Decompression without Fusion in Patients with Low-Grade Degenerative Spondylolisthesis and Stenosis: Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcome.

Background: One-third of patients with neurogenic claudication caused by lumbar spinal stenosis have low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis. Decompression in these patients is considered a risk factor for instability, and it remains unclear whether instrumented fusion should be added. This study aims to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of decompressive surgery without instrumented fusion in patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis regardless of low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis.

A systematic review evaluating the association of atherosclerosis and lumbar degenerative disc disease.

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and disc degeneration (DD) are associated with low back pain (LBP) and sciatica, which are common health problems. Emerging evidence suggests a link between vascular health, specifically abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and systemic lipid profiles, and these spinal conditions.

Research Question: This study investigates the associations between AAC, systemic lipid profiles, lumbar Modic Changes (MC), DD/LDH, and the occurrence of LBP or sciatica.

Mental state as a predictor of outcome in spinal stenosis surgery: Four quadrants model integrating patient satisfaction and functional outcome.

Introduction: Mental status, characterised by anxiety and depression, significantly influences physical well-being, particularly in patients with spinal stenosis symptoms.

Research Question: The prevalence of depression and anxiety in our cohort. The correlation between psychological distress and physical outcome after surgery, including postoperative recovery and satisfaction.

Surgical versus conservative treatment for odontoid fractures in older people: an international prospective comparative study.

Background: The optimal treatment for odontoid fractures in older people remains debated. Odontoid fractures are increasingly relevant to clinical practice due to ageing of the population.

Methods: An international prospective comparative study was conducted in fifteen European centres, involving patients aged ≥55 years with type II/III odontoid fractures.

Prediction of transforaminal epidural injection success in sciatica (POTEISS): a protocol for the development of a multivariable prediction model for outcome after transforaminal epidural steroid injection in patients with lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniation or stenosis.

Background: Transforaminal epidural injections (TEI) can alleviate symptoms and help to maintain physical functioning and quality of life in patients with lumbar radicular pain. We aim to develop a prediction model for patient outcome after TEI in patients suffering from unilateral lumbar radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or single-level spinal stenosis (LSS). The secondary aim is to estimate short-term patient outcome differences between LDH and LSS patients, the association between psychological variables and patient outcome, the rate of additional injections, surgery and complications, and to explore the short-term cost-effectiveness of TEI.