The Use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2) in Spine Surgery Is It Valuable?

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is one of the most widely used biologics in spine surgery. Its osteoinductive properties have been shown since its inception to improve fusion rates. Despite the positive effects on promoting fusion, there remains concerns regarding the significant costs associated with its use.

Impact of presenting patient characteristics on surgical complications and morbidity in early onset scoliosis.

This study sought to assess comorbidity profiles unique to early-onset-scoliosis (EOS) patients by employing cluster analytics and to determine the influence of isolated comorbidity clusters on perioperative complications, morbidity and mortality using a high powered administrative database. The KID database was queried for ICD-9 codes pertaining to congenital and idiopathic scoliosis from 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012. Patients <10 y/o (EOS group) were included.

Comparative Analysis of Two Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Techniques: Open TLIF Versus Wiltse MIS TLIF.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study at a single institution.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (O-TLIF) and bilateral minimally invasive surgery (MIS) Wiltse approach TLIF (Wil-TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: Several studies have compared open TLIF to MIS TLIF; however, comparing the techniques using a large cohort of one-level TLIFs has not been fully explored.

Incidence, trends, and associated risks of developmental hip dysplasia in patients with Early Onset and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Introduction: Early Onset and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, relatively common diagnoses (∼3% general population), have been associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); a more rare spectrum of anomalies related to the abnormal development of acetabulum, proximal femur, and hip joint. To the best of our knowledge, no high powered investigations have been performed in an attempt to assess incidence and associated risks of DDH in scoliosis patients.

Methods: The KID database was queried for ICD-9 codes from 2003 to 2012 pertaining to EOS (Congenital and Idiopathic <10y/o) and AIS patients.

Does aspirin administration increase perioperative morbidity in patients with cardiac stents undergoing spinal surgery?

Study Design: Cohort.

Objective: To compare the perioperative morbidity of patients with cardiac stents after spine surgery who continue to take aspirin before and after the operation with a similar group of patients who preoperatively discontinued aspirin.

Summary Of Background Data: The preoperative discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy has been the standard of care for orthopedic surgical procedures.

Outcomes and complications of the midline anterior approach 3 years after lumbar spine surgery.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new questionnaire to assess outcomes related to the midline anterior lumbar approach and to identify risk factors for negative patient responses. Methods.

Feasibility of a cost-effective, video analysis software-based mobility protocol for objective spine kinematics and gait metrics: a proof of concept study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a high-throughput, easily implemented, cost-effective, video analysis software-based mobility protocol to quantify spine kinematics. This prospective cohort study of clinical biomechanics implemented 2-dimensional (2D) image processing at a tertiary-care academic institution. Ten healthy, able-bodied volunteers were recruited for 2D videography of gait and functional motion.

Postoperative spinal fusion care in pediatric patients: Co-management decreases length of stay.

Background: Standardized pediatric hospitalist and orthopaedic co-management of spinal fusion patients may improve quality processes and outcomes. This approach has not been studied in a general academic center.

Objective: Estimate relative effects and feasibility of the interventions on quality outcomes, length of stay (LOS), catheter-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTI), medication errors, and pain scores.

Revision of a lumbar disc arthroplasty following late infection.

Anterior removal of a lumbar total disc replacement implant is often a very technically demanding procedure. The anterior retroperitoneal anatomy is prone to scarring, limiting remobilization and making a direct anterior exposure above the L5-S1 level difficult if not impossible to achieve safely. Anterolateral approach strategies can be more safely achieved at L4-L5 and above, but may require vertebral osteotomy in order to remove a keeled prosthesis.

Allograft versus no graft with a posterior multisegmented hook system for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized study.

Objective: To compare the clinical results of posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with allograft augmentation versus no graft for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary Of Background Data: The use of allograft has become a standard means of augmenting a PSF.