Evaluation of Coflex interspinous stabilization following decompression compared with decompression and posterior lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease: A minimum 5-year follow-up study

Few studies have compared the clinical and radiological outcomes between Coflex interspinous stabilization and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for degenerative lumbar disease. We compared the at least 5-year clinical and radiological outcomes of Coflex stabilization and PLIF for lumbar degenerative disease. Eighty-seven consecutive patients with lumbar degenerative disease were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-two patients underwent decompression and Coflex interspinous stabilization (Coflex group), 45 patients underwent decompression and PLIF (PLIF group). Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. Coflex subjects experienced less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and shorter operative time than PLIF (all p < 0.001). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale back and leg pain at each follow-up time point. The Coflex group had significantly better clinical outcomes during early follow-up. At final follow-up, the superior and inferior adjacent segments motion had no significant change in the Coflex group, while the superior adjacent segment motion increased significantly in the PLIF group. At final follow-up, the operative level motion was significantly decreased in both groups, but was greater in the Coflex group. The reoperation rate for adjacent segment disease was higher in the PLIF group, but this did not achieve statistical significance (11.1% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.277). Both groups provided sustainable improved clinical outcomes for lumbar degenerative disease through at least 5-year follow-up. The Coflex group had significantly better early efficacy than the PLIF group. Coflex interspinous implantation after decompression is safe and effective for lumbar degenerative disease.     

Comparison of adjacent segment disease after minimally invasive or open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a potential long-term risk after lumbar fusion. Its incidence has been evaluated in anterior and posterior lumbar interbody fusions, but few studies have focused on transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Relative risk of ASD with open or minimally invasive (MI) TLIF is poorly understood. To report our experience with risk for ASD in patients receiving TLIF and test its association with surgical approach, we performed a retrospective cohort study based on medical record review at a single institution. Eligible patients were ⩾18 years old at operation, underwent single-level TLIF during the period 2007–2008, and had at least 6 months postoperative follow-up. Patients were categorized by surgical approach (open versus MI). Primary outcome of interest was development of symptomatic ASD, defined by (1) new back and/or leg pain, (2) imaging findings adjacent to original surgical level, and (3) decision to treat. A total of 68 patients (16 open, 52 MI) were included in the analysis. Groups had similar baseline characteristics, except the open group tended to be older (p = 0.04). Seven (10%) patients developed ASD. Mean patient age was 62 years and three were male. Three underwent open and four underwent MI TLIF. Risk of ASD did not differ significantly by surgical approach. The MI group showed a trend toward decreased risk of ASD compared to the open group, although it was not statistically significant. This suggests MI TLIF may be associated with decreased long-term morbidity compared to the open approach. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes in hybrid constructs for multi-level lumbar degenerative disc disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of hybrid constructs which involve a total disc arthroplasty (TDA) with stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) versus non-hybrid constructs including multi-level TDA, multi-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with posterior transpedicular fixation or multi-level stand-alone ALIF as a surgical intervention for degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the lumbar spine. Primary outcomes analysed included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar was undertaken by two separate reviewers and a meta-analysis of the outcomes was performed. Three studies met our search criteria. When comparing hybrid constructs to multi-level TDA or lumbar fusion (LF) improvements in back pain were found with a VAS back pain score reduction of 1.38 (P < 0.00001) postoperatively and a VAS back pain score reduction of 0.99 points (P = 0.0006) at 2-years follow-up. Results so far slightly favour clinically significant improved VAS back pain score outcomes postoperatively and at 2-years follow-up for hybrid constructs in multi-level lumbar DDD of the spine when compared with non-hybrid multi-level LF or TDA. It cannot however be concluded that a hybrid construct is superior to multi-level LF or TDA based on this meta-analysis. The results highlight the need for further prospective studies to delineate best practice in the management of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.     

后路及单侧椎间孔和前路腰椎椎体间融合并置入椎弓根螺钉后相邻节段的生物力学变化

目的：比较经后路、单侧椎间孔、前路腰椎椎体间融合及附加椎弓根螺钉后相邻节段的力学性能。 方法：新鲜的雄性小牛L1~L5节段脊柱标本15具。随机取5只标本作为正常对照组,在非破坏状况下测试其力学指标后,再将15只标本随机分为3组,按要求制作L4/5前路椭圆形碳纤维Cage 1枚融合（前路腰椎椎体间融合组）、后路长方体碳纤维椎间Cage 2枚融合（后路腰椎椎体间融合组）和侧方椎间钛合金Cage 1枚融合（单侧椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合组）模型。测试完成后,每个标本附加L4/5节段双侧Moss-miamiTM椎弓根螺钉测试。 结果：3种融合方法在附加内固定前后应变和位移都高于正常对照组,强度低于正常对照组（P<0.01）,3组间以单侧椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合组变化最大,后路腰椎椎体间融合组最小（P<0.05）;在内固定前后配对比较,附加内固定后各组应变、位移增加,强度降低（P<0.05）。 结论：3种融合方法在附加内固定前后都有加速上位相邻节段退变的趋势,附加内固定比单纯融合更易导致相邻节段退变,单侧椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合退变趋势更加明显,后路腰椎椎体间融合的趋势相对较小。     

三种单纯腰椎椎间融合并双侧椎弓根螺钉内固定后即刻稳定性的比较

背景：椎间融合术按照手术入路主要有前路椎间融合术、后路椎间融合术和椎间孔入路椎间融合术。3种融合术术中切除的结构不同，融合器置入的部位不同，其腰椎即刻稳定性也存在差异。 目的：比较前路椎间融合术、后路椎间融合术、椎间孔入路椎间融合术加用双侧椎弓根螺钉内固定后腰椎即刻稳定性的差异。 设计：对比观察。 材料：腰椎标本来自新鲜小牛15具。 方法：模拟临床手术建立前路椎间融合术、后路椎间融合术、椎间孔入路椎间融合术3种椎间融合术模型，先将所有标本作为正常对照组进行测试，然后将标本随机分为3组，每组5个标本，制成单纯椎间融合组，分别采用3种椎间融合术测试后，在此基础上再附加双侧椎弓根螺钉内固定进行测试。 主要观察指标：脊柱三维运动测试机上测试3种模型加用双侧椎弓根螺钉固定前后腰椎生物力学特性的变化。 结果：行3种单纯椎间融合后，腰椎的稳定性能明显下降，附加了双侧椎弓根螺钉固定后，腰椎的各项稳定性指标均增强，包括扭转力学指标也得到了很大增强，有效增加了腰椎的刚度。椎间孔入路椎间融合术各项稳定性指标都明显优于其他两种方法，说明椎间孔入路椎间融合术的即刻稳定性能在3者中最有优势。后路椎间融合术的刚度明显强于前路椎间融合术，应变和应力也较前路椎间融合术有优势，但是其扭转稳定性却不如前路椎间融合术。 结论：行单纯椎间融合术后，腰椎的稳定性较正常对照组均有明显下降，在加用双侧椎弓根螺钉内固定后能有效地提高其稳定性能。在3种椎间融合术中，椎间孔入路椎间融合术的腰椎即刻稳定性能最优。     

Posterolateral lumbar fusion versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis

This study compares the safety and efficacy of posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). Forty DLS patients with Cobb angles of 20–60 degrees were randomized into either the PLF or TLIF treatment group, and were followed up for 2–5 years. Operating time, intraoperative blood loss, clinical outcomes, complications and imaging were compared between the two groups. There were significant differences between the PLF and TLIF treatment groups in operative time (187.8 ± 63.5 minutes and 253.2 ± 57.6 minutes, respectively; p = 0.002) and intraoperative blood loss (1166.7 ± 554.1 mL and 1673.7 ± 922.4 mL, respectively; p = 0.048). The occurrence rates of early complications in the two groups were 11.1% and 26.3%. The recovery rates of the lumbar lordotic angle and spinal sagittal balance were significantly different (36.7% versus 62.5% and 44.8% versus 64.1%, respectively). In various domains of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, the scores for pain and satisfaction with the treatment showed significant differences between PLF and TLIF group (p = 0.033 and p = 0.006, for pain and satisfaction respectively), and the TLIF group showed better outcomes than the PLF group. There were no significant differences in the recovery rates in the Cobb angle and the spinal coronal balance, function, self-image, or mental health scores. Although TLIF increases the surgical trauma and occurrence of complications, it helps to improve lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance and shows better clinical outcomes. For patients without significant loss of lumbar lordosis and with good spinal sagittal balance preoperatively, PLF is still an option.     

Survivorship and clinical outcomes after multi-level anterior lumbar reconstruction with stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion or hybrid construct

In multilevel disc disease, there is still uncertainty regarding whether multiple total disc replacement is more effective and safer than fusion. Our objective was to measure and compare the clinical outcome of multilevel hybrid constructs with stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using a retrospective analysis. Sixty-four patients with chronic low back pain determined to be from two or three-level degenerative disc disease were included. Thirty-three patients were treated with hybrid fusion and 31 with ALIF. Several parameters were retrospectively reviewed, including blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and survivorship without the need for revision surgery. Telephone follow-ups were conducted to ascertain survivorship, clinical outcomes (VAS, ODI) and patient satisfaction. Operation time was longer in the hybrid group (p = 0.021). The hybrid group showed a significant improvement in VAS and ODI with 52.2% and 50.0% improvement versus 28.3% and 25.5% in the ALIF group (p < 0.05). At the telephone follow-up for patient satisfaction, 95.7% (n = 22) of the hybrid group were satisfied and 95.2% (n = 21) of the ALIF group were satisfied. Seventy-four percent (n = 17) in the hybrid group and 85.7% (n = 18) in the ALIF group would choose to do the initial surgery again. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed 80.5% survivorship for hybrids and 75.9% for ALIF at 5 years. With our clinical outcomes in VAS and ODI scores, these results, when taken together, indicate that hybrid fusion is a valid and viable alternative to ALIF fusion, with at least equal if not better clinical outcomes in terms of survivorship, back pain, and disability scores.     

Endoscopy-assisted posterior lumbar interbody fusion in a single segment

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) has been routinely performed for the treatment of lumbar segmental lesions. However, traditional PLIF procedures can result in a variety of approach-related morbidities. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of endoscopy-assisted PLIF in lumbar arthrodesis. From July 2005 to May 2007, a total of 56 patients underwent PLIF, including 24 endoscopy-assisted operations (endoscopic group) and 32 traditional open operations (open group). The perioperative data, clinical outcomes and radiographic results were compared. The intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion volumes, values for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate on postoperative day 3 and postoperative hospitalization days were decreased in the endoscopic group (p < 0.05), while the operative time was longer than that of the open group (p = 0.026). According to the Visual Analog Scale for pain, the postoperative low back pain score in the endoscopic group was lower than that observed in the open group (p < 0.05). In the endoscopic group, the excellent and good outcome rate was 87.5%, the incidence of complications was 8.3%, and the intervertebral fusion rate was 100%. There were no significant differences for these outcomes when compared with the open group (p > 0.05). Endoscopy-assisted PLIF can achieve a clinical efficacy similar to that of traditional open operations while minimizing destruction to adjacent tissues. This technique is safe and is characterized by less bleeding, less tissue trauma, decreased postoperative pain, rapid recovery, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay.     

Combination Ti/PEEK ALIF cage for anterior lumbar interbody fusion: Early clinical and radiological results

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a common procedure for patients with degenerative pathologies of the lumbar spine. In this study, the clinical and radiological outcomes of a combination titanium/polyetheretherketone (Ti/PEEK) ALIF cages in one, two and three-level surgery were evaluated. Over an 18-month time period, a prospective single surgeon series of 20 implants (15 patients) were included in the study, with minimum 10-months follow-up. From these 15 patients, two were supplemented with posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for additional stability. Radiological follow-up with fine cut CT scan at 9–12 months was performed to evaluate early fusion rates, and integration of the Titanium/PEEK cage at the endplate junction. 20 implants were followed for a minimum of 10 months, and a mean of 15 months. A 95% (19/20 implants) fusion rate with no implant related complications was achieved at the mean 15-month postoperative mark. Patients experienced statistically significant improvement in pain and functional outcomes (SF12 and ODI) compared to their pre-operative status. A single patient with a non-union at L5/S1 (smoker) did not experience any improvement in symptoms. A Ti–PEEK cage, with allograft and BMP-2 to achieve interbody fusion is an effective implant for use in anterior lumbar surgery with high fusion rates, no lucency around the titanium endplates at follow-up, and with promising early results.     

Unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation for single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) has become an increasingly popular method of lumbar arthrodesis. However, there are few published studies comparing the clinical outcomes between unilateral and bilateral instrumented MIS TLIF. Sixty-five patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease were enrolled in this study. Thirty-one patients were randomized to the unilateral group and 34 to the bilateral group. Recorded demographic data included sex, age, preoperative diagnosis, and degenerated segment. Operative time, blood loss, hospital stay length, complication rates, and fusion rates were also evaluated. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score data were obtained. All patients were asked to follow-up at 3 and 6 months after surgery, and once every 6 months thereafter. The mean follow-up was 26.6 months (range 18–36 months). The two groups were similar in sex, age, preoperative diagnosis, and operated level. The unilateral group had significantly shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and shorter hospital time than the bilateral group. The average postoperative ODI and VAS scores improved significantly in each group. No significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to ODI and VAS. All patients showed evidence of fusion at 12 months postoperatively. The total fusion rate, screw failure, and general complication rate were not significantly different. Results showed that single-level MIS TLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation would be sufficient in the management of preoperatively stable patients with lumbar degenerative disease. It seems that MIS TLIF with unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation is a better choice for single-level degenerative lumbar spine disease.     

Do obese patients have worse outcomes after direct lateral interbody fusion compared to non-obese patients?

Obese patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery are a challenge to the operating surgeon. Direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) has been performed for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine with good outcomes; nevertheless, how obese patients fare compared to non-obese patients after DLIF remains unknown. The primary aim of this study is to compare rates of postoperative complications and long-term outcomes between obese and non-obese patients undergoing DLIF. Sixty-three patients (obese: 29, non-obese: 34) undergoing index DLIF for degenerative disease of the spine between 2010 and 2012 at our institution were retrospectively enrolled. We analyzed data on demographics, postoperative complications, back and leg pain, and functional disability over 2 years. Patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back and leg pain numerical rating scores before surgery, then at 12 and 24 months after surgery. Outcomes and complication rates were compared between the cohorts. The cohorts were similar at baseline. Postoperative complications rates were similar between obese and non-obese patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of durotomy (p = 0.91), anterior thigh numbness (p = 0.60), cerebrospinal fluid leak (p = 0.91), postoperative infection (p = 0.37), or bleeding requiring transfusion (p = 0.16). No patient experienced a nerve injury or psoas hematoma. Both cohorts had similar 2 year improvement in VAS for back pain, leg pain, and ODI. Our study demonstrates that obese and non-obese patients undergoing DLIF have similar complication profiles; hence, a patient’s weight should not be a contraindication to DLIF.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion rates performed without posterolateral fusion

The need for posterolateral fusion (PLF) in addition to interbody fusion during minimally invasive (MIS) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has yet to be established. Omitting a PLF significantly reduces overall surface area available for achieving a solid arthrodesis, however it decreases the soft tissue dissection and costs of additional bone graft. The authors sought to perform a meta-analysis to establish the fusion rate of MIS TLIF performed without attempting a PLF. We performed an extensive Medline and Ovid database search through December 2010 revealing 39 articles. Inclusion criteria necessitated that a one or two level TLIF procedure was performed through a paramedian MIS approach with bilateral posterior pedicle screw instrumentation and without posterolateral bone grafting. CT scan verified fusion rates were mandatory for inclusion. Seven studies (case series and case-controls) met inclusion criteria with a total of 408 patients who underwent MIS TLIF as described above. The mean age was 50.7 years and 56.6% of patients were female. A total of 78.9% of patients underwent single level TLIF. Average radiographic follow-up was 15.6 months. All patients had local autologous interbody bone grafting harvested from the pars interarticularis and facet joint of the approach side. Either polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or allograft interbody cages were used in all patients. Overall fusion rate, confirmed by bridging trabecular interbody bone on CT scan, was 94.7%. This meta-analysis suggests that MIS TLIF performed with interbody bone grafting alone has similar fusion rates to MIS or open TLIF performed with interbody supplemented with posterolateral bone grafting and fusion.     

Psychiatric comorbidities in patients from seven families with autosomal dominant cortical tremor,myoclonus, and epilepsy

ObjectiveThe objective of this report was to assess the psychiatric comorbidity in a group of patients affected by autosomal dominant cortical tremor, myoclonus, and epilepsy (ADCME).MethodsReliable and validated psychodiagnostic scales including the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), STAI-Y1 and 2 (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory — Y; 1 and 2), MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory — 2), and QoLIE-31 (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory — 31) were administered to 20 patients with ADCME, 20 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and 20 healthy controls.ResultsThere was a higher prevalence of mood disorders in patients with ADCME compared to patients with JME and healthy controls, particularly depression (p = 0.035 and p = 0.017, respectively) and state anxiety (p = 0.024 and p = 0.019, respectively). Trait anxiety was not different from JME (p = 0.102) but higher than healthy controls (p = 0.017). The myoclonus score positively correlated with both state (rho: 0.58, p = 0.042) and trait anxiety (rho: 0.65, p = 0.011). These psychiatric features were also often associated with pathological traits of personality: paranoid (OR: 25.7, p = 0.003), psychasthenia (OR: 7.0, p = 0.023), schizophrenia (OR: 8.5, p = 0.011), and hypomania (OR: 5.5, p = 0.022). Finally, in patients with ADCME, decreased quality of life correlated with these psychiatric symptoms.SignificancePatients with ADCME show a significant psychiatric burden that impairs their quality of life. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation should be offered at the time of diagnosis to detect these comorbidities and to treat them.     

Factors associated with behavioral problems and cognitive impairment in children with epilepsy of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of the Congo

BackgroundBehavioral problems and cognitive impairment are common in children with epilepsy (CWE). In sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about these comorbidities particularly their relationships with socioeconomic features. The goal of this study was to identify clinical and socioeconomic factors associated with behavioral problems and cognitive impairment in CWE of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).MethodsThis cross-sectional hospital-based study had included 104 CWE aged 6 to 17 years. Behavioral problems were assessed by the child behavior checklist. The Wechsler nonverbal scale of ability was used to assess cognitive impairment.ResultsAt least one behavioral problem was found in 34.6% of CWE. Internalized problems were increasing with father’s age (p = 0.034). Externalized problems were increasing with the decreased of mother’s age (p = 0.009) and with a previous antiepileptic treatment (p = 0.032). Total behavioral problems were increasing with a previous antiepileptic treatment (p = 0.029). Cognitive impairment was present in 73.3% of CWE. It was more common in boys (p = 0.013), and it was increasing with a low household daily expenses (p = 0.034), with a previous antiepileptic treatment (p = 0.041), with an early onset of epileptic seizures (p = 0.042), and with a high frequency of epileptic seizures (p = 0.011).ConclusionBehavioral problems and cognitive impairment are common in CWE. Multivariate analysis has shown that behavioral problems were associated with socioeconomic features only. Contrariwise, cognitive impairment was associated with both socioeconomic factors and clinical features. There is a need of more studies to improve knowledge of these comorbidities in the sub-Saharan Africa context.     

Experience with transforaminal interbody fusion in corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

One of the surgical goals during the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is to preserve segments and thus mobility while achieving a well-balanced spine on all planes. The transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) technique allows for a significant degree of rotational correction and thus may allow for preservation of more mobile segments. This retrospective study analyzed the use of TLIF in AIS patients who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2009 at a single center, and discusses the degree of curve correction, complications and outcomes. All curves were classified using the Lenke classification system. Standing posterior-anterior Cobb angle, sagittal and coronal balance, percent correction, and end/stable/neutral/apical vertebra were determined on preoperative, postoperative and follow-up radiographs. Nine patients were identified (eight women and one man) ranging in age from 11.6–18 years. All TLIF procedures were performed at the L2/3 level. Lenke curves included 5CN (n = 5), 5BN (n = 2), and 6CN (n = 2). Average follow-up was 27.4 months (range, 12–57 months). Average postoperative curve correction was 79%. One patient underwent revision surgery. All patients remained stable from a clinical and radiographic standpoint on their last follow-up visit. TLIF is an important adjunct in the surgical management of select AIS patients. By allowing for greater rotational correction, it may be possible to preserve one more mobile segment without decompensation or overcorrection. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the role of TLIF in AIS. Future studies are warranted in determining those who will maximally benefit from this technique.     

Impact of surgical site infection and surgical debridement on lumbar arthrodesis: A single-institution analysis of incidence and risk factors

This study identifies the rate of pseudarthrosis following surgical debridement for deep lumbar spine surgical site infection and identify associated risk factors. Patients who underwent index lumbar fusion surgery from 2013 to 2014 were included if they met the following criteria: 1) age >18 years, 2) had debridement of deep lumbar SSI, and had 3) lumbar spine AP, lateral and flexion/extension X-rays and computed tomography (CT) at 12 months or greater postoperatively. Criteria for fusion included 1) solid posterolateral, facet, or disk space bridging bone, 2) no translational or angular motion on flexion/extension X-rays, and 3) intact posterior hardware without evidence of screw lucency or breakage. Twenty-five patients (age 63.2 ± 12.6 years, 10 male) involving 58 spinal levels met inclusion criteria. They underwent fusion at a mean of 2.32 [range 1–4] spinal levels. Sixteen (64.0%) patients received interbody grafts at a total of 34 (58.6%) spinal levels. All underwent surgical debridement with removal of all non-incorporated posterior bone graft and devascularized tissue. At one-year postoperatively, (56%) patients and 30 (52%) spinal levels demonstrated radiographic evidence of successful fusion. Interbody cage during initial fusion was significantly associated with successful arthrodesis at follow-up (p = 0.017). There is a high rate of pseudoarthrosis in 44% of patients (48% of levels) undergoing lumbar fusion surgery complicated by SSI requiring debridement. Use of interbody cage during initial fusion was significantly associated with higher rate of arthrodesis.     

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF): A single-center clinical and radiological follow-up study of 20 patients

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is an alternative to standard posterior approaches for achieving fusion in the lumbar spine. It allows exposure of the lateral aspect of the lumbar disc through a lateral approach with the possibility to insert a wide footprint interbody cage as a stand-alone procedure or associated with a uni- or bilateral percutaneous fixation.This is a retrospective series of 20 consecutive patients operated with a XLIF procedure from 2014 to 2015. N = 10 women and N = 10 men with a mean age of 67.5 years (range 37.9–81.2) were included in the study. N = 18 patients have been operated at one level, while N = 2 patients underwent a double-level XLIF. The index levels were: L2-L3 in 2, L3-L4 in 7, L4-L5 in 9 and L3-L5 in 2 patients, respectively. The mean clinico-radiological follow-up was 9.8 months (range 2.5–16.6). The clinical outcome was assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Euro-Qol (EQ)-5D, visual analogue scale (VAS) and EQ-5D index scores. Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up sagittal balance was assessed by EOS full spine X-ray. Furthermore, presence or absence of fusion was assessed by thin cuts CT scan at the end of the follow-up.The analysis highlighted a clear clinical improvement for the study collective. The mean ODI improved from 41.6 preoperatively to 23.5 at the last follow-up (p < 0.0036). EQ-5D VAS and EQ-5D index improved from 45.5 to 71.8 (p < 0.0001) and from 0.454 to 0.693 (p < 0.0002), respectively. Analysis of the sagittal balance revealed an increase of the total lumbar lordosis, however not in a statistically significant manner (p = 0.164). Furthermore, an increase of 55.7% in mean disc height (from 7.0 mm to 10.9 mm) has been observed (p < 0.0001). Surprisingly, the right foramen height was increased in a statistically significant manner compared to the left one, but both of them increased in absolute values. However, foraminal area on both sides did not significantly increase. The mean canal area was 115.7 mm² preoperatively and 136.5 mm² at follow-up (p = 0.1325). Radiological fusion was observed in every case at the end of the follow-up period.The XLIF procedure accomplishes a secure and effective interbody fusion. This approach allows for an indirect decompression of neural structures by restoring foramen dimensions and disc space height, leading to an improvement of symptoms. Furthermore, XLIF seems to improve segmental sagittal balance.     

Predictors of seizures in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

PurposeAlthough seizures are common in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), epilepsy is rare. Our objective was to identify predictors and impact of seizures in patients with PRES.MethodsA retrospective review of the clinical and radiological parameters of all patients diagnosed with PRES from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of PRES-related seizures at presentation or during their hospital course. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with the occurrence of PRES-related seizures.ResultsOf 100 patients, 70% experienced at least one seizure from PRES. On univariate analysis, the factors associated with seizures were the following: high Charlson comorbidity index (4.16 ± 2.89 vs. 2.87 ± 2.20, p = 0.03), systemic malignancy (41.4% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.02), occipital lobe involvement (97.1% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.02), more lobes involved (4.6 ± 1.48 vs. 3.9 ± 1.32, p = 0.03) but less likely in patients with visual disturbances (15.7% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.005), and facial droop (12.9% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, only occipital lobe involvement was significantly (odds ratio: 9.63, 95% CI: 1.45–64.10, p = 0.02) associated with the occurrence of PRES-related seizures. Despite the occurrence of seizures, they were less likely to require a nursing home placement upon hospital discharge (odds ratio: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03–0.91, p = 0.04).ConclusionWe conclude that seizures are common in patients with occipital lobe involvement from PRES.     

White matter disruption is associated with persistent seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex

Background and aimsWhite matter is diffusely altered in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and these alterations appear to be more evident in subjects with a more severe neurologic phenotype. However, little is known on the correlation between white matter alterations and epilepsy in TSC. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of early onset and refractory seizures on white matter by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).MethodsWe enrolled 20 children with TSC and epilepsy onset in the first 3 years of life and grouped them according to seizure persistence or freedom. All patients underwent brain MRI with DTI. Specific ROIs have were placed to generate tracks to calculate fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA.ResultsChildren with persistent seizures presented an overall reduced FA, with statistically significant differences on the cingulum (right p = 0.003, left p = 0.016), the left cerebral peduncle (p = 0.020), the superior cerebellar peduncles (right p = 0.008, left p = 0.002), the posterior limbs of internal capsule (right p = 0.037, left p = 0.015), the external capsule (right p = 0.018, left p = 0.031), the inferior frontooccipital fasciculus (right p = 0.010, left p = 0.026), and the temporal trunk (right p = 0.017, left p = 0.001).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that children with persistent seizures present more significant alterations of brain connectivity in areas crucial for global cognitive maturation, executive functions, and verbal abilities, implying a higher risk of cognitive impairment, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism.