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Superior facet joint violation (FJV) is a potential risk factor for adjacent segment disease following lumbar fusion surgery. We sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare screw-related superior FJV rates between the open and different minimally invasive (MI) techniques-fluoroscopy-based, 3D-image navigation, and navigation with robotic assistance-in adult lumbar fusion surgery.We searched original articles comparing the rates of screw-related FJV between the open and different MI techniques in adult lumbar fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to September 2021. We compared the numbers of top-level pedicle screws and associated superior FJVs in the main analyses and performed subgroup analysis based on different MI techniques to examine whether individual MI approaches differed in superior FJV rate. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated in a random-effect meta-analysis.Included in the meta-analysis were 16 articles with 2655 patients and 4638 top-level pedicle screws. The pooled analysis showed no significant difference in superior FJV rates between the MI and open groups (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.62-1.28). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the overall rates of superior FJV were 27.1% (411/1518) for fluoroscopy-based, 7.1% (43/603) for 3D-image navigation, and 3.2% (7/216) for navigation with robotic assistance. Compared with the open method, the overall RRs were 1.53 (95% CI: 1.19-1.96) for fluoroscopy-based, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.22-0.75) for 3D-image navigation, and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08-0.72) for navigation with robotic assistance.Among the three common MI techniques, fluoroscopy-based can be associated with a higher risk of superior FJV, while both 3D-image navigation and navigation with robotic assistance may be associated with lower risks as compared with the open method. Considering the limitations of the study, more trials are needed to prove these clinical findings.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Computer-aided diagnosis with artificial intelligence (AI) has been used clinically, and ground truth generalizability is important for AI performance in medical image analyses. The AI model was trained on one specific group of older adults (aged≧60) has not yet been shown to work equally well in a younger adult group (aged 18-59). PURPOSE To compare the performance of the developed AI model with ensemble method trained with the ground truth for those aged 60 years or older in identifying vertebral fractures (VFs) on plain lateral radiographs of spine (PLRS) between younger and older adult populations. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective analysis of PLRS in a single medical institution PATIENT SAMPLE OUTCOME MEASURES Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver reliability (kappa value) were used to compare diagnostic performance of the AI model and subspecialists’ consensus between the two groups. METHODS Between January 2016 and December 2018, the ground truth of 941 patients (one PLRS per person) aged 60 years and older with 1101 VFs and 6358 normal vertebrae was used to set up the AI model. The framework of the developed AI model includes: object detection with You Only Look Once Version 3 (YOLOv3) at T0-L5 levels in the PLRS, data pre-preprocessing with image-size and quality processing, and AI ensemble model (ResNet34, DenseNet121, and DenseNet201) for identifying or grading VFs. The reported overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 92%, 91% and 93%, respectively, and external validation was also performed. Thereafter, patients diagnosed as VFs and treated in our institution during October 2019 to August 2020 were the study group regardless of age. In total, 258 patients (339 VFs and 1725 normal vertebrae) in the older adult population (mean age 78 ±10.4; range, 60-106) were enrolled. In the younger adult population (mean age 36 ± 9.43; range, 20-49), 106 patients (120 VFs and 728 normal vertebrae) were enrolled. After identification and grading of VFs based on the Genant method with consensus between two subspecialists’, VFs in each PLRS with human labels were defined as the testing dataset. The corresponding CT or MRI scan was used for labeling in the PLRS. The bootstrap method was applied to the testing dataset. RESULTS The model for clinical application, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format, is uploaded directly (available at: http://140.113.114.104/vght_demo/svf-model (grading) and http://14 0.113.114.104/vght demo/svf-model2 (labeling). Overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in the older adult population were 93.36% (95% CI 93.34%-93.38%), 88.97% (95% CI 88.59%-88.99%) and 94.26% (95% CI 94.23%-94.29%), respectively. Overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in the younger adult population were 93.75% (95% CI 93.7%-93.8%), 65.00% (95% CI 64.33%-65.67%) and 98.49% (95% CI 98.45%-98.52%), respectively. Accuracy reached 100% in VFs grading once the VFs were labeled accurately. The unique pattern of limbus-like VFs, 43 (35.8%) were investigated only in the younger adult population. If limbus-like VFs from the dataset were not included, the accuracy increased from 93.75% (95% CI 93.70%-93.80%) to 95.78% (95% CI 95.73%-95.82%), sensitivity increased from 65.00% (95% CI 64.33%-65.67%) to 70.13% (95% CI 68.98%-71.27%) and specificity remained unchanged at 98.49% (95% CI 98.45%-98.52%), respectively. The main causes of false negative results in older adults were patients’ lung markings, diaphragm or bowel airs (37%, n=14) followed by type I fracture (29%, n=11). The main causes of false negatives in younger adults were limbus-like VFs (45%, n=19), followed by type I fracture (26%, n=11). The overall kappa between AI discrimination and subspecialists’ consensus in the older and younger adult populations were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.733-0.805) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.6524-0.80), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The developed VF-identifying AI ensemble model based on ground truth of older adults achieved better performance in identifying VFs in older adults and non-fractured thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in the younger adults. Different age distribution may have potential disease diversity and implicate the effect of ground truth generalizability on the AI model performance.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal curvature deformity that appears in the adolescent period. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing on 11 unrelated Taiwanese patients with a Cobb’s angle greater than 40 degrees. Our results identified more than 200 potential pathogenic rare variants, however, most of which were carried only by one individual. By in silico pathogenicity annotation studies, we found that TTN, CLCN1, and SOX8 were the most important genes, as multiple pathogenic variants were within these genes. Furthermore, biological functional annotation indicated critical roles of these AIS candidate genes in the skeletal muscle. Importantly, a pathogenic variant on SOX8 was shared by over 35% of the patients. These results highlighted TTN, CLCN1, and SOX8 as the most likely susceptibility genes for severe AIS.

Background Treatment strategy focusing on osteoporotic vertebral body and endplate fracture is not emphasized. This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between reduction methods with or without compact trabecular bone during percutaneous kyphoplasty in osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Methods 100 patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty were randomly divided into groups A (the guide pin and balloon were introduced into fracture site directly) and B (the guide pin and balloon were inserted away from the fracture site). Surgical duration, clinical and radiological outcomes at postoperative and follow-up, and complication of cement leakage and adjacent fracture were recorded. Patients were followed up for an average of 20.18 months. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Oswestry disability index and visual analogue scale (VAS). Results Both groups had similar patient demographics. Two groups had similar operation time and injected cement volume. The method of elevating the collapsed endplate indirectly had no significant influence on radiological outcomes, however, there was significant influence on decreasing intradiscal cement leakage and postoperative functional outcomes at 1-month and 12-month follow-up. Conclusion Elevating and reinforcing the collapsed endplate rather than just fulfilling the defect during percutaneous kyphoplasty is a safe and more effective way in pain and functional improvement with lower rates of further collapse in the osteoporotic vertebral fractures with endplate destruction.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective comparative study with radiographic measurements. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate incidences and risk factors of screw-related superior facet articular surface violation (FASV) and optimal pedicle screw angles (PSAs) to avoid FASV at L4 and L5 levels in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with either open surgery (OS) or minimal invasive (MIS) techniques with 3D C-arm navigation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA L4 to S1 are common levels in TLIF. Adjacent segment diseases (ASD) following TLIF is not uncommon. Screw-related FASV at the superior level is one of the potential risk factors for ASD. METHODS In the OS and MIS groups, 111 and 110 screws were included at L4 level, and 114 and 110 screws at L5 level, respectively. Postoperative computed tomography examined screw-related FASV at L3-4 and L4-5 facet levels. The entry point was the location where pedicle screws placed into the facet joints. RESULTS The OS technique and insertion at the L5 level increased the likelihood of FASV 2.56 and 1.81 times, respec-tively. Multivariate logistic regressions analysis determined PSA was a significant factor associated with FASV. Pearson r between PSA and the distance between midline and entry point was 0.905 (P

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study. Objectives: This study aims to present the clinical and radiographical outcomes of the titanium-polyetheretherketone (Ti/PEEK) composite cage compared to those of the standard PEEK cage in patients receiving minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). Methods: Patients receiving 1 level MI-TLIF between October 2015 and October 2017 were included with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The patients were segregated into 2 groups; Ti/PEEK group and PEEK group. Each patient was propensity-matched using preoperative age, sex, and body mass index. Early fusion rate was evaluated by computed tomography at postoperative 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Results: After matching, there were 27 patients included in each group. The demographics, diagnosis, and surgical details were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The 6-month rate was 88.9% in Ti/PEEK group. The fusion rate and cage subsidence rate had no difference between the 2 groups. The complication rate in the Ti/PEEK group was comparable to that in the PEEK group. There was no difference in VAS and ODI scores during a 2-year follow-up period. Conclusions: The use of Ti/PEEK composite cage was as safe and effective as the use of PEEK cage in MI-TLIF. The 6-month fusion rate was 88.9%. Our finding revealed comparable clinical results for surgeons using Ti/PEEK composite cages in MI-TLIF compared to those using the PEEK cage.

Gouty arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and flares frequently after surgeries. Such flares impede early patient mobilization and lengthen hospital stays; however, little has been reported on gout flares after spinal procedures. This study reviewed a database of 6439 adult patients who underwent thoracolumbar spine surgery between January 2009 and June 2021, and 128 patients who had a history of gouty arthritis were included. Baseline characteristics and operative details were compared between the flare-up and no-flare groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze predictors and construct a predictive model of postoperative flares. This model was validated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Fifty-six patients (43.8%) had postsurgical gout flares. Multivariate analysis identified gout medication use (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.75; p = 0.009), smoking (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.34–7.80; p = 0.009), preoperative hemoglobin level (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53–0.87; p = 0.002), and hemoglobin drop (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.25–2.96; p = 0.003) as predictors for postsurgical flare. The area under the ROC curve was 0.801 (95% CI, 0.717–0.877; p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off point of probability greater than 0.453 predicted gout flare with a sensitivity of 76.8% and specificity of 73.2%. The prediction model may help identify patients at an increased risk of gout flare.

Study Design: A retrospective case-controlled study. Objectives: To evaluate overall infection rate and adverse event after harvesting bone graft soaking and surgical wound irrigation by povidone iodine solution (PVI) in the minimally invasive instrumented spinal fusion surgery. In order to reduce the rate of surgical site infection in spinal surgery, surgical wound irrigation by povidone iodine solution has been well-established. However, the efficacy of autologous bone graft soaking by PVI has not been evaluated before. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. 120 patients were enrolled in the PVI group and compared with 124 patients in the historical cohort. In the PVI group, the harvesting autologous bone graft was soaking and the surgical wound was also irrigated by diluted PVI solution. The outcome measures were overall infection rate, superficial wound infection and deep infection. In addition, the delayed union of the fusion mass was also evaluated through the radiograph evaluation. Results: Both groups shared similar patient demographics instead of body mass index. The use of PVI solution had decreased the overall infection rate (0% versus 4.03%, p = 0.026) and deep infection rate (0% versus 3.23%, p = 0.047). In addition, there was no delayed bone healing in the PVI group after autologous bone graft soaking. Conclusions: In this study, we conclude that harvested autologous bone graft after PVI soaking in spinal fusion surgery can decrease the incidence of deep infection.

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of fracture. Raloxifene is one of the treatments of osteoporosis. However, the responses were variable among patients. Previous studies revealed that the genetic variants are involved in the regulation of treatment outcomes. To date, studies that evaluate the influence of genes across all genome on the raloxifene treatment response are still limited. In this study, a total of 41 postmenopausal osteoporosis patients under regular raloxifene treatment were included. Gene-based analysis using MAGMA was applied to investigate the genetic association with the bone mineral density response to raloxifene at the lumbar spine or femoral neck site. Results from gene-based analysis indicated several genes (GHRHR, ABHD8, and TMPRSS6) related to the responses of raloxifene. Besides, the pathways of iron ion homeostasis, osteoblast differentiation, and platelet morphogenesis were enriched which implies that these pathways might be relatively susceptible to raloxifene treatment outcome. Our study provided a novel insight into the response to raloxifene.

Restoration of height or angle has been reported following vertebroplasty (VP). The purpose of the study was to investigate the predictive value of the preoperative lateral fulcrum radiograph (LFR) of success in one-level VP for painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture.From January 2017 to January 2018, 71 patients (mean age, 76 years) receiving VP were retrospectively analyzed. Painful vertebra was defined as pseudarthrosis or edematous change in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Fulcrum flexibility (FF) and fulcrum restoration index (FRI) of the vertebral wedge angle (VWA), regional kyphotic angle (RKA), and anterior vertebral body height (AVBH) were investigated. Back pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale.The 30 males and 41 females were followed for an average of 21 months. The sensitivity of LFR and MRI to detect pseudarthrosis was 92% and 97%, respectively. Preoperative FF of VWA, RKA, and AVBH was 52.4%, 58.3%, and 60%, respectively, indicating similar potential restoration ability. Postoperative average FRI for VWA, RKA, and AVBH was 1.29 ± 2.98, 0.46 ± 1.16, and 1.04 ± 1.68, respectively. Final average FRI was 0.94 ± 2.96, -0.03 ± 2.25, and 0.6 ± 2.04, respectively. VWA and AVBH had better immediate restoration, and VWA had better final maintenance. All parameters progressive lost significant levels of restoration to similar degrees but without increase in back pain.LFR can help with evaluation for pseudarthrosis and the restoration effect of VP. VP had better immediate restoration of VWA and AVBH and better final VWA maintenance.

Background Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) is one of the most challenging complications in lumbar fusion surgery. Few investigations examined the effect of vancomycin powder mixed with autogenic bone graft (ABG) and bone substitutes on preventing DSSI in degenerative lumbar fusion surgeries as well as any interference with bony fusion. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ABG along with bone substitutes as a local vancomycin delivery system on preventing DSSI in lumbar instrumented fusion and compared with those who did not use vancomycin powder. Methods From January, 2015 through December, 2015, a one-year prospective study using vancomycin powder mixed with ABG and bone substitute for degenerative lumbar fusion surgeries as vancomycin (V) group, 1 gm vancomycin for 2 and 3-level, and 2 gm for more than 3-level instrumentation. From December, 2013 through December 2014, patients received degenerative lumbar fusion surgeries without using vancomycin before the vancomycin protocol were retrospectively enrolled as non-vancomycin (NV) group. Vancomycin concentration was checked at post-operative days 1 and 3 for both the serum and drainage. Patients’ demographic data, microbiology reports, fusion status and functional outcomes were evaluated. Results One hundred and ten patients were enrolled prospectively in the V group, and 86 for the NV group. After an average 41 months follow-up (range, 36–54), 3 patients (3.48%) developed postoperative DSSIs in the NV group, thereby requiring revision surgeries and parenteral antibiotics treatment versus no DSSIs (0%, 0/100) in the V group. (p = 0.048). The postoperative serum vancomycin levels were undetectable and no vancomycin related side effects was encountered. The mean vancomycin concentration of drainage at postoperative days 1 and 3 were 517.96 ± 174.4 and 220.14 ± 102.3 μg/mL, respectively. At final follow-up, there was no statistical difference observed in terms of clinical and radiologic outcomes. Conclusions Our vancomycin protocol may reduce the incidence of DSSI in degenerative lumbar fusion surgery without affecting bony fusion. Level of Evidence Level III ambispective comparative study.

Background Involvement in cervical ligamentum flavum is a rare manifestation of the calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease. Only few cases of this condition have been reported. We revealed eighteen cases of CPPD in cervical ligamentum flavum that diagnosed at a single medical center. In our case series, clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging findings of patients are described. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and imaging studies of the eighteen patients with pseudogout attack of the cervical ligamentum flavum. In addition, we discussed the differences between this disease and ossification of ligamentum flavum in image manifestations. Results There were fourteen men and four women aged between 59 and 87 years. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common comorbidities. Myelopathy and neck pain were presented in most patients. C4–5 and C5–6 were attacked most frequently, and multiple- rather than single-level involvement could be observed in our series. “Acute on chronic phenomenon” was a specific magnetic resonance image finding in patients whose symptom durations were between 2 to 5 months. Compared to ossification of ligamentum flavum, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition had different image signs, including morphology, side of the involved ligament, no continuity with the lamina, acute on chronic phenomenon, and presence of retro-odontoid mass. Conclusions Nodular calcifications in cervical ligamentum flavum raise highly suspicion for calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition and must be diagnosed by histological examination and polarized light microscopy. This disease is different from ossification of ligamentum flavum, and it could be recognized by specific image features.

BACKGROUND Studies of the 100 most-cited articles are reported for many subjects. However, none has analyzed the article characteristics associated with high citation frequency. This study aims to (1) graphically depict characteristics of the 100 top-cited articles addressing adult spinal deformity (ASD), (2) diagram the association between articles according to subject and major topic medical subject headings (MeSHs), and (3) investigate whether major topic MeSH correlates with article citation frequency. METHODS The 100 top-cited ASD publications since 2011 were retrieved using a PubMed Central search on May 6, 2020. Using titles and abstracts, eight subject categories were identified: surgery, conservative treatment, normal values in spinopelvic alignment, review, cervical alignment, classification, compensatory mechanism, and spine-hip relationship. Sankey diagrams were used to organize the information. Network analysis was performed according to article subject and major topic MeSHs. Pearson's r was used to determine whether the weighted number of citations correlates with major topic MeSHs and the number of citations. RESULTS The average number of citations per article was 34.8 (range, 19-156). The most represented country was the USA (n = 51). The most productive and highly-cited journal was Spine (Phila Pa 1976) (n = 34; average, 38.2 citations per article). The most frequent subject categories and major topic MeSHs were 'surgery' (n = 53) and 'scoliosis' (weighted count, 9.8), while articles with the subject 'compensatory' had the highest average number of citations (64.7). The most highly-cited article, by Dr. F. Schwab in 2012, had 156 citations. Network analysis revealed the relationships between these articles according to major topic MeSHs. The weighted number of citations according to major topic MeSHs correlated significantly with article citation frequency (Pearson's r, 0.57; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Multiple characteristics of the 100 top-cited ASD articles are presented in diagrams to guide evidence-based clinical decision-making in ASD.

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objectives To compare the surgical results between targeted therapy and post-operative chemotherapy for patients with spinal metastasis of inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Setting Single-center study at an academic orthopedic department in Taiwan. Methods Sixty-five patients were treated surgically for spinal metastasis of inoperable NSCLC with long posterior instrumentation with or without posterior decompression according to the patient's neurologic status. Post-operative radiotherapy of the spinal lesion and targeted therapy or chemotherapy were done following surgery after the surgical wound healed. Post-operative clinical outcomes and survival were evaluated and compared between these two groups. The overall survival represented survival from the date of diagnosis to death. Results Thirty-five patients were grouped as the targeted therapy group and 30 patients as the chemotherapy group. The overall median survival times were 12.0 and 10.0 months in the targeted therapy and chemotherapy groups, respectively. Sixty-two patients were able to walk with or without an aid postoperatively. There was no significant difference observed between these two groups in terms of pain relief, neurologic improvement, ambulatory improvement, and survival. Conclusions Surgical stabilization with or without laminectomy improved functional outcomes in patients with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer, and post-operative functional outcomes were similar between chemotherapy and targeted therapy groups. A longer survival was observed with targeted therapy for the patients whose NSCLC was diagnosed before spinal metastasis, however, the longer survival was not statistically significant.

Purpose To investigate the tunnel enlargement rate and clinical function by comparing double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using different fixation devices. Methods Patients receiving primary arthroscopic double-bundle ACLR were screened and divided into 2 groups on the basis of the method of graft fixation: bioabsorbable interference screw (BS) group and cortical button (CB) group. Bone tunnel size was assessed digitally using magnetic resonance imaging, which was performed a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and KT-1000 arthrometer 2 years postoperatively. Results Sixty patients receiving primary arthroscopic double-bundle ACLR were included. Overall, the BS group showed greater tunnel enlargement than the CB group, as well as a significantly increased rate of tunnel communication (P = .029). The average anteromedial tunnel enlargement rates for the BS and CB groups were 50% and 28%, respectively. The enlargement rate of the posterolateral (PL) femoral tunnel was similar in both groups. In the PL tibial tunnel, the CB group showed a significant increase in enlargement compared with the BS group (64% vs 45%, P = .0001). Both groups showed functional improvement in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and International Knee Documentation Committee score. No significant difference in postoperative functional outcomes was found between the 2 groups. Conclusions The BS group showed significantly greater tunnel enlargement in anteromedial tunnels and an increased tunnel communication rate compared with the CB group. On the other hand, the CB group showed greater tunnel enlargement in tibial PL tunnels. Tunnel communication was observed mostly on the tibial side in the BS patients. Equivalent clinical function outcomes were noted at 2 years after surgery in both groups of patients. Level of Evidence Level II, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background With the progress and success in minimally invasive surgery of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF), the musculoskeletal injury was minimized. However, the role of postoperative orthosis in MIS TLIF has not been established and there is little evidence supporting the routine use of orthosis in MIS TLIF. Methods This is a prospective randomized clinical study. 90 patients who underwent MIS TLIF were randomly divided into groups A (with postoperative spinal orthosis) and B (without postoperative spinal orthosis). Patients were followed up for an average of 12.6 months. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Fusion rate was classified with the BSF scale system at postoperative 6-month, and 12-month. Results Both groups had similar patient demographics. The use of postoperative spinal orthosis had no significant influence on instrumentation-related complications or radiological parameters at each follow-up. Conclusions In this study, we conclude that postoperative spinal orthosis is not necessary for MIS TLIF. Patients without postoperative spinal orthosis had the same fusion rates and improvement of VAS and ODI scores.

To evaluate the impact of the preoperative severity of facet joint arthropathy on long-term functional outcomes and spinopelvic parameters in patients undergoing lumbar-stability-preserving decompression and Dynesys fixation. In this retrospective study, 88 patients undergoing combined surgery at our hospital from 2008 to 2015 were included. The patients were divided into two groups, the less and more than mean degeneration groups, based on preoperative facet joint arthropathy of the index level(s). The clinical outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and spinopelvic parameters. The mean follow-up durations for the less and more than mean degeneration groups were 84.83 ± 27.58 and 92.83 ± 20.45 months, respectively. The combined surgery significantly improved VAS and ODI scores, and increased sacral slope (SS) regardless of preoperative arthropathy severity. In addition, facet joint arthropathy at adjacent levels continued to worsen after surgery in both arthropathy severity groups. Preoperative facet joint arthropathy did not influence most long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar-stability-preserving decompression and Dynesys fixation. This combined surgery may be suitable for patients with facet joint arthropathy regardless of disease severity.

Study design A retrospective cohort study. Objective To determine the risk factors of cage subsidence in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) and its correlation with patient-reported outcomes. Summary of background data Cage subsidence is among the cage-related complications after TLIF and may lead to poor outcomes. Few studies have addressed the incidence of cage subsidence in MI-TLIF. Methods This retrospective study of a prospectively collected database was conducted from October 2015 to October 2017. All patients received MI-TLIF with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. All levels were separated into the cage subsidence (CS group) and no cage subsidence (non-CS group) groups. Cage subsidence was evaluated using lateral radiographs and defined as more than 2 mm migration of the cage into the endplate of adjacent vertebral body. Patient demographics, perioperative details, and radiographic parameters were recorded. Cage-related parameters were cage height, cage insertion level, and cage position. Cage position was recorded using central point ration (CPR). Patient-reported outcome was analyzed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Results Ninety-three patients (126 levels) were included. Mean age was 66.5 years with an average follow-up of 36.9 months. Overall incidence of cage subsidence was 34.1%. The CS group had significantly higher body mass index, less bone mineral density (BMD), shorter disc height, and higher CPR than the non-CS group. BMD, disc height, and CPR were significantly negatively correlated with depth of cage subsidence. ODI improvement was significantly lesser in the CS group than in the non-CS group. Fusion rate and complications were unrelated to cage subsidence. Conclusion The BMD, disc height, and cage position were the most significant risk factors that were negatively correlated with depth of cage subsidence. Placing a TLIF cage anteriorly if possible may reduce the risk of cage subsidence. Level of evidence 3.

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of navigation-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw insertions between traditional posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) fixed and cutaneously fixed dynamic reference frame (DRF) in minimally invasive surgery of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). This is a prospective randomized clinical study. Between May 2016 and Nov 2017, 100 patients who underwent MIS TLIF were randomly divided into bone fixed group (with PSIS fixed DRF) and skin fixed group (with cutaneously fixed DRF). The pedicel screws were inserted under navigational guidance using computed tomography (CT) data acquired intraoperatively with a Ziehm 3-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigation system. Screw positions were immediately checked by a final intraoperative scan. The accuracy of screw placement was evaluated by a sophisticated computed tomography protocol. Both groups had similar patient demographics. Totally Five-hundred Twelve pedicle screws were placed in the lumbar spine. There were 2 moderate (2-4 mm) pedicle perforations in each group. The accuracy showed no significant difference between bone fixed and skin fixed DRF. There were no significant procedure-related complications. The skin fixed DRF provides similar accuracy in pedicle screw insertions with bone fixed DRF using intraoperative 3D image guided navigation in MIS TLIF. Skin fixed DRF not only serves as an alternative method but also saves a separate incision wound for bony attachment.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) can cause neurologic deficits and needs urgent surgical intervention. Many clinical factors had been proposed to predict surgical outcomes in patients with SEA, but the predictive radiographic risk factors for residual neurologic deficits were not addressed sufficiently.To analyze the clinical and radiographic risk factors for residual neurologic deficit in patients with SEA after surgical intervention of the thoracic or lumbar spine.A retrospective consecutive case series.From January 2005 through December 2014, 53 patients with primary SEA, confirmed by culture or histopathology, in the thoracic or lumbar spine who underwent posterior-only approach surgery at our hospital.Neurologic status was assessed using the Frankel grading system preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up.The patients were allocated into two groups based on the presence of postoperative residual neurologic deficits. Patients' demographic, clinical, and factors based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed for their influence on residual neurologic deficits. Clinical factors included age, sex, diabetes, comorbidities, pathogens, affected spinal levels, the interval between onset of symptoms to surgery, preoperative neurologic status, presence of cauda equina syndrome, and surgical procedures. MRI factors included the distribution of abscesses within the spinal canal, presence of ring enhancement, presence of paravertebral abscess or psoas abscess, canal compromise anteroposterior (AP) ratio and cross-sectional area ratio, abscess length, and abscess thickness.Thirty-five of the 53 patients (66%) had preoperative neurologic deficits, and 21 of 53 patients (40%) had postoperative residual neurologic deficits. Patients' neurologic status improved significantly after the surgery (p.001). Risk factors including age, diabetes, cauda equina syndrome, presence of anterior with posterior (A+P) dural abscess, canal compromise AP ratio, cross-sectional area ratio, abscess length, and abscess thickness were significantly correlated with postoperative residual neurologic deficits. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥70 years, preoperative cauda equina syndrome, abscess length ≥5.5 cm and abscess thickness ≥0.8 cm were the four most significant factors related to residual neurologic deficits.In patients with SEA of the thoracic and lumbar spine, age ≥70 years, preoperative cauda equina syndrome, abscess length ≥5.5 cm and abscess thickness ≥0.8 cm were the most significant preoperative risk factors for residual neurologic deficits after surgery.

Background Context To improve correction and fusion rates, an anterior release is often needed for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with a curve of more than 75° before posterior correction, instrumentation, and fusion. However, there are disadvantages to anterior release, and we are concerned about whether it is necessary for anterior-posterior spinal fusion in these patients. Purpose The objective of this study was to compare the surgical results for idiopathic scoliosis with a curve of more than 75° and a flexibility of less than 25% between using posterior-only approach and combined anterior release followed by posterior correction with a hybrid construct (hooks and pedicle screws) and spinal fusion. Study Design/Setting This was a retrospective cohort study. Patient Sample From 2000 to 2014, 388 consecutive patients with idiopathic scoliosis were treated surgically at our hospital. Of these patients, 53 whose primary curves were more than 75° with a flexibility of less than 25%, at an incidence of 13.6%, were included and divided into two groups. Thirty-one patients (mean age: 16.3 years old) who underwent anterior release followed by posterior correction, instrumentation, and fusion were included in the A+P group, and the remaining 22 patients (mean age: 17.3 years old) were designated as the P group for posterior procedure alone. Outcome Measures The clinical outcomes were analyzed in terms of correction and loss of correction and by the Scoliosis Patient Questionnaire: Version 30 functional questionnaire. Materials and Methods In the A+P group, halo-femoral traction was applied for 1 week between the anterior release and the posterior procedure. Posterior instrumentation with a hybrid construct with hooks and pedicle screws was used for both groups. The radiological and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results The average preoperative Cobb angle was 85.3° for the A+P group, with an average 17.4% flexibility, and 80° for the P group, with 15.3% flexibility. The postoperative Cobb angle was 53.1° for the A+P group and 45.6° for the P group. The Cobb angle at the final follow-up for the A+P group was 55.2° and that for the P group was 48°. The average correction rates of the A+P and P groups were 37% and 43.4%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in gender, age, number of levels fused, and flexibility of coronal curve. With a minimum 2-year follow-up, similar results were found between these two groups in terms of correction rate, loss of correction, and functional outcome. Conclusions In this study, we found that a posterior-only approach with hybrid construct (hooks and pedicle screws) could provide a correction similar to that of an anterior-posterior approach. Also, the disadvantages of anterior release could be avoided by the posterior-only approach.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation is a common method to increase pullout strength fixed for osteoporotic spines. However, few papers evaluated whether these pedicle screws migrated with time and functional outcome in these geriatrics following PMMA-augmented pedicle screw fixation. From March 2006 to September 2008, consecutive 64 patients were retrospectively enrolled. VAS and ODI were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Kyphotic angle at instrumented levels and horizontal and vertical distances (HD and VD) between screw tip and anterior and upper cortexes were evaluated. To avoid bias, we used horizontal and vertical migration index (HMI and VMI) to re-evaluate screw positions with normalization by the mean of superior and inferior endplates or anterior and posterior vertebral body height, respectively. Forty-six patients with 282 PMMA-augmented screws were analyzed with mean follow-up of 95 months. Nine patients were further excluded due to bed-ridden at latest follow-up. Twenty-six females and 11 males with mean T score of − 2.7 (range, − 2.6 to − 4.1) and mean age for operation of 77.6 ± 4.3 years (range, 65 to 86). The serial HD and kyphotic angle statistically progressed with time. The serial VD did not statistically change with time (p = 0.23), and neither HMI nor VMI (p = 0.772 and 0.631). Pre-operative DEXA results did not correlate with kyphotic angle. Most patients (80.4%) maintained similar functional outcomes at latest follow-up. The incidence of screws loosening was 2.7% of patients and 1.4% of screws, respectively. The overall incidences of systemic post-operative co-morbidities were 24.3% with overall 20.2 days for hospitalization. Most patients (80%) remained similar functional outcomes at latest follow-up in spite of kyphosis progression. The incidence of implant failure was not high, but the post-operative systemic co-morbidities were higher, which has to be informed before index surgery.

Retrospective cohort study.To compare the surgical results between targeted therapy and post-operative chemotherapy for patients with spinal metastasis of inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Single-center study at an academic orthopedic department in Taiwan.Sixty-five patients were treated surgically for spinal metastasis of inoperable NSCLC with long posterior instrumentation with or without posterior decompression according to the patient's neurologic status. Post-operative radiotherapy of the spinal lesion and targeted therapy or chemotherapy were done following surgery after the surgical wound healed. Post-operative clinical outcomes and survival were evaluated and compared between these two groups. The overall survival represented survival from the date of diagnosis to death.Thirty-five patients were grouped as the targeted therapy group and 30 patients as the chemotherapy group. The overall median survival times were 12.0 and 10.0 months in the targeted therapy and chemotherapy groups, respectively. Sixty-two patients were able to walk with or without an aid postoperatively. There was no significant difference observed between these two groups in terms of pain relief, neurologic improvement, ambulatory improvement, and survival.Surgical stabilization with or without laminectomy improved functional outcomes in patients with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer, and post-operative functional outcomes were similar between chemotherapy and targeted therapy groups. A longer survival was observed with targeted therapy for the patients whose NSCLC was diagnosed before spinal metastasis, however, the longer survival was not statistically significant.

Background Safe placement of pedicle screws without jeopardizing neurovascular structures medially and anteriorly is important during spine surgery. Inferior breach of pedicle is also dangerous due to low margin of error. Lumbar morphology and identical pedicle orientation at L1 to L5 shown on CT scan of young Taiwanese patients (90 patients) were analyzed and compared with findings reported for Caucasian subjects. Methods Previously reported techniques were employed to quantitatively elucidate the parameters regarding lumbar morphology and identical pedicle orientation at each vertebra. The parameters for pedicle angle (PA), pedicle diameter (PD), pedicle axis distance (PAD), midline axis distance (MAD), transverse pedicle axis distance (TPAD) and transverse intertangential angle (TITA) were measured. Results Taiwanese subjects had different PA, PD, PAD, MAD at L1 to L5 and TITA at L3 to L5 compared with Caucasian subjects. L5 had the most convergent pedicle axis, the widest PD and the shortest antero-posterior axis morphology. Conclusions This study provides detailed information for identifying pedicle orientation during pedicle screw placement and elucidate racial differences in lumbar morphology and pedicle orientation between Taiwanese and Caucasian populations.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study by using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to conduct a large-scale cohort study to investigate the relationship between scoliosis and depression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The association between scoliosis and depression has rarely been studied in Asian populations. METHODS The study cohort consisted of patients with diagnosis of scoliosis between 2003 and 2005 (N = 1409). A comparison cohort was constructed from five age- and gender-matched control subjects selected via random sampling (N = 7045). Data on adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of depression, 5-year freedom from depression rates, and risk factors for depression for the two cohorts were compared. All subjects were tracked for 5 years from the date of cohort entry to identify the development of depression. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to evaluate the 5-year freedom from depression rates. This study is supported by the University research grant without any study-specific conflicts. RESULTS During the 5-year follow-up period, 116 and 307 depression patients belonged to the scoliosis cohort and the comparison cohort, respectively. The AHRs of depression in patients with scoliosis was higher [AHR 1.95; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.58-2.42; P

Background Ulnar shortening is a common and useful method for treating ulnar wrist pain from many causes. Many devices used to perform osteotomy have been introduced in the literature; however, the devices are not universally available. The standard freehand technique is still commonly used in clinical practice; however, it is associated with several complications and is time-consuming. We present a freehand technique for ulnar-shortening osteotomy using a predrilled hole method. Methods From 2011 to 2013, we performed the predrilled hole method for ulnar shortening in 18 cases using the six-hole limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and in two cases using the Acumed six-hole Locking Midshaft Ulna Plate. Results All patients had uneventful union, and the average operative time was 39.7 minutes (range, 32–50 minutes). The average follow-up period was 21 months (range, 12–30 months). There were no complications except in three patients in the LC-DCP group who complained of implant irritation. Good functional outcomes were achieved with this method. Conclusion Our technique is easy and quick to use and can minimize soft-tissue manipulation. The union rate is high and complications are few.

We aimed to quantify the interbody bone graft area following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using traditional open and minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) and investigate their correlations with rates of fusion, complications, and clinical outcomes. Patients undergoing TLIF of 1 or 2 levels between October 2015 and December 2016 were retrospectively included. Fusion and bone graft areas were assessed with computed tomography (CT) at 6 months postoperatively. The bone graft area ratio was defined as the bone graft area divided by the average endplate area. The distributions of bone graft area within the discs were also recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires. In total, 77 disc levels in 57 patients were analyzed. The fusion rate was 79.1% in the open group and 82.4% in the MIS group (p = 0.718). Clinical outcomes of both groups improved significantly. Changes in VAS and ODI scores at 12 months postoperatively were comparable between groups. Bone graft area ratio was not significantly different between the two groups (open, 38 ± 10.8%; MIS, 38.1 ± 9.0%, p = 0.977). Analysis of bone graft distribution revealed that the contralateral-dorsal part of the disc had the lowest bone graft area. The bone graft area ratio was significantly higher in the solid union group (39.2 ± 10.4%) than in the non-solid union group (33.5 ± 6.4%, p = 0.048). The fusion rates, bone graft area ratios, clinical outcomes, and complications were similar between MIS and open TLIF. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

To evaluate the effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients receiving arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).A total of 304 patients were included in this study, which was performed between August 2017 and April 2018. Single-bundle reconstructions using autologous hamstring tendon grafts were performed in all patients. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 patients (TXA group) received the index procedure with a 10-mL intra-articular injection of TXA (100 mg/mL). Group 2 patients (control group) received the index procedure without TXA injections. An intra-articular suction drain was placed in the joint and clamped for 2 hours after the procedure. The volume of drainage was recorded 24 hours after surgery. Clinical evaluations using the International Knee Documentation Committee functional score, range of motion, and a visual analog scale pain score were performed on day 3 and at week 4 postoperatively.Twenty-four hours after surgery, a significant decrease in the amount of drainage was observed in patients receiving intra-articular injections (TXA group, 56.1 ± 34.1 mL; control group, 80.1 ± 48 mL; P.05). On day 3 and at week 4, significantly reduced pain scores were reported in the TXA group. However, at week 4, clinical function scores did not show significant differences between the 2 groups.Intra-articular injection of TXA could significantly reduce postoperative intra-articular bleeding in the first 24 hours in patients receiving arthroscopic ACLR. TXA injection may also decrease pain and the grade of hemarthrosis in the early postoperative period. No systemic side effects or need for aspiration was noted during the follow-up period. Therefore, intra-articular injection of TXA could be considered an effective and relatively safe solution to reduce postoperative bleeding and pain in ACLR patients.Level II, prospective comparative study.

Methods In this study of patients who underwent internal fixation without fusion for a burst thoracolumbar or lumbar fracture, we compared the serial changes in the injured disc height (DH), and the fractured vertebral body height (VBH) and kyphotic angle between patients in whom the implants were removed and those in whom they were not. Radiological parameters such as injured DH, fractured VBH and kyphotic angle were measured. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Greenough low back outcome scale and a VAS scale for pain. Results Between June 1996 and May 2012, 69 patients were analysed retrospectively; 47 were included in the implant removal group and 22 in the implant retention group. After a mean follow-up of 66 months (48 to 107), eight patients (36.3%) in the implant retention group had screw breakage. There was no screw breakage in the implant removal group. All radiological and functional outcomes were similar between these two groups. Although solid union of the fractured vertebrae was achieved, the kyphotic angle and the anterior third of the injured DH changed significantly with time (p < 0.05). Discussion The radiological and functional outcomes of both implant removal and retention were similar. Although screw breakage may occur, the implants may not need to be removed. Take home message: Implant removal may not be needed for patients with burst fractures of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine after fixation without fusion. However, information should be provided beforehand regarding the possibility of screw breakage. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:109–16.

Objective To compare treatment outcomes and complications between the computer-assisted preoperative planning of lateral entry approach and the traditional approach for L5 percutaneous vertebroplasty. Methods In this prospective randomized clinical study performed from January 2008 to December 2014, 68 patients scheduled for L5 percutaneous vertebroplasty were divided at random into group A, in which the traditional transpedicle approach was used, and group B, in which the computer-assisted lateral entry point approach was used. A visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up. Results Patient demographics were similar in the 2 groups. The mean duration of follow-up was 65 months. The mean distance between the entry point and the midline was 3.05 ± 0.5 cm in group A and 7.04 ± 0.7 cm in group B. The mean inclination angle measured on the preoperative axial image was 17.1 ± 3.4° in group A and 41 ± 3.8° in group B. Clinical outcomes were comparable in the 2 groups; however, cement leakage was significantly greater in group A ( P Conclusions Owing to the hemispherical morphology and convergent pedicle axis of the L5 vertebrae, a more lateral skin entry point and convergent angle of the puncture needle should be emphasized to reach the optimal point according to the preoperative assessment. The approach involving computer-assisted preoperative planning of the lateral entry point was associated with a higher rate of bilateral cement infiltration with fewer complications.