Changes in Segmental and Lumbar Lordosis Following Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To compare radiographic outcomes across lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) techniques, assessing segmental and global lumbar lordosis restoration.

Summary Of Background Data: LIF is a commonly utilized procedure to treat various spinal conditions, including degenerative pathology and adult spinal deformity.

Lumbar Fusions in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Postoperative Complications.

Objective: The present study compares postoperative outcomes between patients with and without sickle cell disease (SCD) undergoing 1-to 3-level lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative pathologies.

Methods: Patients who underwent 1-to 3-level lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative pathologies from 2010 to 2021 were identified using the PearlDiver database. Patients were separated into 1) SCD and 2) non-SCD groups and were propensity-matched 1:1 for age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, surgical approach, and various comorbidities.

Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis Have a Higher Rate of Spinal Reoperation Following Lumbar Spinal Fusion.

Background: Lumbar spinal pathology is known to affect outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the effect of hip osteoarthritis (OA) on outcomes following lumbar fusion has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between hip OA and spinal reoperation following lumbar spinal fusion.

The Effect of Osteoporosis on Complications and Reoperation Rates After Surgical Management of Adult Thoracolumbar Spinal Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

Study Design: Systematic Review.

Objectives: While substantial research has explored the impact of osteoporosis on patients undergoing adult spinal deformity (ASD) correction, the literature remains inconclusive. As such, the purpose of this study is to synthesize and analyze existing studies pertaining to osteoporosis as a predictor of postoperative outcomes in ASD surgery.

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Rationale, Designs, and Results of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: This review outlines clinical data and characteristics of current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved implants in cervical disc replacement/cervical disc arthroplasty (CDR/CDA) to provide a centralized resource for spine surgeons.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CDR/CDA were identified using a search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The initial search identified 69 studies.

The Incidence of Vertebral Artery Injury in Cervical Spine Surgery.

Background: Previously reported estimates of vertebral artery injuries (VAIs) during cervical spine surgery relied on self-reported survey studies and retrospective cohorts, which may not be reflective of national averages. The largest study to date reports an incidence of 0.07%; however, significant variation exists between different cervical spine procedures.

Nationwide Analysis of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Trends: Regional Variations in Utilization and Population Characteristics.

Study Design/setting: Retrospective cohort analysis.

Objectives: This study evaluates utilization and demographic trends for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusions across the United States (US).

Methods: Patients who underwent SIJ fusion from 2010-2021 were identified within the PearlDiver national database using International Classification of Disease (ICD-9, ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

Complication Rates and Utilization Trends of 3-Level Posterior Column Osteotomy Compared to Single-Level Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess differences in complication profiles between 3-level posterior column osteotomy (PCO) and single-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) as both are reported to provide similar degrees of sagittal correction.

Methods: The PearlDiver database was queried retrospectively using International Classification of Disease, 9th and 10th edition and Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients who underwent PCO or PSO for degenerative spine disease. Patients under age 18 or with history of spinal malignancy, infection, or trauma were excluded.

The Effect of COVID-19 on Spine Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis.

Objective: To characterize the impact of COVID-19 on utilization of the ten most common spine procedures and percentages of outpatient procedures.

Methods: The PearlDiver national database was queried from January 2010 to April 2021 for short (<6 segments) and long segment posterior instrumented fusion posterior cervical fusion, anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), cervical laminectomy, laminoplasty, and disc arthroplasty, lumbar laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and interbody fusion.

Anteroposterior pelvic radiograph findings correlate with sagittal spinopelvic motion.

It has been well documented in the arthroplasty literature that lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) contributes to abnormal spinopelvic motion. However, the relationship between the severity or pattern of hip osteoarthritis (OA) as measured on an anteroposterior (AP) pelvic view and spinopelvic biomechanics has not been well investigated. Therefore, the aim of the study is to examine the association between the severity and pattern of hip OA and spinopelvic motion.

Preoperative Epidural Steroid Injection Does Not Increase Infection Risk Following Posterior Cervical Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the infection risk of preoperative epidural steroid injection (ESI) in patients undergoing posterior cervical surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: ESI is a helpful tool for alleviating pain and is often used as a diagnostic tool before cervical surgery.

Are Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Medicare Reimbursement Trends Sustainable?

Background: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 as a motion-sparing procedure to treat cervical degenerative disc disease. Since then, promising results from randomized control trials have led to increasing popularity. However, data discussing monetary trends are limited.

The Correlation Between Pelvic Motion and Lumbar Motion in Patients Presenting With a Lumbar Spinal Pathology: Implications for Assessing Dislocation Risk in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Arthroplasty surgeons use the change in sacral slope (ΔSS) from sitting to standing as a measure of spinal motion. The relationship between ΔSS and the change in lumbar lordosis (ΔLL), an established spinal motion measure, has not been well studied. This study aims to determine the correlation between ΔSS and ΔLL.

Preoperative radiographic findings associated with postoperative spinopelvic risk factors for instability following total hip arthroplasty.

Postoperative spinopelvic changes are associated with increased dislocation risk following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to identify preoperative patient and radiographic factors associated with high-risk postoperative spinopelvic parameters. A retrospective review of consecutive THA patients who received preoperative and postoperative sitting and standing lateral lumbar spine-hip radiographs with minimum radiographic and clinical follow-up of 10 months was performed.

The Role of Psychosocial Screening in Patient Selection for Spine Surgery: A Review.

Background: The purpose of this review is to provide a brief history of previous attempts at developing patient screening tools and to further examine the definitions of these psychological concepts, relevance to clinical outcomes, and implications for spine surgeons during preoperative patient assessments.

Methods: A literature review was performed by 2 independent researchers to identify original manuscripts related to spine surgery and novel psychological concepts. The history of presurgical psychology screening was also studied, and definitions of frequently utilized metrics were detailed.

Safety and Efficacy of Rivaroxaban in Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: An optimal venous thromboembolism prophylaxis agent should balance efficacy and safety. While rivaroxaban provides effective venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after total joint arthroplasty, it may be associated with higher rates of bleeding. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban to aspirin and enoxaparin.

The Role of Sex Hormones in Degenerative Disc Disease.

Study Design: Narrative review.

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to outline the role of sex hormones, particularly estrogen, in the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Methods: A narrative review of studies discussing sex hormones and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration was conducted through a search of bibliographic databases to identify various mechanisms involved in effectuating DDD.

Does Prednisone Dose Affect Rates of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Primary Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Background: Prednisone use is associated with higher rates of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, the relationship between prednisone dosage and infection risk is ill-defined. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between prednisone dosage and rates of PJI following TJA.

The Incidence of Double Crush Syndrome in Surgically Treated Patients.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: Cervical radiculopathy and peripheral entrapment neuropathies often have overlapping symptoms that are difficult to distinguish on physical examination. Small-scale studies have attempted to report the incidence of this phenomenon, often called double crush syndrome (DCS), with varying results.

Secondary Fracture Rate After Vertebral Osteoporotic Compression Fracture Is Decreased by Anti-Osteoporotic Medication but Not Increased by Cement Augmentation.

Background: Painful vertebral osteoporotic compression fractures (OCFs) are often treated with cement augmentation, although controversies exist as to whether or not this increases the secondary fracture risk. Prevention of secondary fracture includes treatment of underlying osteoporosis. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) whether cement augmentation increases the rate of secondary fracture compared with nonoperative management, (2) whether anti-osteoporotic medications reduce the rate of secondary fracture, and (3) the rate of osteoporosis treatment with medications following vertebral OCF.

Current and Future Advanced Imaging Modalities for the Diagnosis of Early Osteoarthritis of the Hip.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) can be idiopathic or develop secondary to structural joint abnormalities of the hip joint (alteration of normal anatomy) and/or due to a systemic condition with joint involvement. Early osteoarthritic changes to the hip can be completely asymptomatic or may cause the development hip symptomatology without evidence of OA on radiographs. Delaying the progression of hip OA is critical due to the significant impact of this condition on the patient's quality of life.