A history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion predicts proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal deformity surgery.

Background: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a common complication following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery and puts patients at an increased risk for neurological injury. As reoperation continues to be the mainstay treatment, there is utility in identifying independent preoperative risk factors for PJK development. The aim of this study was to determine whether a history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) predicts increased incidence of PJK after ASD correction.

Early outcomes with virtual surgical planning software and patient-specific instrumentation in adult spinal deformity.

Objective: Software engineering innovations have led to the development of virtual surgical planning software (VSPS) for deformity correction. VSPS uses calibrated radiographs and machine learning predictive models to simulate postoperative spinopelvic parameters based on corrective techniques and anticipated compensatory/reciprocal changes. The authors aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of deformity correction in adult spinal deformity using VSPS and patient-specific rods manufactured based on a simulated plan.

Lumbar Fusion With Micro- & Nano-Textured, 3D Printed Porous Titanium Versus PEEK Interbody Cages in TLIF: A Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study DesignProspective, randomized controlled study.ObjectiveAssess early radiological outcomes in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with 3D-printed porous titanium (3DPPT) compared to PEEK.MethodsSingle-blinded prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing 1-2 level TLIF with micro- & nano-textured, 3DPPT vs PEEK cages from 11/2021 to 5/2023.

Modified Five-item Frailty Index (mFI-5) versus Grip Strength as predictors of length of stay, discharge to home, and early surgical complications in patients undergoing long segment fusion.

Objectives: In this paper, the authors aim to compare the ability of grip strength and the Modified Five-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) to predict outcomes and complications in patients undergoing long segment spinal fusion.

Methods: An IRB-approved chart review was conducted to collect data on patient grip strength, comorbidities, and post-operative course. Hand grip strength was measured with the Camry Digital Hand Dynamometer.

Long-term Postural Stability Changes After Correction of Spinal Deformity: A Prospective, Controlled Pilot Study.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the durability of postural stability after ASD correction surgery and its association with clinical outcomes.

Summary Of Background Data: The prevalence of symptomatic adult spinal deformity (ASD) necessitates surgical intervention, aiming to correct global spinal balance and spinopelvic parameters.

3D printed titanium banana interbody cages versus titanium-coated PEEK bullet cages for TLIF.

Introduction: Lumbar degenerative spinal disease is a common, major cause of pain and disability. Titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are popular materials for interbody implants although evidence is mixed on which material is superior in terms of fusion and subsidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of 3D printed titanium (3DPT) cages in patients undergoing TLIFs, as well as complication profiles based on widely used outcome metrics and reoperation events.

A prospective evaluation of cellular bone matrix for posterolateral lumbar fusion.

Introduction: Autograft bone is the gold standard graft used in posterolateral lumbar intertransverse fusion (PLF) but can be limited by supply and donor site morbidity. Cadaveric cellular allografts represent an alternative source of graft material that avoids these limitations.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of ViviGenCellular Bone Matrix in comparison to autograft bone in PLF.

Comparison of intra-operative skull fixation techniques on cervical sagittal parameters.

Background: There is limited literature concerning the use of bi-vector traction to a Mayfield following posterior cervical fusion with respect to cervical alignment parameters. The objective of this study was to determine how variability of intra-operative fixation methods for posterior cervical fusion affects post-operative cervical sagittal alignment parameters.

Methods: After institutional review board (IRB) approval, retrospective chart review of a total of 54 patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion from July 2017 to December 2019 was conducted.

The effect of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy on fusion rate in spinal surgery using osteobiologics for patients with metastatic spinal disease: a systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the impact that adjuvant therapies like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have on osteobiologic properties and bony regeneration in patients with metastatic spine disease (MSD) undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

Methods: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov searches were performed.

Infinity: A Prospective Trial for Safety and Accuracy of Navigated Posterior Cervical and Thoracic Instrumentation in Long-segment Fusions.

Study Design: Unblinded single-arm prospective clinical trial.

Objective: Evaluate safety and accuracy of navigation for placement of posterior cervicothoracic instrumentation.

Summary Of Background Data: Computer-assisted stereotactic navigation for placement of spinal instrumentation has been widely studied and implemented in the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Microbial etiology of vertebral osteomyelitis/discitis amid the opioid epidemic.

Objective: The primary goal of this study was to establish the current microbial trends in vertebral osteomyelitis/discitis (VOD) amid the opioid epidemic and to determine if intravenous drug use (IVDU) predisposes one to a unique microbial profile of infection.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective cohort study consisting of 1175 adult patients diagnosed with VOD between 2011 and 2022 at a single quaternary center. Data were acquired through retrospective chart review, with pertinent demographic and clinical information collected.

Impact of obesity on adult spinal deformity (ASD) long-segment spinal fusion radiographic and clinical outcomes.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review of patients receiving long-segment fusion during a five-year period.

Objective: To determine whether obese patients receive comparable benefits when receiving long-segment fusion compared to non-obese patients and to identify factors that may predict hardware failure and post-surgical complications among obese patients.

Methods: Demographic, spinopelvic radiographic, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and complications data was retrospectively collected from 120 patients who underwent long-segment fusion during a five-year period at one tertiary care medical center.

CT guided biopsy for osteodiscitis reduces cost of hospitalization in the landscape of increasing intravenous drug use: A single center retrospective analysis.

Objective: Osteodiscitis has been demonstrated to show significant morbidity and mortality. Cultures and CT guided biopsy (CTB) are commonly used diagnosis of osteodiscitis. This study's purpose is to evaluate the cost burden of CTB and to evaluate how IVDU affects patient management in the setting of osteodiscitis.

Predicting the Need for Surgery in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A New Internally Validated Scoring System.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Purpose: To propose a scoring system for predicting the need for surgery in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Overview Of Literature: The indications for surgery in patients with LDH are well established.

Use of global sagittal flexibility to predict proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal deformity surgery.

Objective: Sagittal alignment is an important predictor of functional outcomes after surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). A rigid spinal column may create a large lever arm that may impact the rate of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after ASD surgery. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether relatively low preoperative global spinal flexibility (i.

Delayed stenosis associated with sublaminar band placement in the thoracic spine for proximal junctional kyphosis.

Background: Proximal junctional thoracic kyphosis (PJK) is common following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery and may require revision operations. In this case series, we present delayed complications associated with the use of sublaminar banding (SLBs) for PJK prophylaxis.

Case Description: Three patients underwent long-segment thoracolumbar decompression and fusions for ASD.

The Effects of Nicotine- and Cigarette-Related Products on Osteogenesis, Bone Formation, and Bone Mineralization: A Systematic Review.

Background: Many clinicians associate nicotine as the causative agent in the negative and deleterious effects of smoking on bone growth and spine fusion. Although nicotine is the primary driver of physiological addiction in smoking, isolated and controlled use of nicotine is one of the most effective adjuncts to quitting smoking.

Objective: To explore the relationship between nicotine and noncombustion cigarette products on bone growth.

Subsidence Rates Associated With Porous 3D-Printed Versus Solid Titanium Cages in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To determine whether 3D-printed porous titanium (3DPT) interbody cages offer any clinical or radiographic advantage over standard solid titanium (ST) interbody cages in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIF).

Methods: A consecutive series of adult patients undergoing one- or two-level TLIF with either 3DPT or ST "banana" cages were analyzed for patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiographic complications, and clinical complications.

Electronic versus paper patient-reported outcome measure compliance rates: A retrospective analysis.

Objective: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are key tools used to inform clinical research and patient-centered care. Application of data collected from PROMs, however, may be limited by incomplete responses, and little is known regarding the efficacy of varied PROM delivery methods. The objective of this study was to compare PROMs compliance when delivered via paper and electronic formats.

Early Postural Stability Changes in Patients Undergoing Correction of Spinal Deformity: A Prospective, Controlled Pilot Study.

Background Context: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a prevalent condition often requiring surgical intervention. Improved outcomes among ASD patients have been shown to correlate with postoperative spinopelvic parameters, yet little is currently known about the role of postural stability and balance assessment for ASD patients.

Purpose: Explore early changes in postural stability following ASD correction.