Thoracolumbar Fractures: Comparing the Effect of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Schanz Screw Techniques on Sagittal Alignment.

Study Design: This is a retrospective comparative cohort study.

Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery (OS) on global sagittal alignment (GSA) in surgically managed thoracolumbar fractures.

Overview Of Literature: The optimal treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures (TLF) remains controversial.

Microsurgical and Descriptive Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Subarticular Trigone: A Guidemap for Standardizing Lateral Recess Decompression.

Background Lateral recess decompression has remained a cornerstone spinal procedure for decades. Despite its popularity, a significant lack of evidence in the literature exists concerning microsurgical anatomy and pertinent surgical landmarks, resulting in non-standardized nomenclature, descriptions, and surgical approaches. Objective This study provides an in-depth microsurgical and descriptive analysis of the subarticular trigone (SAT), serving as an anatomical guide and a tool to foster consistency in nomenclature and standardization of surgical approaches.

The influence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures on global sagittal alignment in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Thoracic kyphosis, or loss of lumbar lordosis, is often equated with osteoporosis because vertebral fractures are assumed to be a major causative factor, in addition to degeneration related to age. Despite the few studies aiming to measure the natural change in global sagittal alignment (GSA) that occurs with advancing age, the overall effect of conservatively managed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) on the GSA in the elderly remains poorly understood.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the relevant literature regarding the influence of OVCF on the GSA compared to patients of similar age without fractures using the following radiological parameters: Pelvic Incidence (PI), Pelvic Tilt (PT), Lumbar Lordosis (LL), Thoracic Kyphosis (TK), Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA) and Spino-sacral Angle (SSA).

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing the Accuracy and Clinical Outcome of Pedicle Screw Placement Using Robot-Assisted Technology and Conventional Freehand Technique.

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with the aim of exploring the differences in pedicle screw positioning accuracy, surgical time, length of hospital stay, postoperative back and leg Visual Analog Scale, revision surgeries, and intraoperative radiation time and exposure between robot-assisted technology and conventional freehand technique based on RCTs.

Methods: Several databases, including the Cochrane library, PubMed, and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify potentially eligible articles.

Anterior column reconstruction with PMMA: an effective long-term alternative in spinal oncologic surgery.

A number of anterior reconstruction options are available in patients managed for symptomatic metastatic spinal column disease. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been traditionally used as a reconstruction option in patients with limited life expectancy as an anterior fusion is not expected. In this article, we present the outcome of a 13-year follow-up of a long anterior reconstruction using PMMA of the upper thoracic spine in a myelopathic female secondary to a compressive breast metastasis affecting the upper 4 thoracic vertebrae.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: the prediction of outcome following surgical intervention in 93 patients using T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans.

Introduction: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can lead to significant disability through a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from dexterity loss to more profound weakness, incontinence and paralysis.

Aim: To determine the outcome of surgical decompression for CSM and investigate pre-operative predictors of outcome.

Methods: Prospectively collected data on all patients who underwent decompressive surgery for CSM and completed 12-month follow-up were reviewed.

Does transcranial stimulation for motor evoked potentials (TcMEP) worsen seizures in epileptic patients following spinal deformity surgery?

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials (TcMEP) in increasing the severity or frequency of post-operative seizures in patients undergoing deformity corrective spine surgery with a known history of seizures pre-operatively.

Methods: The information on all patients with history of epilepsy/seizures who underwent spinal TcMEP cord monitoring for deformity correction surgery was retrospectively collected through a review of the hospital notes. The benefits of TcMEP in the early detection of potential cord ischemia were deemed by the operating surgeon to outweigh the increased risks of seizures, tongue biting, etc.

The surgical management of metastatic spinal tumors based on an Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) scale.

Background Context: There have been no previous studies looking at the outcome of surgical decompression (+/-stabilization) for various grades of epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) due to spinal metastases.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of surgical treatment in patients with ESCC using the Bilsky six-point scale.

Study Design/setting: This was a retrospective cohort review of prospectively collected data.

The surgical management of atlanto-axial subluxation in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic condition affecting patients <16 years of age and can be associated with substantial morbidity. Atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) is a known complication of JIA and can result in pain, reduced neck motion and neurological compromise. In this paper, we present the case of a 10-year old suffering with JIA and significant AAS; we discuss the management options and present the approach and outcome of treatment for this case.