Influence of contoured versus straight rod on clinical outcomes and sagittal parameters in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) at L4/5 level-more than 5 years follow-up

BackgroundMinimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is among the most commonly performed surgical procedure to treat lumbar degenerative disorders. In open TLIF procedure, usually rods were contoured to restore normal lumbar sagittal alignment. However, in MIS-TLIF procedure, contoured rods sometimes were easier to rotate and harder to be locked at the satisfactory position due to instrumentation design and limited exposure. Thus, straight rods had been used in single-level MIS-TLIF in our institution. However, the effect of rod contouring on sagittal parameters and clinical outcomes remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the effects of single-segment MIS-TLIF with contoured versus straight rods on sagittal parameters and clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective review of MIS-TLIF at L4/5 was performed between 2009 and 2013 in our hospital. Seventy-six cases were divided into contoured rod group (CR group, n = 35) and straight rod group (SR group, n = 41). Clinical outcomes and radiographic measurements at five years’ follow-up were evaluated by visual analog score (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, spino-pelvic parameters, disc height and fused segment angle. Fusion rate and cage subsidence were also measured.ResultsPreoperative VAS, JOA, ODI and radiographic parameters were comparable between two groups. The average follow-up was 63.72 ± 3.86 months. VAS, JOA and ODI were significantly improved at 5-year follow-up in both groups, and there were no significant differences between two groups(P > 0.05). Fused segment angle (FSA) was greater in CR group than SR group (P = 0.024), while the other radiographic parameters were not significantly different(P > 0.05). Rod process, fusion rate and cage subsidence were not risk factors of post-surgical malalignment, patients with pre-surgical sagittal imbalance was more prone to show post-surgical malalignment (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBoth CR and SR groups acquired satisfactory clinical results. Although contoured rods had better fused segment angle, contoured or straight rods at single L4/5 level had little effect on global spino-pelvic parameters and clinical outcomes in a 5-year follow-up.     

Verification of phycological factors related to health-related quality of life in elderly knee osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundIn recent years, locomotive syndrome, which is a condition requiring nursing care due to musculoskeletal disease, has been reported, and interest in knee osteoarthritis has been increasing. Several studies have reported the physical factors influencing the relationship between knee osteoarthritis and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but there have been no reports verifying the changes over time in the relationship between psychosocial factors and HRQOL. This study aimed to investigate the influence of psychosocial factors on HRQOL in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsEvaluations were conducted at four time points: before exercise therapy intervention, 1 month into intervention, 3 months into intervention, and 1 month after completion of intervention. The items investigated were (1) Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, (2) Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system, (3) Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), (4) Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), (5) Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and (6) Short Form-8 (SF-8).ResultsNo significant differences were seen between each time point of exercise therapy intervention in depression and HRQOL scale but a significant improvement was seen in instrumental ADL and fear of falling at 3 months into intervention. On multiple regression analysis with SF-8 subscales, fear of falling and degree of depression were determined as significant factors affecting physical and mental summary scores.ConclusionElderly patients with knee osteoarthritis require not only intervention for knee function, but also psychological intervention to address decreased activity and depression to improve their HRQOL.     

Current surgical strategies for treating spinal tumors: Results of a questionnaire survey among members of the German Spine Society (DWG)

PurposeQuestionnaire survey among the members of the German Spine Society (Deutsche Wirbelsäulen-Gesellschaft, DWG) to objectify oncological infrastructure and current standard of care in spinal tumor treatment in Germany.MethodsAll DWG-members were contacted via the society's e-mail and asked to respond in anonymized form to a related questionnaire. Questions were asked regarding surgical specialty, type of institution involved, numbers of spinal procedures, as well as questions on treatment for primary tumors, whether the respondent belonged to a tumor center, decision-making procedures for surgery, and the type of procedure.Results84 centers providing surgical treatment for spinal tumors in their departments were identified. 52.6% were carrying out more than 500 spinal procedures per year. There was a significant association (P ≤ 0.05) between the numbers of spinal surgeries, the number of treated tumor patients per year, the organisation in a tumor center and the treatment of primary tumors. 76% are part of a local tumor center for interdisciplinary decision making (i.e.surgical treatment and adjuvant therapy). 74% of the institutions stated that conventional postoperative radiotherapy is standardly administered in the case of secondary lesions, with 24% of them referring patients to external services for radiotherapy.ConclusionIn spite of often large numbers of spinal operations, the centers perform relatively small numbers of tumor operations, particularly for primary tumors. A nearly three-quarter majority of the departments are integrated into interdisciplinary tumor care. However, there is a marked number that do not belong to an interdisciplinary organisation. Further advances in multidisciplinarity and oncology training are a continuous issue to increase treatment quality in spinal tumor patients.     

Pelvic obliquity as a compensatory mechanism leading to lower energy recovery: Characterization among the types of prostheses in subjects with transfemoral amputation

BackgroundSubjects with transfemoral amputation (TFA) show an asymmetric gait pattern associated with a decreased ability to recover mechanical energy and an increased metabolic cost of walking.Research questionThis study aimed to identify the spatio-temporal and kinematic gait variables correlated with mechanical energy values in subjects with TFA and to observe the ability of the identified parameters to discriminate between TFA and controls according to the type of prosthesis.MethodsThe gait of 40 subjects with TFA was evaluated with a motion 3-D optoelectronic system. Nine subjects wore a mechanical prosthesis (TFAm), seventeen a C-Leg prosthesis (TFAc), and fourteen a Genium prosthesis (TFAg). Spatio-temporal and pelvic kinematic parameters were measured. Energy recovery was measured relative to the whole-body center of mass (CoM) kinematics as the fraction of mechanical energy recovered during each walking step (R-step). Correlation tests and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the correlation and association between kinematic and energy variables, respectively. Receiver operating characteristics curves were plotted to assess the ability of the correlated parameter to distinguish subjects with TFA from controls, and optimal cutoff point values were calculated according to the type of prosthesis.ResultsAmong the spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters correlated to R-step, only pelvic obliquity of the prosthetic side was significantly associated with R-step. It showed an excellent ability to discriminate between TFA and controls. Furthermore, pelvic obliquity showed an excellent discriminative ability in identifying TFAm and TFAc and a good discriminative ability in identifying TFAg from controls.SignificancePelvic obliquity plays an important role in energy recovery during gait for subjects using prosthetics. This information might be exploited to monitor the adaptation of subjects with TFA to prosthetic devices, to lower the energetic cost of walking potentially, and to reduce the long-term risks of secondary physical complications in prosthetic users.     

Excessive correction impacts postoperative shoulder imbalance in lenke type 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BackgroundPostoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) has a negative impact on the surgical outcomes of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of PSI in patients with Lenke type 5C curves.MethodsThis study included 100 patients who underwent posterior correction surgery using pedicle screw constructs for Lenke type 5C curves. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 15.5 ± 2.3 years, and the mean follow-up period was 36.6 ± 15.0 months. The subjects were classified into the following two groups: PSI and non-PSI. Radiographic parameters, including the preoperative and 2-year postoperative coronal and sagittal profiles, were compared between the two groups.ResultPSI was found in eight patients (8.0%). The preoperative Cobb angles were 47.3° ± 8.7° and 48.0° ± 3.9° in the non-PSI and PSI groups, respectively. The correction rate in the PSI group was significantly higher than that in the non-PSI group (81.0% ± 17.7% vs. 67.7% ± 14.7%; p = 0.018). The preoperative T1 tilt angle in the PSI group was significantly larger than that in the non-PSI group (6.1° ± 3.3° vs. 3.1° ± 2.8°; p = 0.005). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.769 (p = 0.012, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.556–0.982) and 0.763 (p = 0.014, 95% CI, 0.598–0.928) for the correction rate and preoperative T1 tilt, respectively. The cut-off value was 73% and 4° for the correction rate and preoperative T1, respectively.ConclusionPSI was found in 8.0% of Lenke type 5C curves. Excessive correction of the lumbar curve of >73% and preoperative T1 tilt of >4° can be risk factors for PSI in patients with Lenke type 5C curve.     

Indication for drainage for a hematogenous iliopsoas abscess: Analysis of patients initially treated without drainage

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the indications for drainage in extended haematogenous iliopsoas abscesses (IPAs), which include both primary and vertebral osteomyelitis-related IPAs.MethodsSixty-three IPA patients who were initially treated with only antibiotics and no drainage were enrolled. The success (S) group included patients who were cured without drainage, while the failure (F) group included those who required open or percutaneous drainage or died.ResultsCompared with patients in the S group, patients in the F group (n = 15) had a higher incidence of end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, compromised immunity, vertebral osteomyelitis of the cervicothoracic spine, other musculoskeletal infections, and multilocular abscesses. The IPAs in the F group had larger transverse and longitudinal diameters. In receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for the diameter of IPAs, the most valuable cut-off points predicting the F group were a longitudinal diameter of 5.0 cm (sensitivity, 1.0; specificity, 0.67) and a transverse diameter of 2.3 cm (sensitivity, 0.73; specificity, 0.73). A combination of both diameter cut-offs had high specificity (sensitivity, 0.73; specificity, 0.90).ConclusionsDrainage should be applied in case of a larger abscess with transverse diameter ≥ 2.3 cm and longitudinal diameter ≥ 5.0 cm. Conversely, IPAs with longitudinal diameter <5 cm do not require drainage. Haemodialysis, compromised immunity, vertebral osteomyelitis of the cervicothoracic spine, and musculoskeletal infections are risk factors of conservative treatment failure.     

Assessment of fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using oversized suspensory devices on full-length femoral tunnels

BackgroundIn ACL repair, full-length single-diameter tunnels facilitate anatomic femoral fixation with suspensory devices, especially with outside-in techniques, and are required after accidental cortical perforation. With tunnel diameters over 6 mm, fixation resistance using regular suspensory devices may not suffice. Oversized cortical footprint devices could be a solution to guarantee fixation performance in larger tunnel diameters. This study aims to assess the biomechanical properties of ACL femoral fixation provided by two enlarged suspensory devices of similar characteristics, a fixed loop (G-Lok™ with G-Lok-XL™) and an adjustable loop (ProCinch™ with G-Lok-XL™), resting on a full-length 9 mm diameter tunnel compared to the widely accepted regular fixed-loop device (G-Lok™) on a socket tunnel.MethodsTwenty-seven fresh frozen porcine femurs and flexor digitorum profundus tendons were randomly assigned to a study group depending on the fixation method used (N = 9). Graft-femur constructs were subjected to a traction cyclic test (5000 cycles, [50–250]N load, 1 Hz) followed by a load-to-failure test (v = 1 mm/s). Residual displacement during the cyclic test and stiffness, displacements at physiological loads, ultimate load and corresponding displacement during the load-to-failure test were determined.FindingsNo significant differences could be established for any parameter measured in the comparison between the control with the socket tunnel and the oversized fixations with full-length tunnels.InterpretationACL femoral fixation achieved in full-length single diameter tunnels by using an enlarged suspension device, both with a fixed or an adjustable loop, provide similar biomechanical properties to the gold-standard fixed-loop device in a socket tunnel. Therefore, its clinical use may be safe.     

Modic changes are associated with activation of intense inflammatory and host defense response pathways – molecular insights from proteomic analysis of human intervertebral discs

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPatients with modic changes (MC) form a distinct clinical subset with reports of higher intensity of pain, poor clinical and surgical outcomes and higher incidence of recurrence. MC also is an independent risk factor for increased post-operative surgical site infection.PURPOSEThis study aimed to investigate the biological changes at molecular level, in discs with MCs. We also aim to identify biological biomarkers and potential targets for molecular therapy.STUDY DESIGNExperimental analysisMATERIALS AND METHODSNucleus pulposus (NP) from 24 patients undergoing microdiscectomy for disc herniation [14 discs with MC and 10 without modic changes (NMC)] were procured. The overall expression of proteins, biological processes, protein-protein and metabolite interactions were analysed and compared. Host defense response proteins (HDRPs) and immunological pathways activated in patients with MC were documented and analysed.RESULTSLabel-free proteomic approach with stringent filters revealed a total of 208 proteins in MC and 193 in NMC groups. 45 proteins were specific to MC; 30 to NMC and 163 common to both. Downregulated proteins in MC belonged to components of extracellular matrix such as collagens (COL- 6A1, 6A2, 6A3, 11A1, 12A1, and 20A1), and proteoglycans (versican (VCAN), and biglycan (BGN)). Inflammatory molecules [plasminogen (PLG), angiogenin (ANG), fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 2 (FGFBP2), tetranectin (CLEC3B), cartilage acidic protein 1(CRTAC1), kininogen (KNG-1), chitinase-3-like protein 2 (CHI3L2), and ferritin (FTL) were expressed only in the MC group. The significantly altered pathways in MC included Fc Fragment of IgG Receptor IIIa (FCGR3A)-mediated phagocytosis, regulation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) by endogenous ligand, neutrophil and platelet degranulation.50 HDRPs were identified in the study, 14 of which were specific to MC and included acute phase reactants, antimicrobial peptides, complement cascade proteins, inflammatory molecule and stress response proteins. Metabolite-protein interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction between 19 proteins, specifically involving ubiquitin mediating proteasome degradative pathway and an association with the metabolite-glutamic acid in the MC group. Accumulation of glutamic acid in MC discs was confirmed by quantitative amino acid analysis using High-performance liquid chromatography.CONCLUSIONOur study confirms that MC represents an intense inflammatory status and activation of host defense response and immunological pathways. Downstream effects leading to ubiquitin mediated proteasomal degradation of ECM proteins and the resulting metabolites such as glutamic acid could cause excessive pain and needs further investigation.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEWe have documented the expression of inflammatory molecules, immune mechanisms and host defense response proteins which throw molecular insights into the pathological mechanisms of MC. Further, ubiquitin mediated proteasomal degradation and accumulation of glutamate in discs with MC might serve as targets for molecular therapy.     

Prospective,randomized, double-blinded clinical trial comparing PEEK and allograft spacers in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgeries

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAllograft and polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) radiographic, biomechanical, histological properties have been extensively studied and both spacers have their advantages and shortcomings. There are no comparative randomized or double-blinded spinal fusion clinical trials reported to date.PURPOSEThe study's primary objective was to prospectively investigate clinical and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusions and randomized to receive either PEEK or structural bone allografts.STUDY DESIGN/ SETTINGA prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was initiated at a single center.PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 138 patients were enrolled, randomized and 121 patients completed the study.OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary clinical outcome parameters were scored from standardized patient-reported questionnaires. The severity of lower back and leg pain was evaluated using the 11-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The Oswestry Disability Questionnaire was used to evaluate chronic disability and activities of daily living. Health-related quality of life and functional outcomes were assessed using Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36 v2). Two scores within the scoring algorithm were analyzed: Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). The primary radiological outcomes included restoration and maintenance of vertebral body height, lumbar sagittal and segmental alignment, and fusion status.METHODSAll patients were followed for 2 years ± 2 months; radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with an additional follow-up at 3 weeks for radiographic assessment.RESULTSA total of 138 patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIF) were randomized (1:1) to receive either cortical allograft or PEEK interbody lordotic spacers. Although no differences were detected between the allograft and PEEK patient groups at any of the follow-up time points, there was a highly significant (p<.0001) improvement in all clinical outcome measures. Overall, evidence of radiographic fusion was achieved in 118 (97.5%) patients at the 24 months follow-up. Three patients, all in the allograft group, had pseudoarthrosis and underwent revision surgeries. Postoperative improvement of sagittal alignment, anterior (ABH) or posterior body height (PBH) was initially achieved, but it was mainly lost or reduced at the final follow-up and there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. At the end of the study, improvement and maintenance of lumbar lordosis were achieved in 43.3% and 49.2% patients and segmental alignment in 38.3% and 36.1% for the allograft and PEEK patient groups, respectively. Similarly, ABH was improved and maintained in 28.3% and 36.1% patients and PBH in 28.3% and 44.3% for the allograft and PEEK groups, respectively.CONCLUSIONSAlthough allograft-assisted surgeries may have reduced fusion rates, the study findings demonstrated that TLIF surgery with two different types of cages and in conjunction with rhBMP-2 resulted in similar radiological or clinical outcomes and a highly statistically significant improvement in all clinical outcome measures at the end of the study regardless of the randomization group.     

Patterns of axillary staging and management in clinically node positive breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy: Results of a survey amongst breast cancer specialists

IntroductionVarious options for axillary staging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) are available for breast cancer patients with a clinically positive axillary node (cN+). This survey assessed current practices amongst breast cancer specialists.Materials and methodsA survey was performed amongst members of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and two UK-based Associations: the Association of Breast Surgery and the British Association of Surgical Oncology. The survey included 3 parts: 1. general information, 2. diagnostic work-up and 3. axillary staging after NST.ResultsA total of 310 responses were collected: parts 1, 2 and 3 were fully completed by 282 (91%), 270 (87.1%) and 225 (72.6%) respondents respectively. After NST, 153/267 (57.3%) respondents currently perform ALND routinely and 114 (42.7%) respondents perform less invasive restaging of the axilla with possible omission of ALND. In the latter group, 85% does and 15% does not use nodal response seen on imaging to guide the axillary restaging procedure. Regarding respondents that do use imaging: 95% would perform a less invasive staging procedure in case of complete nodal response on imaging (63% sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), excision of a previously marked positive node with SLNB (21%) and without SLNB (11%)). In case of no nodal response on imaging 77% would perform ALND.ConclusionCurrent axillary staging and management practices in cN + patients after NST vary widely. To determine optimal axillary staging and management in terms of quality of life and oncologic safety, breast specialists are encouraged to include patients in clinical trials/prospective registries.