Feasibility of the Non-Window-Type 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Cage in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial.

Background: Three-dimensionally printed titanium (3D-Ti) cages can be divided into 2 types: window-type cages, which have a void for bone graft, and non-window-type cages without a void. Few studies have investigated the necessity of a void for bone graft in fusion surgery. Therefore, the present study assessed the clinical and radiographic outcomes of window and non-window-type 3D-Ti cages in single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Detection of Cervical Foraminal Stenosis from Oblique Radiograph Using Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm.

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm that can diagnose cervical foraminal stenosis using oblique radiographs and evaluate its accuracy.

Materials And Methods: A total of 997 patients who underwent cervical MRI and cervical oblique radiographs within a 3-month interval were included. Oblique radiographs were labeled as "foraminal stenosis" or "no foraminal stenosis" according to whether foraminal stenosis was present in the C2-T1 levels based on MRI evaluation as ground truth.

Lateral Deviation of the Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage Influences Prevertebral Soft-Tissue Swelling and Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion.

Background And Objectives: Prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is known to be influenced by several factors. We considered the effect of lateral deviation on the traction force and attempted to find a relationship with the PSTS. This study was designed to evaluate the preoperative lateral deviation of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage and its effect on PSTS, airway collapse, and clinical outcomes after ACDF.

Reoperation Rates According to Surgical Approach After Operation for Degenerative Cervical Pathology in Patients With Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Study Design: National population-based cohort study.

Objective: The overall complication rate for patients with athetoid cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing cervical surgery is significantly higher than that of patients without CP. The study was conducted to compare the reoperation and complication rates of anterior fusion, posterior fusion, combined fusion, and laminoplasty for degenerative cervical myelopathy/radiculopathy in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy.

Feasibility of Non-window Three-Dimensional-Printed Porous Titanium Cage in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Pilot Trial.

Background: The commercially available design of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium (3D-Ti) cage can be divided into two types according to the presence of a window: a cage with a window that allows filling of bone graft materials and a non-window cage for stand-alone use. This prospective observational case series study aimed to explore the clinical feasibility of using a non-window type 3D-Ti cage in cases of combined window and non-window cage implantation. Furthermore, we evaluated the bone in growth patterns of non-window cages and their correlation with published fusion grading systems.

Preoperative Radiographic Simulation for Partial Uncinate Process Resection during Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion to Achieve Adequate Foraminal Decompression and Prevention of Vertebral Artery Injury.

Study Design: Retrospective radiographic study.

Purpose: This study aims to demonstrate the proper resection trajectory of a partial posterior uncinate process resection combined with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and evaluate whether foraminal stenosis or uncinate process degeneration increases the risk of vertebral artery (VA) injury.

Overview Of Literature: Appropriate resection trajectory that could result in sufficient decompression and avoid vertebral artery injury is yet unknown.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Loss of Lordosis, Cervical Kyphosis, and Sagittal Imbalance After Cervical Laminoplasty.

Objective: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to elucidate the risk factors of loss of cervical lordosis (LCL), kyphotic deformity, and sagittal imbalance after cervical laminoplasty.

Methods: A total of 108 patients who underwent laminoplasty to treat cervical myelopathy and were followed for ≥2 years were included. Logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to identify preoperative risk factors of LCL, kyphotic deformity (cervical lordosis <0°), and sagittal imbalance (sagittal vertical axis >40 mm) at postoperative 2 years.

Comparison of Fusion, Subsidence, and Clinical Results Between 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Cage and Polyetheretherketone Cage in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Minimum of 2 Years Follow-Up.

Objective: The occurrence of early osteointegration and reduced modulus of elasticity have been proved with 3-dimensinally (3D) printed porous titanium (3DP-titanium) cages used for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). The present study was conducted to demonstrate the fusion rate, subsidence, and clinical outcomes for the 3DP-titanium cage in PLIF and to compare its results with those of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage.

Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent 1-2-level PLIF and were followed up for >2 years were retrospectively reviewed.

Which Radiographic Parameter Can Aid in Deciding Optimal Allograft Height for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To identify preoperative radiographic parameters that can guide optimal allograft height selection for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary Of Background Data: Allograft height selection for ACDF depends on intraoperative assessment supported by trials; however, there is currently no radiographic reference parameter that could aid in allograft height selection for improved outcomes.

Anterior Decompression and Fusion for the Treatment of Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Narrative Review.

Occasionally, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) causes cord compression, resulting in cervical myelopathy. OPLL differs from other causes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in several ways, and the surgical strategy should be chosen with OPLL's characteristics in mind. Although both the anterior and posterior approaches are effective surgical methods for the treatment of OPLL cervical myelopathy, they each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Factors affecting the prognosis of recovery of motor power and ambulatory function after surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

Objective: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) causes neurological deficits that may hinder ambulation. Understanding the prognostic factors associated with increased neurological recovery and regaining ambulatory functions is important for surgical planning in MESCC patients with neurological deficits. The present study was conducted to elucidate prognostic factors of neurological recovery in MESCC patients.

Mid-term efficacy and safety of Escherichia coli-derived rhBMP-2/hydroxyapatite carrier in lumbar posterolateral fusion: a randomized, multicenter study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term efficacy and safety of Escherichia coli-derived bone morphogenetic protein-2 (E.BMP-2)/hydroxyapatite (HA) in lumbar posterolateral fusion (PLF).

Methods: This multicenter, evaluator-blinded, observational study utilized prospectively collected clinical data.

Efficacy and safety of oblique posterior endplate resection for wider decompression (trumpet-shaped decompression) during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Objective: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) provides a limited workspace, and surgeons often need to access the posterior aspect of the vertebral body to achieve sufficient decompression. Oblique resection of the posterior endplate (trumpet-shaped decompression [TSD]) widens the workspace, enabling removal of lesions behind the vertebral body. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oblique posterior endplate resection for wider decompression.

Assessment of Fusion After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm.

Background: A convolutional neural network (CNN) is a deep learning (DL) model specialized for image processing, analysis, and classification.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated whether a CNN model using lateral cervical spine radiographs as input data can help assess fusion after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Study Design: Diagnostic imaging study using DL.

Anatomical considerations for appropriate mini-plate positioning in open-door laminoplasty to avoid plate impingement and screw facet violation.

This study aimed to describe a safe zone for mini-plate positioning that can avoid instrument-related complications in laminoplasty. Fifty-one patients who underwent laminoplasty and were followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. The posterior surface length and inferior pole angle of the lateral mass were measured at each level using computed tomography.

Foraminal Restenosis After Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy for the Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To elucidate incidence, risk factor, and clinical effect of bone regrowth after posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF).

Methods: Ninety-eight patients who underwent PCF for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and were followed up for >2 years were retrospectively reviewed.

Morphologic Change of CorticoCancellous Allograft Used for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical implications of graft morphologic changes in corticocancellous allografts used for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), such as graft resorption or fracture.

Summary Of Background Data: Although cortico-cancellous allograft is one of the most commonly used interbody spacer for ACDF, clinical implications of allograft resorption or fracture is unclear.

Segmental Height Decrease Adversely Affects Foraminal Height and Cervical Lordosis, But Not Clinical Outcome After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Allografts.

Objective: This study was conducted to elucidate the clinical significance of postoperative segmental height decrease (SHD) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using allografts.

Methods: We reviewed 88 patients who underwent ACDF using allografts as interbody spacers. Cervical lordosis, segmental lordosis, segmental height, foraminal height, fusion, allograft fracture, and resorption were assessed.

Comparison between selective caudal fixed screw construct and all variable screw construct in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

This retrospective comparative study aimed to compare the efficacy of selective caudal fixed screw constructs with all variable screw constructs in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Thirty-five patients who underwent surgery using selective caudal fixed screw construct (SF group) were compared with 44 patients who underwent surgery using all variable constructs (AV group). The fusion rate, subsidence, adjacent level ossification development (ALOD), adjacent segmental disease (ASD), and plate-adjacent disc space distance were assessed.

The Kappa Line as a Regional Modification of the K-line: A Predictor of Neurological Outcome and Indicator of the Adequate Level of Decompression in Selective Laminoplasty.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim was to introduce Kappa line (modification of K-line) for the prediction of postoperative neurological recovery after selective cervical laminoplasty (LMP) and use in determining the decompression level.

Summary Of Background Data: The K-line is a radiographic marker that can predict prognosis and aid in surgical planning for patients undergoing LMP through C3 to C7.

Fusion and subsidence rates of vertebral body sliding osteotomy: Comparison of 3 reconstructive techniques for multilevel cervical myelopathy.

Background Context: Vertebral body sliding osteotomy (VBSO) was previously reported as a technique to decompress spinal canal by translating the vertebral body anteriorly and is indicated for cervical myelopathy caused by spondylosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. However, little is known about its fusion and subsidence rates.

Purpose: To compare the fusion and subsidence rates of VBSO, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).

Significance of Vertebral Body Sliding Osteotomy as a Surgical Strategy for the Treatment of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Vertebral body sliding osteotomy (VBSO) has previously been reported as a technique to decompress ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) by translating the vertebral body anteriorly. This study aimed to evaluate the radiological and clinical efficacies of VBSO and clarify the surgical indications of VBSO for treating myelopathy caused by OPLL.

Efficacy of Postural Reduction of Vertebral Compression Fracture with Extension Lateral Radiograph Before Vertebroplasty.

Objective: This retrospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postural reduction of vertebral compression fracture (VCF) using the hyperextension posture before vertebroplasty (VP).

Methods: Sixty-five consecutive patients who underwent VP were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty patients who underwent passive expansion of compression fracture before VP (postural reduction vertebroplasty [PRV] group) were compared with 35 patients who underwent in situ vertebroplasty (ISV group).

Association Between Vertebral Rotation Pattern and Curve Morphology in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Objectives: Although rotation is an important aspect of pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), there are no studies demonstrating rotation pattern by directly measuring rotation angle in computed tomography (CT) images. The present retrospective comparative radiographic study was conducted to evaluate the rotation pattern in AIS and its relation to curve morphology and Lenke classification.

Methods: The study included 245 patients diagnosed with AIS and evaluated with a preoperative CT scan.

Feasibility of CaO-SiO-PO-BO Bioactive Glass Ceramic Cage in Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion.

Background: CaO-SiO-PO-BO bioactive glass ceramic (BGC) is known to chemically bond with bones by forming a hydroxyapatite layer and inducing osteoblastic differentiation. This study was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and safety of a CaO-SiO-PO-BO BGC cage in anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) with those of an allograft interbody spacer.

Methods: A total of 63 patients who underwent 2-level ACDF to treat degenerative cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy were reviewed.