Static Versus Expandable Devices Provide Similar Clinical Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Background: Few studies have analyzed differences in radiographic parameters and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between expandable and static interbody devices in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Questions/purposes: To evaluate differences in radiographic parameters and PROs following MIS TLIF between static and expandable interbody devices.

Methods: Patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively identified.

Patient Perceptions of Iliac Crest Bone Grafting in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine patients' perception of iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) harvesting and donor site pain following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: The incidence of donor site pain has been debated in the literature because of the varying techniques associated with its harvest.

The Influence of Conflicts of Interest on Outcomes in the Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty Literature: A Systematic Review.

Study Design: A systematic review.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between study outcomes and the presence of a conflict of interest (COI) in the lumbar disc arthroplasty (LDA) literature.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous studies have evaluated the efficacy of LDA as a surgical alternative to arthrodesis.

Does the Day of the Week Affect Length of Stay and Hospital Charges Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Background: To reduce the economic impact of excessive costs, risk factors for increased length of stay (LOS) must be identified. Previous literature has demonstrated that surgeries later in the week can affect the LOS and costs following joint arthroplasty. However, few investigations regarding the day of surgery have been performed in the spine literature.

Swallowing Function Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With and Without Anterior Plating: A SWAL-QOL (Swallowing-Quality of Life) and Radiographic Assessment.

Objective: Anterior cervical plating in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures are associated with improved outcomes compared to stand-alone cages. However, concerns exist regarding increased rates of postoperative dysphagia following an ACDF. This study aims to quantify the effect of anterior plating on swallowing-quality of life (SWAL-QOL) scores and radiographic swelling assessments following a primary, single-level ACDF.

Impact of Iliac Crest Bone Grafting on Postoperative Outcomes and Complication Rates Following Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Objective: The relationship between bone graft technique and postoperative outcomes for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) has not been well-defined. This study aims to determine the effect of iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and complication rates following MIS TLIF.

Methods: Primary, single-level MIS TLIF patients were consecutively analyzed.

Narcotic Consumption Following Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: A Comparison Between Hospital and Ambulatory-Based Surgery Centers.

Background: Several studies have compared outcomes between hospital-based centers (HBCs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) following minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MIS LD). However, the association between narcotic consumption and pain in the immediate postoperative period has not been well characterized. As such, this study aims to examine pain, narcotic consumption, and length of stay (LOS) among patients discharged on postoperative day 0 following a 1-level MIS LD between HBCs or ASCs.

Evaluating the Concurrent Validity of PROMIS Physical Function in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the concurrent validity of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) domain as compared with legacy measures of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary Of Background Data: As PROMIS becomes increasingly utilized, it is important to assess its validity among procedure-specific populations.

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in spine surgery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVEThe Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to provide a standardized measure of clinical outcomes that is valid and reliable across a variety of patient populations. PROMIS has exhibited strong correlations with many legacy patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. However, it is unclear to what extent PROMIS has been used within the spine literature.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes Between Primary MIS TLIF and MIS TLIF With Revision Decompression.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objective: To compare postoperative improvements in surgical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between patients undergoing minimally invasive laminectomy and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) as a primary procedure to patients undergoing MIS laminectomy and TLIF as a revision to primary lumbar decompression (LD).

Summary Of Background Data: MIS TLIF and LD have demonstrated to be effective surgical options for lumbar degenerative disease.

Impact of local steroid application in a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: results of a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial.

OBJECTIVELocal epidural steroid application may be associated with decreased pain and narcotic use in the immediate postoperative period following lumbar discectomy. However, local steroid delivery following lumbar fusion procedures has not been well characterized. This study aims to characterize the effect of local intraoperative depomedrol application on perioperative and postoperative outcomes following a single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Does Gender Influence Postoperative Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion?

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if an association exists between gender and postoperative improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: Current spine literature presents conflicting findings regarding the influence of gender on clinical outcomes.

Impact of the Number of Levels on Adverse Events and Length of Stay Following Posterior Lumbar Fusion Procedures.

Study Design: Retrospective SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:: Little is known regarding the impact of the number of operative levels on the risk for adverse events following spinal procedures.

Objective: The objective of this study was to test for associations between the number of operative levels and occurrence of adverse events following posterior lumbar fusion (PLF).

Methods: Patients undergoing 1-, 2-, or 3-level PLFs were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Sagittal Imbalance Does Not Influence Cup Anteversion in Total Hip Arthroplasty Dislocations.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort.

Summary Of Background Data: Studies have shown that lumbar fusion procedures are associated with an increased risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) dislocation. Some have speculated that the increased risk of dislocation is caused by mispositioning of the acetabular component because of spinal sagittal imbalance.

Safety and Efficacy of Revision Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression in the Ambulatory Setting.

Study Design: A retrospective analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in perioperative outcomes between patients undergoing revision minimally invasive lumbar spine decompression (MIS LD) in the ambulatory and hospital-based surgical settings.

Summary Of Background Data: Revision LD has been associated with an increased risk of complications compared with primary LD.

The Effect of Preoperative Medications on Length of Stay, Inpatient Pain, and Narcotics Consumption After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To determine the association between preoperative medications and length of stay, inpatient pain, and narcotics consumption after a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: Previous studies have identified risk factors for increased length of hospital stay, inpatient pain, and narcotics consumption.

The Effect of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Postoperative Outcomes After a Tubular Lumbar Microdiscectomy.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: This study aims to characterize the effect of preoperative symptom duration on postoperative outcomes after minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy (MIS LD).

Summary Of Background Data: It is unknown whether extended nonoperative treatment before MIS LD has implications for long-term clinical outcomes even after surgery is performed.

Risk Factors for a Long Hospital Stay Following Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine risk factors for discharge after postoperative day (POD) 0 in patients undergoing 1-level minimally invasive lumbar discectomy (MIS LD).

Summary Of Background Data: MIS LD has proven to be an effective treatment modality for low back pain and radiculopathy associated with intervertebral disc herniations.

The Impact of Comorbidity Burden on Complications, Length of Stay, and Direct Hospital Costs After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether comorbidity as determined by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is associated with inpatient complication rate, length of stay (LOS), or direct hospital costs after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: In the spine literature, comorbidity burden has been associated with an increased risk for complications, prolonged LOS, and greater hospital costs.

Validity of PROMIS in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a preliminary evaluation.

OBJECTIVE Patient-reported outcomes are commonly used to evaluate treatment efficacy. Inefficiencies in standard measurement tools often prove to be a barrier to data collection. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to overcome these limitations.

Iliac Crest Bone Graft for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Prospective Analysis of Inpatient Pain, Narcotics Consumption, and Costs.

Study Design: Retrospective Analysis OBJECTIVE.: The aim of this study was to determine whether an association between increased acute pain, postoperative time, and direct hospital costs exists between the use of iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG) and bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2 following a primary, single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: ICBG has been associated with enhanced fusion rates.

Authorship Trends in Spine Publications From 2000 to 2015.

Study Design: Literature review.

Objective: To examine changes in authorship characteristics for Spine publications from the year 2000 to 2015.

Summary Of Background Data: Scientific publications are considered an indication of academic achievement for physicians.

Sex Differences for Anterior Cervical Fusion: Complications and Length of Stay.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objective: To assess differences in baseline characteristics between sexes of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and risk factors for adverse outcomes according to sex.

Summary Of Background Data: ACDF is a common treatment for cervical spine disease.