Does Baseline Severity of Arm Pain Influence Outcomes Following Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Purpose: To assess preoperative arm pain severity influence on postoperative patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Overview Of Literature: There is evidence that preoperative symptom severity can affect postoperative outcomes.

Impact of Postoperative Length of Stay on Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Background: Existing literature has not yet evaluated the impact of postoperative length of stay (LOS) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). The authors investigates the influence of postoperative LOS following ALIF on PROMs and MCID achievement rates.

Methods: A single-surgeon database was retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing single-level ALIF.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Postsurgical Outcomes for Workers' Compensation Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Background: Increased morbidity associated with obesity imposes a greater financial burden on companies that provide insurance to their employees. Few studies have investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) in the workers' compensation (WC) population.

Methods: WC patients who underwent a primary, single-level MIS TLIF were included/grouped according to BMI: nonobese (<30 kg/m); obese I (≥30, <35 kg/m); severe + morbid (≥35).

Patient Satisfaction Following Lumbar Decompression: What is the Role of Mental Health?

Objective: To determine the association between patient-reported depressive symptoms and patient satisfaction following minimally invasive lumbar decompression.

Methods: Primary, single-level/multilevel minimally invasive lumbar decompression was identified. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) collected preoperatively/postoperatively included visual analog scale back/leg, Oswestry Disability Index, 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and 12-Item Short Form Mental Composite Score (SF-12 MCS).

Systematic Review: Applications of Intraoperative Ultrasonography in Spinal Surgery.

Background: As a result of increased practicality and decreased costs and radiation, interest has increased in intraoperative ultrasonography (iUS) in spinal surgery applications; however, few studies have provided a robust overview of its use in spinal surgery. We synthesize findings of existing literature on use of iUS in navigation, pedicle screw placement, and identification of anatomy during spinal interventions.

Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used in this systematic review.