Application of Transverse Process Hooks at Distal Thoracic Vertebrae in Uppermost Vertebral Instrumentation for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Special Focus on Delayed-Onset Neurologic Deficits.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the incidence of delayed-onset neurological deficits (DONDs), DOND-related reoperation rates following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, and efficacy of transverse process hooks (TPHs) at the uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV) compared to pedicle screws (PSs).

Methods: We included 90 consecutive patients who underwent instrumented fusion from the sacrum to the distal thoracic spine for ASD, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Clinical and radiological outcomes were compared between 33 patients in the TPH group and 57 patients in the PS group, using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Outcomes questionnaire (SRS-22), Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and various spinal sagittal parameters.

Comparative Outcomes of Biportal Endoscopic Decompression, Conventional Subtotal Laminectomy, and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Central Stenosis.

Objective: Spinal stenosis is a prevalent condition; however, the optimal surgical treatment for central lumbar stenosis remains controversial. This study compared the clinical outcomes and radiological parameters of 3 surgical.

Methods: unilateral laminectomy bilateral decompression with unilateral biportal endoscopy (ULBD-UBE), conventional subtotal laminectomy (STL), and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF).

Comparison of Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Bioactive Glass-Ceramic Spacer-7 (NOVOMAX-FUSION) and an Allograft Spacer: A Retrospective, Case-Matched, Multicenter Study.

The bioactive glass-ceramic spacer (BGS)-7, a biosynthetic intervertebral fusion material introduced in 2014, has not been the subject of comparative clinical studies on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. This study, for the first time, aims to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of the renewed BGS-7, released in 2019, with those of an allograft spacer. The comparison includes a finite element analysis of the biomechanical properties of each implant, adding a novel dimension to the research.

Transdural location as a predictor of recurrence in spinal cord meningiomas.

Spinal cord meningiomas are typically benign, rare tumors that pose clinical challenges owing to their location and potential for spinal cord compression. This study aimed to assess the radiological features of spinal cord meningiomas and the key factors associated with their recurrence. We conducted a retrospective, single-institution study on 67 patients with pathologically confirmed spinal cord meningiomas who were surgically treated between January 2016 and December 2023.

Prognostic Factors of Spinal Intramedullary Hemangioblastoma : Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Tumor Characteristics.

Objective: Spinal intramedullary hemangioblastoma is a rare and highly vascularized benign tumor. The characteristics of the tumor, its corresponding location, and surgical outcomes remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors and strategies for neurologic deterioration following hemangioblastoma surgery.

Factors Associated With Repeat Surgery in Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments: Minimum 8-year Follow-up Study.

Study Design: Single-center retrospective study.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the factors leading to repeat surgery in patients with cervical ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL) during a minimal 8-year follow-up after the initial surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: The long-term effects of cervical OPLL are well known, but it's not always clear how many patients need to have surgery again because their neurological symptoms get worse.

Development and Validation of an Online Calculator to Predict Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Using Machine Learning.

Objective: Although adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery aims to restore and maintain alignment, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) may occur. While existing scoring systems predict PJK, they predominantly offer a generalized 3-tier risk classification, limiting their utility for nuanced treatment decisions. This study seeks to establish a personalized risk calculator for PJK, aiming to enhance treatment planning precision.

Neurenteric cyst of the craniovertebral junction treated to reduce recurrence using different strategies: Two case reports and a literature review.

Rationale: Neurenteric cysts are rare benign lesions that are usually located in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine and extremely rare in the craniovertebral junction. It is generally challenging to completely remove the neurenteric cysts of the craniovertebral junction. We report the cases of 2 patients with neurenteric cyst in the ventral craniovertebral junction managed using different treatment strategies.

Subsidence Performance of the Bioactive Glass-Ceramic (CaO-SiO-PO-BO) Spacer in Terms of Modulus of Elasticity and Contact Area: Mechanical Test and Finite Element Analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the subsidence performance of a bioactive glass-ceramic (CaO-SiO-PO-BO) spacer in terms of its modulus of elasticity and contact area using mechanical tests and finite element analysis.

Methods: Three spacer three-dimensional models (Polyether ether ketone [PEEK]-C: PEEK spacer with a small contact area; PEEK-NF: PEEK spacer with a large contact area; and Bioactive glass [BGS]-NF: bioactive glass-ceramic spacer with a large contact area) are constructed and placed between bone blocks for compression analysis. The stress distribution, peak von Mises stress, and reaction force generated in the bone block are predicted by applying a compressive load.

Clinical application of bone turnover markers in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and their role in predicting fracture progression.

This study aimed to investigate whether changes in the bone turnover markers (BTMs) during teriparatide therapy for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures could reflect therapeutic effects by analyzing the relationship between clinical and radiological features and BTMs. A total of 33 patients with 51 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture segments were included. Plain radiographs and BTM levels were evaluated at the pretreatment and at 3 months after teriparatide treatment.

Vertical split fracture of the vertebral body following oblique lumbar interbody fusion: A case report.

Rationale: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an effective and safe surgical technique widely used for treating spondylolisthesis; however, its use is controversial because of several associated complications, including endplate injury. We report a rare vertebral body fracture following OLIF in a patient with poor bone quality.

Patient Concerns: A 72-year-old male patient visited our clinic for 2 years with lower back pain, leg radiating pain, and intermittent neurogenic claudication.

Neurologic deficit due to vertebral body osteophytes after oblique lumbar interbody fusion: A case report.

Rationale: In recent years, oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), which uses a window between the peritoneum and the iliopsoas muscle to split the muscle to access the lumbar spine, is known as an effective and safe treatment for spinal diseases, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, and spinal deformity. Despite this fast and useful surgical method, there were often cases of new neurological symptoms or worsening of symptoms after surgery. We analyzed the preoperative risk factors in a patient with neurologic symptoms, such as motor weakness and exacerbation of radiating pain, after OLIF.

Thoracolumbar Slope Is Useful Parameter for Evaluating HealthRelated Quality of Life and Sagittal Imbalance Aggravation in Adult Spinal Deformity: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the natural course of primary degenerative sagittal imbalance (PDSI), its aggravating factors, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with various spinal alignment parameters (SAPs) in patients with PDSI who have not undergone surgery.

Methods: One hundred three participants volunteered to participate. The SAPs, including T1 pelvic angle (T1PA), thoracolumbar tilt, and thoracolumbar slope (TLS), were measured on whole-spine standing radiographs.

Risks and benefits of timely screw removal after thoracolumbar spine fractures treated with non-fusion technique.

Background: Percutaneous-short segment screw fixation (SSSF) without bone fusion has proven to be a safe and effective modality for thoracolumbar spine fractures (TLSFs). When fracture consolidation is confirmed, pedicle screws are no longer essential, but clear indications for screw removal following fracture consolidation have not been established.

Methods: In total, we enrolled 31 patients with TLSFs who underwent screw removal following treatment using percutaneous-SSSF without fusion.

Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Anterior Screw Fixation for Odontoid Fracture and Analysis of the Predictive Factors for Surgical Failure.

Objective: Anterior odontoid screw fixation (AOSF) is a safe and effective treatment for type II and rostral type III odontoid fracture. This study aimed to report the outcomes of the AOSF surgery and evaluate the potential risk factors of surgical failure.

Methods: We enrolled 63 patients who underwent AOSF.

Single-Stage Posterior Circumferential Stabilization Using Double Small Cages for the Treatment of Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fractures.

Objective: Controversy remains regarding the optimal methods for resection of the vertebral body, reconstruction of the anterior column, and decompression of the spinal cord in patients who have severe vertebral body destruction of the thoracic or lumbar spine with associated neurologic impairment. We report an alternative technique for primary treatment and salvage involving single-stage corpectomy followed by reconstruction of the anterior column using double small mesh cages via the posterior-only approach.

Methods: Plain radiographs and computed tomography scans, taken at different intervals, were used to measure local kyphosis, segmental height, and fusion grade.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Involving Second Cervical Vertebra and the Hypothalamus and Pituitary in an Adult.

Background: Adult-onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) with simultaneous involvement of the high cervical spine and the hypothalamus is rare.

Case Description: We have reported a case of adult-onset LCH in the second cervical vertebra with bony destruction and subsequent diabetes insipidus due to simultaneous involvement of the hypothalamus and pituitary stalk. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hypothalamus and pituitary lesion and immunohistochemistry of the cervical lesion revealed LCH.

Thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients with neurological deficit: Anterior approach versus posterior percutaneous fixation with laminotomy.

Background: Thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBFs) are the most common spinal trauma; however, their appropriate management has not yet been determined. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) following posterior decompression technique versus anterior corpectomy and fusion technique for the treatment of TLBFs.

Methods: A total of 46 patients (2002-2015) with TLBFs were included in this study.