgeries of the lumbar spine as well as those involving > 3 levels are associated with developing a postoperative ileus. Further studies are needed to expand on possible risk factors and to better understand the mechanism underlying postoperative ileus in spine surgery patients.

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a severe infection of the vertebral body and the adjacent disc space, where Staphylococcus aureus is most commonly isolated. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine risk factors for and compare outcome differences between de novo methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) VO and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) VO. A retrospective cohort study was performed by review of the electronic medical records of 4541 consecutive spine surgery patients. Among these 37 underwent surgical treatment of de novo MRSA and MSSA spinal infections. Patient demographics, pre- and postoperative neurological status (ASIA impairment score), surgical treatment, inflammatory laboratory values, nutritional status, comorbidities, antibiotics, hospital stay, ICU stay, reoperation, readmission, and complications were collected. A minimum follow-up (FU) of 12 months was required. Among the 37 patients with de novo VO, 19 were MRSA and 18 were MSSA. Mean age was 52.4 and 52.9 years in the MRSA and MSSA groups, respectively. Neurological deficits were found in 53% of patients with MRSA infection and in 17% of the patients with MSSA infection, which was statistically significant (p 0.05). Chronic renal insufficiency and malnutrition were found to be significant risk factors for MRSA VO. Preoperative albumin was significantly lower in the MRSA group (p 0.05). Patients suffering from spinal infection with chronic renal insufficiency and malnutrition should be watched more carefully for MRSA. The MRSA group did not show a significant difference with regard to final clinical outcome despite more severe presentation.

A retrospective case-controlled study.Open-door laminoplasty has been successfully used to address cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Two common implants include rib allograft struts and metallic miniplates.The goals of this study were to compare outcomes, complications, and costs associated with these 2 implants.A retrospective review was done on 51 patients with allograft struts and 55 patients with miniplates. Primary outcomes were neck visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and Nurick scores. Secondary outcomes included length of the procedure, estimated blood loss, rates of complications, and the direct costs associated with the surgery and inpatient hospitalization.There were no differences in demographic characteristics, diagnoses, comorbidities, and preoperative outcome scores between the 2 treatment groups. Mean follow-up was 27 months. The postoperative neck VAS scores and Nurick scores improved significantly from baseline to final follow-up for both groups, but there was no difference between the 2 groups. The average length of operation (161 vs. 136 min) and number of foraminotomies (2.7 vs. 1.3) were higher for the allograft group (P=0.007 and 0.0001, respectively). Among the miniplate group, there was no difference in complications but a trend for less neck pain for patients treated without hard collar at final follow-up (1.8 vs. 2.3, P=0.52). The mean direct costs of hospitalization for the miniplate group were 15% higher.Structural rib allograft struts and metallic miniplates result in similar improvements in pain and functional outcome scores with no difference in the rate of complications in short-term follow-up. Potential benefits of using a plate include shorter procedure length and less need for postoperative immobilization. When costs of bracing and operative time are included, the difference in cost between miniplates and allograft struts is negligible.

The lateral transpsoas approach (LTPA) has gained popularity in thoracolumbar spine surgery procedures; however, there is an insufficient amount of data pertaining to motor and sensory complications that arise when a corpectomy is performed through the LTPA approach.Patients who underwent a corpectomy through a LTPA at a single institution between 2006 and 2016 were analyzed. Demographics, neurological outcomes, and complications were recorded. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Univariate analysis was performed to compare demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, and outcome scores. To compare categorical variables, the χA total of 166 patients were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups; LTPA without corpectomy (n = 112) versus LTPA with corpectomy (n = 54). Patients without corpectomy showed a significantly lower rate of postoperative infections compared with patients with corpectomy (3.6% vs. 22.2%; P0.000). A higher percentage of postoperative complications was found in patients with corpectomy (31.5% vs. 13.4%; P = 0.006). The rate of neurologic complications at the 6-month follow-up and the reoperation rate (22.7% vs. 32.4%; P = 0.256) were higher in the corpectomy group (8.9% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.741), no significant difference was found between the groups.Patients who underwent an LTPA corpectomy have a higher risk to suffer from postoperative complications. The results at the 6-month follow-up did not significantly differ between the groups.

Meticulous attention to wound closure in posterior lumbar spine surgery is an important principle in reducing surgical site infections. We detail standardized wound closure used for posterior lumbar spine surgery at a tertiary care referral center and illustrate this as a step-by-step cadaveric dissection. The lumbar spine of a cadaveric specimen (male, 73 years at death) was used for dissection. Standardizing wound closure in posterior lumbar spine surgery may help limit wound complications and infection. Some key points of our technique, as demonstrated on a cadaveric specimen, include separating fascial compartments, avoiding suture abscesses, and creating a tension-free wound.

Systematic review.In patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion: (1) What are the types and risks of wound complications in major (≥3 levels) surgery, and does the risk vary by number of levels fused? (2) What types of fascial closure result in the fewest wound complications? (3) What subcutaneous closure technique is more effective in preventing wound complications for obese patients (body mass index30 kg/mElectronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched from January 1, 2000 to December 4, 2017 to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria.Six lower quality retrospective studies (evidence level III) met the inclusion criteria. The risk of wound complications in patients with ≥3 level posterior spine fusion ranges from 1.5% to 3.7% depending on the definition of wound complications. Skin closure with sutures resulted in fewer wound infections compared with staples (0.0% vs 8.0%,We were unable to determine if infection risk changed with increasing number of levels fused. There is a lack of evidence for optimal wound closure technique in posterior spine surgery. Several questions still remain unanswered, such as the optimal fascial closure technique or the optimal subcutaneous closure technique in obese patients.

Objective Since the extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedure was first reported by Ozgur in 2006, a large number of clinical studies have been published. Anatomical studies which explore methods to avoid visceral structures, such as the kidney, with this approach have not been examined in detail. We dissected the retroperitoneal space to analyze how the extreme lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine could damage the kidney and related structures. Methods Eight sides from four fresh Caucasian cadavers were used for this study. The latissimus dorsi muscle and the thoracolumbar fascia were dissected to open the retroperitoneum. The fat tissue was removed. Steel wires were then put into the intervertebral disc spaces. Finally, the closest distance between kidney and wires on each interdiscal space was measured. Results The closest distance from the wire in the interdiscal space on L1/2, L2/3 and L3/4 to the kidney ranged from 13.2 mm to 32.9 mm, 20.0 mm to 27.7 mm, and 20.5 mm to 46.6 mm, respectively. The distance from the kidney to the interdiscal space at L4/5 was too great to be considered applicable to this study. Conclusions The results of this study might help surgeons better recognize the proximity of the kidney and avoid injury to it during the extreme lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine.

Introduction The S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw is a modification of the traditional iliac fixation technique and has surgical and biomechanical benefits. However, there are significant regional neurovascular structures along the path of such screws. Therefore the current anatomic study was performed to better elucidate these relationships. Methods Using fluoroscopy, S2AI screws were placed in 2 adult cadavers through a standard posterior midline exposure. The screw insertion point was placed 10 mm lateral to a line bisecting the S1 and S2 foramina, adjacent to the sacroiliac joint. Using 30- to 40-degree lateral angulation from the midline and 20- to 30-degree caudal angulation, a pedicle probe was directed toward the anterior inferior iliac spine. The final trajectory was positioned to sit 1−2 cm superior to the greater sciatic foramen. Lastly, the screws and surrounding bone were drilled in order to visualize both lateral and medial neurovascular relationships. Results Removing the bone around the S2AI-screw illustrated the close relationship to the medial (internal) neurovascular structures including the obturator nerve, lumbosacral trunk, sacral plexus and, specifically, the S1 ventral ramus and iliac vein and artery. By removing the outer cortex of the ilium, the close relationship to the superior gluteal artery, vein, and nerve was observed. In addition, we were able to identify the proximity to the iliopsoas muscle and internal iliac vessels. Conclusions A comprehensive knowledge of the surrounding neurovascular anatomy relevant to S2AI screw placement can decrease patient morbidity and allow spine surgeons to better diagnose potential postoperative complications.

Introduction The extreme lateral interbody fusion technique (XLIF) is a modification of the retroperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine. This is a minimally invasive technique allowing direct access to the disc space without peritoneal or posterior paraspinal musculature damage. Nevertheless, the retroperitoneal part of the colon can be injured in this operative technique. To our knowledge, a study analyzing the anatomical considerations of the extreme lateral interbody fusion technique with regards to potential colon injuries has not been previously performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risk of colon injuries during the extreme lateral approach to the lumbar spine. Materials and Methods The extreme lateral approach to the lumbar spine was performed on four fresh-frozen cadaveric sides. K-wires were placed into the intervertebral discs and positioned at L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, and L4/L5 levels. Next, the distances from the wires to the most posterior aspect of the adjacent ascending or descending colon were measured. Results The mean distance from the intervertebral disc space to the ascending or descending colon was 23.2 mm at the L2/L3 level, 29.5 mm at the L3/L4 level, and 40.3 mm at the L4/L5 level. The L1/L2 level was above the colon on both sides. Conclusion Our study quantified the relationship of the retroperitoneal colon during an extreme lateral interbody fusion approach. Our results, as well as previously described cases of bowel perforations, suggest a greater risk for colon injuries at the L2/3 and L3/4 levels.​​​​​​​.

The authors describe a 48-year-old woman suffering from bilateral upper-extremity numbness and axial radiating pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed soft-tissue edema and enhancement surrounding the dorsal tip of the C7 spinous process. Excisional biopsy of the lesion revealed a mildly inflamed bursa, with no evidence of an active infection. Removal of the inflamed bursa resulted in complete resolution of the upper-extremity numbness and improvement in her neck pain. Although similar cases have been reported to be associated with rheumatologic conditions, most notably polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), the current report underlines the presentation of radicular-like complaints associated with interspinous bursitis in the absence of other conditions affecting the musculoskeleton.

Background The S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw is a modification of the iliac fixation technique using the space between the neuroforamina of S1 and S2 as an insertion point to fix the sacrum to the ilium. To our knowledge, an anatomic review of the S2AI technique has not been described and the insertion point is vague and angles differ in reports from the literature. The purpose of the current anatomic illustration is to provide step-by-step techniques with fluoroscopic imaging to help confirm the safe placement of S2AI screws. Methods The procedure was performed on the left and rights sides of a fresh, frozen, and thawed predissected male cadaver in a surgical training facility through a standard posterior midline exposure for placement of the S2AI screws. All screws were placed by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and an attending spine surgeon. Results The specimen was placed prone, and a midline incision begun at the L4 or L5 spinous process. Using the anteroposterior and inlet views, the S1 dorsal sacral foramen, the S1 endplate, and the sacroiliac joint can be identified. The insertion point is 10 mm laterally between the S1 and S2 foramina and near to the sacroiliac joint. Aim toward the anterior inferior iliac spine is ensured by using a 30°–40° lateral angulation in the transverse plane and 20°–30° caudal angulation in the sagittal plane depending on the sacral angulation. Using lateral fluoroscopy, the acetabulum and greater sciatic notch can be identified and screw misplacement can be avoided. The screw length is measured and is usually between 60 and 90 mm (8- to 9-mm diameter). An elevator is used to identify the outer sacral cortex. Anteroposterior, obturator-outlet, and teardrop views are used to ensure correct screw insertion. Conclusions Fluoroscopic guidance is crucial for optimal S2AI screw placement. Using the described technique allows a safe and correct insertion of the S2AI screw.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe the microbiology of surgical site infection (SSI) in spine surgery and relationship with surgical management characteristics. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA SSI is an important complication of spine surgery that results in significant morbidity. A comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the microbiology of postoperative spine infections is valuable to direct empiric antimicrobial treatment and prophylaxis and other infection prevention strategies. METHODS All cases of spinal surgery associated with SSI between July 2005 and November 2010 were identified by the hospital infection control surveillance program using Centers for Disease Control National Health Safety Network criteria. Surgical characteristics and microbiologic data for each case were gathered by direct medical record review. RESULTS Of 7529 operative spine cases performed between July 2005 and November 2010, 239 cases of SSI were identified. The most commonly isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (45.2%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (31.4%). Methicillin-resistant organisms accounted for 34.3% of all SSIs and were more common in revision than in primary surgical procedures (47.4% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.003). Gram-negative organisms were identified in 30.5% of the cases. Spine surgical procedures involving the sacrum were significantly associated with gram-negative organisms (P < 0.001) and polymicrobial infections (P = 0.020). Infections due to gram-negative organisms (P = 0.002) and Enterococcus spp. (P = 0.038) were less common in surgical procedures involving the cervical spine. Cefazolin-resistant gram-negative organisms accounted for 61.6% of all gram-negative infections and 18.8% of all SSIs. CONCLUSION Although gram-positive organisms predominated, gram-negative organisms accounted for a sizeable portion of SSI, particularly among lower lumbar and sacral spine surgical procedures. Nearly half of infections in revision surgery were due to a methicillin-resistant organism. These findings may help guide choice of empiric antibiotics while awaiting culture data and antimicrobial prophylaxis strategies in specific spine surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of using an automated approach to administrative claims data to assess the rate and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in spinal procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA SSI is a major indicator of health care quality. A wide range of SSI rates have been proposed in the literature depending on clinical setting and procedure type. METHODS All spinal surgeries performed at a university-affiliated tertiary-care center from July 2005 to December 2010 were identified using diagnosis-related group, current procedural terminology, and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes and were validated through chart review. Rates of SSI and associated risk factors were calculated using univariate regression analysis. Odds ratios were calculated through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 6628 hospital visits were identified. The cumulative incidence of SSI was 2.9%. Procedural risk factors associated with a statistically significant increase in rates of infection were the following: sacral involvement (9.6%), fusions greater than 7 levels (7.8%), fusions greater than 12 levels (10.4%), cases with an osteotomy (6.5%), operative time longer than 5 hours (5.1%), transfusions of red blood cells (5.0%), serum (7.4%), and autologous blood (4.1%). Patient-based risk factors included anemia (4.3%), diabetes mellitus (4.2%), coronary artery disease (4.7%), diagnosis of coagulopathy (7.8%), and bone or connective tissue neoplasm (5.0%). CONCLUSION Used individually, diagnosis-related group, current procedural terminology, and ICD-9 codes cannot completely capture a patient population. Using an algorithm combining all 3 coding systems to generate both inclusion and exclusion criteria, we were able to analyze a specific population of spinal surgery patients within a high-volume medical center. Within that group, risk factors found to increase infection rates were isolated and can serve to focus hospital-wide efforts to decrease surgery-related morbidity and improve patient outcomes.