Twenty-Year Radiographic Outcomes Following Single-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Results From a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Compare range of motion (ROM) and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) following cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at 20-year follow-up.

Summary Of Background Data: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is the standard of treatment for single-level cervical disc degeneration causing radiculopathy.

The Relationship Between Patient Demographic and Clinical Characteristics and Successful Treatment Outcomes After Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: A Pooled Cohort Study of Three Prospective Clinical Trials.

Objective: Multiple studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of basivertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation (BVN RFA) for improving low back pain related to the vertebral endplate. However, the influence of patient demographic and clinical characteristics on treatment outcome is unknown.

Design: Pooled cohort study of three clinical trials of patients with vertebral endplate pain identified by Type 1 and/or Type 2 Modic changes and a correlating presentation of anterior spinal element pain.

Comparison of Lumbar Fusion With and Without Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Stenosis Using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT).

Study design This was a retrospective analysis of patient-reported outcomes across a two-year period. Summary of background data Patients suffering from lumbar stenosis may experience low back pain, neurogenic claudication, and weakness. Patients can benefit from surgical intervention, including decompression with or without fusion.

Safe Spine Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Safe spine surgery is possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain urgent procedures must still be performed during this challenging time to prevent permanent long-term disability or death for patients. Precautions must be taken in the operating room to optimize safety, including the use of personal protective equipment and appropriate room setup and anesthesia and equipment optimization.

Long-Term Radiographic and Functional Outcomes of Patients With Absence of Radiographic Union at 2 Years After Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective radiographic investigation.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term radiographic and functional outcomes of patients in whom there is absence of radiographic union at 2 years after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods: Thirty-one patients were evaluated at standard postoperative time intervals per index trial protocol.

Far Lateral/Extraforaminal Approaches for Microdiscectomy and Foraminal Decompression in the Lumbar Spine.

Far lateral approaches to the lumbar spine are uncommon procedures but are essential techniques for spine surgeons to understand and master for the treatment of extraforaminal disk herniations and foraminal stenosis. We present our preferred approaches for open and minimally invasive techniques to perform extraforaminal decompressions and/or discectomies in the lumbar spine.

Evaluation of DIAM™ Spinal Stabilization System for lower lumbar disc degenerative disease: A randomized, prospective, single-site study.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of DIAM Spinal Stabilization System compared with nonoperative treatment for patients with low back pain and lower lumbar disc degenerative disease.

Methods: A single center collected prospective outcomes data on 38 patients randomized to an interspinous device or non-operative treatment for symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease with treatment crossover allowed at 6 months.

Results: At all postoperative timepoints out to 2-years, statistically significant improvements in ODI and back pain scores were observed with the interspinous device.

Functional Outcomes Associated With Adjacent-level Ossification Disease 10 Years After Cervical Disc Arthroplasty or ACDF.

Study Design: A retrospective review of a prospective, randomized control Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigational device exemption trial comparing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty.

Objective: Determine the clinical significance of adjacent-level ossification disease (ALOD) on long-term functional outcomes after ACDF or arthroplasty.

Summary Of Background Data: ALOD occurs when the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus adjacent to the index surgical level calcifies.

The perceived efficacy and utility of spine bioskills curricula for resident and fellow education.

The purpose of this study is to assess the role of bioskills in orthopaedic and neurosurgical resident education. A survey of the utilization and perceived efficacy of bioskills was submitted to Lumbar Spine Research Society (LSRS) members. 36/104 surgeons responded, including 25 orthopaedic, 7 neurosurgical, and 4 integrated respondents.

Role of Imaging, Tissue Sampling, and Biomarkers for Diagnosis of SSI in Spine Surgery.

In July 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery.

Consensus on Risk Factors and Prevention in SSI in Spine Surgery.

In July of 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery.

Consensus on Implants in Infections After Spine Surgery.

In July of 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA was held to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery.

Consensus on the Role of Antibiotic Use in SSI Following Spinal Surgery.

In July of 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA was held to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery.

General Principles in the Consensus of SSI Management After Spine Surgery.

In July of 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA was held to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery.

Consensus on Wound Care of SSI in Spine Surgery.

In July of 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery.

Evaluation and Management of Pyogenic and Tubercular Spine Infections.

Purpose Of Review: To review the most current diagnostic tools and treatment options for pyogenic and tubercular spine infection.

Recent Findings: Recent studies have focused on risk factors for failed nonoperative management in order to improve patient selection. Also, spine instrumentation and different grafting options have been safely utilized in the setting of an active infection without increasing the incidence of reoccurrence.

Validation of Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computer Adaptive Tests in Lumbar Disk Herniation Surgery.

Introduction: Inadequate validation, floor/ceiling effects, and time constraints limit utilization of standardized patient-reported outcome measures. We aimed to validate Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive tests (CATs) for patients treated surgically for a lumbar disk herniation.

Methods: PROMIS, CATs, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form-12 measures were administered to 78 patients treated with lumbar microdiskectomy for symptomatic disk herniation with radiculopathy.

The Effectiveness of Bioskills Training for Simulated Lumbar Pedicle Screw Placement.

Study Design: Prospective randomized study.

Objectives: To define the impact of an inexpensive, user-friendly, and reproducible lumbar pedicle screw instrumentation bioskills training module and evaluation protocol.

Methods: Participants were randomized to control (n = 9) or intervention (n = 10) groups controlling for level of experience (medical students, junior resident, or senior resident).

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine: a review.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a rare pathologic process of lamellar bone deposition that can result in spinal cord compression. While multiple genetic and environmental factors have been related to the development of OPLL, the pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Asymptomatic patients may be managed conservatively and patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy should be considered for surgical decompression.

Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures.

Thoracolumbar burst fractures are high-energy vertebral injuries, which commonly can be treated nonoperatively. Consideration of the injury pattern, extent of comminution, neurological status, and integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex may help determine whether operative management is appropriate. Several classification systems are contingent upon these factors to assist with clinical decision-making.

Validation of Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) in the Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Study Design: Prospective, cohort study.

Objective: Demonstrate validity of Patient reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) physical function, pain interference, and pain behavior computer adaptive tests (CATs) in surgically treated lumbar stenosis patients.

Summary Of Background Data: There has been increasing attention given to patient reported outcomes associated with spinal interventions.