Anterior cervical discectomy plus intervertebral polyetheretherketone cage fusion over three and four levels without plating is safe and effective long-term

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an established treatment for single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy, yet its stand-alone use for multi-level disease of the subaxial cervical spine remains controversial. We report a prospectively studied case series of 30 patients receiving polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage fusion over three and four cervical levels without anterior plating. Seven (23.3%) four-level procedures (all C3 to C7) were performed, the other 23 (76.7%) being three-level, with 19 (64.4%) at C4 to C7 and four (12.3%) at C3 to C6. Long-term follow-up of more than 2 years was available in 67% of patients. This cohort showed statistically significant improvements in visual analogue score for neck pain (p = 0.0006), arm pain (p = 0.0003) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association myelopathy score (p = 0.002). Fused segment heights increased by 0.6–1.1%. Adjacent segment disease requiring ACDF at C3–4 was seen in 6.7% of patients (one after trauma) at a mean follow-up of 62 months. Same segment recurrence requiring posterior decompression with instrumented fusion was found in 10% of patients at a mean follow-up of 49 months, only one of whom had radiological evidence of cage subsidence. The results suggest the procedure is safe and effective with potentially less morbidity than anterior plating, shorter inpatient stays than posterior approaches, acceptable same segment recurrence and lower than predicted adjacent segment disease rates.     

Cervical disc arthroplasty for the treatment of spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy

The concept of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for the anterior treatment of cervical pathology has existed for approximately half a decade. In this time, multiple devices have been developed for this purpose, with the ultimate aim to provide an alternative to fusion. Fifty-five patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy underwent CDA over a 5 year period. Data was collected on 46 patients, which included Visual Analogue Scale scores for neck pain and arm pain, Neck Disability Index scores, Short Form-36 v2 (SF-36) and Nurick grades for myelopathy patients. Preoperative data and data obtained at the latest clinical follow-up (median 48 months, range, 10–76 months) were analysed to assess the intermediate term efficacy of the procedure. In patients with radiculopathy, arm pain improved by 88% (p < 0.001). In those presenting with myelopathy, the Nurick grades improved from a median of 1 to 0 (p < 0.001). In both groups of patients, improvements in pain and neurologic deficit were accompanied by significant improvements in multiple domains of the SF-36. Using a composite system which considered neck pain, arm pain, function and myelopathy, we arrived at an overall success rate of 73%. We concluded that CDA is an effective intervention for improving neurologic deficit, arm pain and local neck symptoms that translated into improvements in physical and social functioning in the intermediate term.     

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.     

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.     

Long term results of lumbar sequestrectomy versus aggressive microdiscectomy

It remains unknown whether aggressive microdiscectomy (AD) provides a better outcome than simple sequestrectomy (S) with little disc disruption for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. We compared the long term results for patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent either AD or S. The patients were split into two groups: 85 patients who underwent AD in Group A and 40 patients who underwent S in Group B. The patients were chosen from a cohort operated on by the same surgeon using either of the two techniques between 2003 and 2008. The demographic characteristics were similar. The difference in complication rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. During the first 10 days post-operatively, the Visual Analog Scale score for back pain was 4.1 in Group A and 2.1 in Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.005). The Oswestry Disability Index score was 11% in Group A and 19% in Group B at the last examination. The reherniation rate was 1.5% in Group A and 4.1% in Group B (p < 0.005). We argue that reherniation rates are much lower over the long term when AD is used with microdiscectomy. AD increases back pain for a short time but does not change the long term quality of life. To our knowledge this is the first study with a very long term follow-up showing that reherniation is three times less likely after AD than S.     

Successful anterior fusion following posterior cervical fusion for revision of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion pseudarthrosis

Pseudarthrosis occurs after approximately 2–20% of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures; it is unclear if posterior or anterior revision should be pursued. In this study, we retrospectively evaluate the outcomes in 22 patients with pseudarthrosis following ACDF and revision via posterior cervical fusion (PCF). Baseline demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative data, time to fusion failure, symptoms of pseudarthrosis, and revision method were assessed. Fusion outcome and clinical outcome were determined at last follow-up (LFU). Thirteen females (59%) and 9 (41%) males experienced pseudarthrosis at a median of 11 (range: 3–151) months after ACDF. Median age at index surgery was 51 (range: 33–67) years. All patients with pseudarthrosis presented with progressive neck pain, with median visual analog scale (VAS) score of 8 (range: 0–10), and/or myeloradiculopathy. Patients with pseudarthrosis <12 months compared to >12 months after index surgery were older (p = 0.013), had more frequent preoperative neurological deficits (p = 0.064), and lower baseline VAS scores (p = 0.006). Fusion was successful after PCF in all patients, with median time to fusion of 10 (range: 2–14) months. Eighteen patients fused both anteriorly and posteriorly, two patients fused anteriorly only, and two patients fused posteriorly only. Median VAS neck score at LFU significantly improved from the time of pseudarthrosis (p = 0.012). While uncommon, pseudarthrosis may occur after ACDF. All patients achieved successful fusion after subsequent posterior cervical fusion, with 91% fusing a previous anterior pseudarthrosis after posterior stabilization. Neck pain significantly improved by LFU in the majority of patients in this study.     

Value of repeat CT scans in low back pain and radiculopathy

We assessed the clinical value of repeat spine CT scan in 108 patients aged 18–60 years who underwent repeat lumbar spine CT scan for low back pain or radiculopathy from January 2008 to December 2010. Patients with a neoplasm or symptoms suggesting underlying disease were excluded from the study. Clinical data was retrospectively reviewed. Index examinations and repeat CT scan performed at a mean of 24.3 ± 11.3 months later were compared by a senior musculoskeletal radiologist. Disc abnormalities (herniation, sequestration, bulge), spinal stenosis, disc space narrowing, and bony changes (osteophytes, fractures, other changes) were documented. Indications for CT scan were low back pain (60 patients, 55%), radiculopathy (46 patients, 43%), or nonspecific back pain (two patients, 2%). A total of 292 spine pathologies were identified in 98 patients (90.7%); in 10 patients (9.3%) no spine pathology was seen on index or repeat CT scan. At repeat CT scan, 269/292 pathologies were unchanged (92.1%); 10/292 improved (3.4%), 8/292 worsened (2.8%, disc herniation or spinal stenosis), and five new pathologies were identified. No substantial therapeutic change was required in patients with worsened or new pathology. Added diagnostic value from repeat CT scan performed within 2–3 years was rare in patients suffering chronic or recurrent low back pain or radiculopathy, suggesting that repeat CT scan should be considered only in patients with progressive neurologic deficits, new neurologic complaints, or signs implying serious underlying conditions.     

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.     

Two-year follow-up results of the Isobar TTL Semi-Rigid Rod System for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease

We retrospectively assessed the indications, safety and efficacy of a new dynamic stabilization system (the Isobar TTL Semi-Rigid Rod System, Scient’x, Bretonneux, France) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease in 37 consecutive patients (M:F = 16:21, mean age 40.2 years) with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent surgery between June 2006 and May 2009. One patient was lost to follow-up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); range-of-motion (ROM) and disc height index (DHI) were assessed with radiography. Patients were followed for a mean of 24 months (range: 12–36 months). At the 3-month follow-up, there was significant improvement in VAS and ODI (p < 0.05); at long-term follow-up VAS showed additional significant improvement (p < 0.05) and ODI remained stable. At short-term follow-up, DHI was significantly restored (p < 0.05) and ROM declined slightly (but not significantly); however, at long-term follow-up DHI was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared to short-term follow-up and ROM was significantly decreased compared to the preoperative values (p < 0.05). There were new signs of degeneration at adjacent levels in 14 patients (39%) on long-term follow-up MRI. Revision was required in three patients (8%) 24 months after the first operation due to adjacent segment disease. Screw loosening was observed in four patients (11%). The Isobar System after microsurgical decompression for lumbar degenerative disease provided excellent improvement in leg and back pain and patient satisfaction at late follow-up; however, evidence to suggest that Isobar outperforms traditional fusion is lacking. Larger studies of longer duration are warranted.     

A new zero-profile,stand-alone Fidji cervical cage for the treatment of the single and multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease

To investigate the clinical and radiological results of the new zero-profile, stand-alone Fidji cervical cage to treat single- and multiple-level cervical DDD, and evaluate the safety and efficiency. Between October 2011 and July 2014, 72 consecutive patients (41 males and 31 females; mean age 50.9 years [range, 33–68 years]) with cervical DDD who underwent surgery and were followed for more than 2 years were enrolled in this study (mean 31.1 months, range 24–47 months). The study compared clinical outcomes, radiologic parameters and complication rates. The SF-36, VAS, NDI, and JOA scores of all patients were improved significantly after surgery at any time point. (all p < 0.05). The C2–C7 Cobb angle and the disc height index (DHI) of all patients were improved significantly after surgery at any time point (all p < 0.05). From 3 months after surgery to final follow-up the DHI showed a significant reduction comparing 1 week after surgery (all p < 0.05). The fusion rates were 91.7% (66/72) and the radiologic mean fusion time was 9.9 months. Radiological evidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) was observed in 4/41 patients (9.8%). Postoperative complications included epidural hematoma, hoarseness, dysphagia, axial neck pain, and subsidence. The zero-profile, stand-alone Fidji cervical cage for ACDF can be considered an effective, reliable and safe alternative procedure in the treatment of cervical DDD.     

Patient-reported and radiographic outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis with or without reduction: A comparative study

This retrospective study aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes and radiographic assessment of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis with reduction versus in situ fusion. Patients receiving MI-TLIF with reduction were assigned as Group A, and those without reduction were assigned as Group B. Radiographic fusion was assessed using Bridwell’s grading criteria. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes including visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale and improvement rate were analyzed. There were 41 patients in Group A and 37 patients in Group B. The mean follow-up was 30.78 ± 14.15 months in Group A and 28.95 ± 10.75 months in Group B (p = 0.525). There were no significant differences in hospital stay (p = 0.261), estimated blood loss (p = 0.639), blood transfusion (p = 0.336), operation time (p = 0.762) and complications (p = 1.00) between the two groups. Radiographic fusion rate was 92.68% (38/41) in Group A, and 81.08% (30/37) in Group B (p = 0.110). Significant differences were observed in either 3-month or last follow-up JOA, VAS, and ODI compared with preoperative JOA, VAS, and ODI, respectively (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in JOA, VAS, and ODI between the two groups whenever preoperatively, or 3-month postoperatively, or at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). According to MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate was 85.37% in Group A and 86.49% in Group B (p = 0.983). MI-TLIF is an effective and satisfactory surgical technique to manage degenerative spondylolisthesis regardless of reduction or not, so routine reduction may not be a requirement in MI-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis.     

Cervical artificial disc replacement with ProDisc-C: Clinical and radiographic outcomes with long-term follow-up

Cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) is indicated for the treatment of severe radiculopathy permitting neural decompression and maintenance of motion. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes in cervical ADR patients using the ProDisc-C device (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA) with a 5–9 year follow-up. Data were collected through a prospective registry, with retrospective analysis performed on 24 consecutive patients treated with cervical ADR by a single surgeon. All patients underwent single- or two-level ADR with the ProDisc-C device. Outcome measures included neck and arm pain (visual analogue scale), disability (neck disability index [NDI]), complications and secondary surgery rates. Flexion-extension cervical radiographs were performed to assess range of motion (ROM) of the device and adjacent segment disease (ASD). Average follow-up was 7.7 years. Neck and arm pain improved 60% and 79%, respectively, and NDI had an improvement of 58%. There were no episodes of device migration or subsidence. Mean ROM of the device was 6.4°. Heterotopic ossification was present in seven patients (37%). Radiographic ASD below the device developed in four patients (21%) (one single-level and three two-level ADR). No patient required secondary surgery (repeat operations at the index level or adjacent levels). Fourteen out of 19 patients (74%) were able to return to employment, with a median return to work time of 1.3 months. The ProDisc-C device for cervical ADR is a safe option for patients providing excellent clinical outcomes, satisfactory return to work rates and maintenance of segmental motion despite radiographic evidence of heterotopic ossification and ASD on long-term follow-up.     

Surgical management of recurrent lumbar disc herniation and the role of fusion

This systematic review was performed to evaluate the various operative management strategies for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH), including the efficacy of instrumented spinal fusion (ISF) at repeat discectomy, and whether the operative approach for repeat discectomy, minimally invasive (MID) or conventional open discectomy (CD), affected the outcomes. RLDH is one of the most common complications of lumbar discectomies. Whilst repeat discectomy is the standard procedure performed, the routine addition of ISF has been advocated to improve outcomes and prevent reherniation. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was performed. The measured outcomes included the rate of satisfactory clinical outcome, improvement in leg and back pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) recovery score, and complication rates. In total, 37 studies met our inclusion criteria, with 1483 patients. The rate of satisfactory outcomes was found to be statistically similar between the patients undergoing a discectomy with or without fusion (77.8% with ISF versus 79.5% without ISF; p = 0.665). Back pain and JOA scores showed greater improvements in the patients undergoing discectomy and fusion, compared to discectomy alone. The rate of satisfactory outcomes was marginally higher in the patients undergoing MID compared to CD (MID 81.2% versus CD 77.5%; p = 0.248). However, the leg pain improvement was similar. The postoperative back pain improvement was greater in the MID group (52.5% MID versus 36.3% CD), but with lower complication rates, specifically durotomies (MID 5.2% versus CD 15.3%; p < 0.001). There is no evidence to recommend the routine addition of ISF in the management of RLDH. The data suggest that MID has lower complication rates than CD in the setting of RLDH, yet unequivocal evidence is lacking.     

Preoperative functional status as a predictor of short-term outcome in adult spinal deformity surgery

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) may cause severe disability and difficulty with daily activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of preoperative functional status on 30-day major complication occurrence in ASD surgery. A review of the prospectively-collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was performed for the years 2007–2013. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (over 21 years of age) who underwent spinal fusion for ASD. Functional status was defined as “independent” or “dependent” (requiring assistance from another person) for activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, or mobility. The association between functional status and complications (overall and major) was investigated via multivariate analysis. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 1247 patients met inclusion criteria (94.4% independent and 5.6% dependent patients). The overall 30-day complication rate was 16.0% (15.6% for independent patients and 22.9% for dependent patients, p = 0.10); major complications occurred in 9.2% of independent patients and 17.1% for dependent patients (p = 0.02). After controlling for patient age, smoking status, preoperative hematocrit, revision status, use of osteotomy, number of levels fused, and operative time, being dependent on another person for activities of daily living was found to be a significant predictor of major complication development (OR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.04–4.20; p = 0.03). Depending on others for activities of daily living before undergoing ASD surgery may predict the development of major perioperative complications, increasing the risk by 2-fold compared to independent patients.     

Acute traumatic cervical cord injury in patients with os odontoideum

We retrospectively reviewed acute cervical cord injury after minor trauma in 10 patients with os odontoideum. Their clinical history, neurological symptoms, radiological investigations, follow-up period, American Spinal Injury Association impairment classification and motor score were reviewed. Before their traumatic injury, three patients were asymptomatic and seven reported myelopathic symptoms, including four patients with neck pain, two patients with unsteadiness and one patient with dizziness. Falls were the most common cause of injury (n = 6), followed by minor motor vehicle accidents (n = 3) and assault (n = 1). MRI and dynamic cervical lateral radiographs showed that all patients had atlantoaxial instability and cord compression. Most patients had spinal cord thinning and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI. Spinal cord compression was posterior (n = 5), or both anterior and posterior (n = 5). All patients underwent posterior rigid screw fixation and fusion, including atlantoaxial fusion (n = 8) and occipitocervical fusion (n = 2). We conclude that patients with asymptomatic or myelopathic atlantoaxial instability secondary to os odontoideum are at risk for acute spinal cord injury after minor traumatic injury. Fixation and fusion should be undertaken as prophylactic treatment for patients at risk of developing myelopathy and to avoid the neurological deterioration associated with acute traumatic cervical cord injury.     

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.     

Clinical outcome of posterior C1–C2 pedicle screw fixation and fusion for atlantoaxial instability: A retrospective study of 86 patients

We retrospectively studied the clinical results of posterior C1–C2 pedicle screw fixation and fusion for 86 patients diagnosed with atlantoaxial instability from January 2002 to January 2013. The study population included 48 men and 38 women, with an average age of 42.6 (range, 16–69 years old). The causes of atlantoaxial instability could be divided into traumatic fracture (44 patients), congenital malformation (17 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (15 patients), and other causes (nine patients). The mean follow-up duration was 33.9 months (range, 13–72 months). The average operative time was 133.0 min (range, 90–290 min), and the mean blood loss during the operation was 185.7 ml (range, 110–750 ml). No patient experienced neurological function worsening related to the surgical procedure. In addition, 63% of the patients who presented with neurological symptoms reported improvement after surgery. Screw placement and reduction was achieved satisfactorily in all the patients and their neck pain was greatly relieved. Plain radiography and CT scans indicated solid fusion after 12 months in all the patients. We suggest that C1–C2 pedicle screw internal fixation is a reliable method for treating atlantoaxial instability.     

Disc herniation in the thoracolumbar junction treated by minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion surgery

Minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Use of this procedure for thoracolumbar junction disc herniation remains challenging. Reports concerning MIS-TLIF at the thoracolumbar junction are rare. Thus, we performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical outcomes of 10 patients with thoracolumbar junction disc herniation treated by MIS-TLIF between December 2007 and October 2010. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of MIS-TLIF for disc herniation in the thoracolumbar junction. Clinical and radiological data were collected and analyzed. Fusion levels included T12–L1 (two patients), L1–L2 (four patients) and L2–L3 (four patients). Clinical outcome was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The average follow-up period was 39.2 months, with a minimum of 24 months. The mean ± standard error of the mean of the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and x-ray exposure were 128 ± 36 minutes, 204 ± 35 mL, and 43 ± 12 seconds, respectively. The VAS for back and leg pain decreased significantly postoperatively from 6.4 ± 2.7 to 1.5 ± 0.6 (p < 0.01), and from 7.1 ± 2.4 to 1.3 ± 0.4 (p < 0.01) respectively, as did the ODI from 39.3 ± 11.2 to 16.5 ± 4.7 (p < 0.01). Bone fusion was observed in eight patients. There were no other major complications at last follow-up. MIS-TIF is a safe and effective procedure for disc herniation in the thoracolumbar junction. Occurrence of non-union is relatively high compared to previous findings.     

The role of cross-link augmentation on fusion rate and patient satisfaction among patients with traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fracture: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction and objectivesMost of the studies evaluating the effect of cross links on spinal stability are performed in vitro on porcine or human spine segments and there is limited data regarding clinical benefits of cross link augmentation in traumatic injuries. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of cross-links insertion between rods on the fusion rates and post-surgical patients’ satisfaction among patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures who underwent posterior spinal fixation with pedicle screws.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial on 60 patients suffering from traumatic thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures. Patients were randomized into three groups: A (without any cross-link), B (One cross-link insertion) and C (two cross-links insertion). Six months after surgery outcomes were evaluated: fusion rates (plain X-ray and CT scan), Back pain (Visual Analog Scale) and patient satisfaction (fair, good, excellent).ResultsIn group A 13 (65%) patients had structured bone fusion, but in 7 (35%) patients bone fusion was not observed. In both groups B and C, 19 patients (95%) had bone fusion, but only in 1 patient (5%) fusion failed (p = 0.009). In group A, fair satisfaction has the highest rate (8 patients (40%)) compared to the other groups. The highest reported severity of back pain was observed in group A while the lowest reported intensity of back pain was related to group B (p = 0.001).ConclusionsAdding cross link to posterior spinal fixations of patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures can be associated with better final fusion results and patients’ satisfaction. However it is necessary to design studies with greater sample sizes to confirm this theory.Trial registration number: IRCT20120527009878N3.     

Microdiscectomy with and without insertion of interspinous device for herniated disc at the L5–S1 level

The role of interspinous devices (ISD) after lumbar herniated disc surgery for the prevention of postoperative back pain is controversial. The aim of this comparative prospective study was to determine outcomes in a selective cohort with L5–S1 disc herniation and degenerative disc changes after microdiscectomy with or without insertion of an ISD. One hundred and two consecutive patients underwent an L5–S1 microdiscectomy with or without implantation of an ISD. Group 1 consisted of 47 patients, with mild (n = 22), moderate (n = 14) or severe (n = 11) degenerative disc changes who had microdiscectomy alone. Group 2 comprised 45 patients with similar types of disc changes who underwent microdiscectomy with an ISD implant. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to grade low-back pain and postoperative clinical status was rated according to the modified MacNab criteria. Mean VAS score for low-back pain improved significantly at 1 year follow-up from 7.3 at baseline to 2.75 (p < 0.001) in Group 1 and from 6.7 to 1.5 (p = 0.001) in Group 2. VAS score at 1 year showed significant improvements in 21 Group 1 patients versus 30 Group 2 patients (p = 0.001). Forty four percent of Group 1 patients and 80% of Group 2 patients showed improvement using the modified MacNab criteria. Patients in both groups reported significant improvement in sciatic pain and disability after microdiscectomy with or without an ISD implant. Patients with mild degenerative disc changes were more likely to achieve improvement of their low-back pain when treated with both microdiscectomy and ISD insertion.