Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Incidental Durotomy during Lumbar Spine Decompression with or without Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for incidental durotomies during lumbar decompression surgeries. In addition, we aimed to determine the changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) based on incidental durotomy status.

A Comparison of Radiographic Alignment between Bilateral and Unilateral Interbody Cages in Patients Undergoing Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To compare radiographic outcomes between unilateral and bilateral cage placement in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIF) and to determine if the rate of fusion at the 1-year postoperative point was different in patients who received bilateral versus unilateral cages.

Overview Of Literature: There is no clear evidence to dictate whether bilateral or unilateral cages promote superior radiographic or surgical outcomes in TLIF.

Effect of Interbody Composition on the Development of Pseudarthrosis Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To determine if polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or titanium alloy cages increase the rate of pseudarthrosis development or revision surgery rate compared with structural allograft following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and identify if the cage type results in differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) versus structural allograft.

Overview Of Literature: PEEK and titanium alloy cages have become popular options for ACDF intervertebral spacers.

Modified Frailty Index as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications and Patient-Reported Outcomes after Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To determine whether the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI) is associated with readmission rates, complication rates, revision rates, or differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients undergoing posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF).

Overview Of Literature: mFI incorporates preexisting medical comorbidities and dependency status to determine physiological reserve.

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Increases Pseudarthrosis Rates in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusions.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Purpose: To determine (1) the effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pseudarthrosis rates after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) and (2) to identify patient-reported outcome measures in patients taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Overview Of Literature: Recent literature suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may inhibit fracture healing via downregulation of osteoblast differentiation.

Effect of Drain Duration and Output on Perioperative Outcomes and Readmissions after Lumbar Spine Surgery.

Study Design: Single-center retrospective cohort.

Purpose: To compare surgical outcomes of patients based on lumbar drain variables relating to output and duration.

Overview Of Literature: The use of drains following lumbar spine surgery, specifically with respect to hospital readmission, postoperative hematoma, postoperative anemia, and surgical site infections, has been controversial.