Isthmic Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

Lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis is the anterior translation of one lumbar vertebra relative to the next caudal segment as a result of an abnormality in the pars interarticularis. Although it is most often an asymptomatic radiographic finding, symptomatic patients may present with low back and/or radicular leg pain. In the setting of persistent symptoms, despite nonoperative treatment, surgery can be considered.

Critical analysis of trends in lumbar fusion for degenerative disorders revisited: influence of technique on fusion rate and clinical outcomes.

Purpose: Lumbar fusion for degenerative disorders is among the most common spine surgical procedures performed. The purpose of this study was to analyze fusion, complications, and clinical success for lumbar fusion performed with various surgical techniques as reported in the literature from 2000 to 2015 and compare with previous critical analysis of outcomes from 1980 to 2000.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature to identify all studies of adult lumbar fusion for degenerative disorders published between January 1, 2000, and August 31, 2015, was performed adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis across the Atlantic: a comparison of preoperative MRI between matched cohorts from the US and Norway.

Background: There are no uniform guidelines regarding when to operate for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). As we apply findings from clinical research from one population to the next, elucidating similarities or differences provides important context for the validity of extrapolating clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the morphological severity of lumbar spinal stenosis on preoperative MRI in patients undergoing decompressive surgery in Boston, USA, and Trondheim, Norway.

The influence of subgroup diagnosis on radiographic and clinical outcomes after lumbar fusion for degenerative disc disorders revisited: a systematic review of the literature.

Background Context: Understanding the influence of preoperative diagnosis on outcomes for lumbar fusion surgery improves the quality of research and outcomes data, and helps guide treatment decisions.

Purpose: We sought to perform a systematic review of the literature published between 2000 and 2014 regarding lumbar fusion outcomes for degenerative disorders. An assessment of the influence of subgroup diagnosis on outcomes as well as the quality of this body of literature was performed.

Inadequate Surgical Decompression in Patients with Cervical Myelopathy: A Retrospective Review.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: We reviewed cases of surgically treated cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or chronic, degenerative myelopathy of the subaxial cervical spine to study the incidence of inadequate surgical decompression.

Methods: We included all persons treated at our institution after a first surgical decompression for CSM over a 3-year period.

Surgical Management of Civilian Gunshot-Induced Spinal Cord Injury: Is It Overutilized?

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Objective: Assess appropriate utilization of surgery for civilian gunshot-induced spinal cord injuries (CGSWSCI) according to literature standards in a large cohort.

Summary Of Background Data: CGSWSCI are mechanically stable injuries that rarely require surgery.

Academic productivity and contributions to the literature among spine surgery fellowship faculty.

Background Context: No previous study has considered academic productivity and contributions to the literature among the faculty members of spine fellowship programs.

Purpose: We sought to evaluate the total number of publications and measures of academic impact among faculty at spine surgical fellowship programs between 2011 and the present.

Study Design: This study is based on a review of data publicly available on PubMed and Scopus.

Subscapularis tendon rupture in an 8-year-old boy: a case report.

Since falling off a motorcycle 2 years earlier, an 8-year-old, right-hand-dominant boy reported anterior shoulder pain and weakness. After being evaluated by his family physician and completing a course of physical therapy with no symptomatic improvement, he was seen at our institution. Physical examination was remarkable for diminished strength with internal rotation (4/5).

Neck pain from a spine surgeon's perspective.

Through the myriad of abnormalities encountered by spine surgeons, neck pain is one of the most perplexing. The nature, onset, and location of the pain all provide information as to what the potential pain generator may be. By synthesizing data garnered from the physical examination, imaging studies, and history, a spine surgeon must formulate a differential diagnosis and treatment plan.

What questions do patients undergoing lower extremity joint replacement surgery have?

Background: The value of the Internet to deliver preoperative education would increase if there was variability in questions patients want answered. This study's goal was to have patients consulting an orthopedic surgeon about undergoing either a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rate the importance of different questions concerning their care.

Methods: We assembled questions patients might have about joint replacement surgery by analyzing the literature and querying a pilot group of patients and surgeons.