Dynesys® dynamic stabilization outcomes in degenerative spine surgery.

Dynesys® is a dynamic device used for posterior stabilization of the lumbar spine. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes at a 2-year minimum follow-up. In this retrospective study, patients operated between 2009 and 2016 with Dynesys® stabilization were included.

Multispectral Optical Remote Sensing for Water-Leak Detection.

Water losses from water distribution means have a high environmental impact in terms of natural resource depletion (water, energy, ecosystems). This work aims to develop an optical airborne surveillance service for the detection of water leaks (WADI-Water-tightness Airborne Detection Implementation) to provide water utilities with adequate and timely information on leaks in water transportation mains outside urban areas. Firstly, a series of measurement campaigns were performed with two hyperspectral cameras and a thermal infrared camera in order to select the most appropriate wavelengths and combinations thereof for best revealing high moisture areas, which are taken as a proxy for water leakage.

Sexual activity resumption after total hip arthroplasty: A satisfaction survey in 101 patients.

Background: We are not aware of studies conducted in France to assess information provided by surgeons about the impact of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on sexual activity or sexual activity resumption after THA. The objectives of this study in a cohort of patients seen after THA were to evaluate: (1) the time to sexual activity resumption, (2) whether sexual activity resumption was discussed with the surgeon and whether the patients wanted information on this point, and (3) the modalities and experience of sexual activity resumption according to demographic features.

Hypothesis: Age and sex influence the timing and modalities of sexual activity resumption after THA.

Screw-Related Complications After Instrumentation of the Osteoporotic Spine: A Systematic Literature Review With Meta-Analysis.

Study Design: Systematic literature review with meta-analysis.

Objective: Osteoporosis is common in elderly patients, who frequently suffer from spinal fractures or degenerative diseases and often require surgical treatment with spinal instrumentation. Diminished bone quality impairs primary screw purchase, which may lead to loosening and its sequelae, in the worst case, revision surgery.

How good are the outcomes of instrumented debulking operations for symptomatic spinal metastases and how long do they stand? A subgroup analysis in the global spine tumor study group database.

Background: The benefits of surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases have been demonstrated, largely based on series of patients undergoing debulking and instrumentation operations. However, as cancer treatments improve and overall survival lengths increase, the incidence of recurrent spinal cord compression after debulking may increase. The aim of the current paper is to document the postoperative evolution of neurological function, pain, and quality of life following debulking and instrumentation in the Global Spine Tumor Study Group (GSTSG) database.

Correction to: Outcomes of surgical treatments of spinal metastases: a prospective study.

The correct name of F. Saihlan should be F. Sailhan.

Outcomes of surgical treatments of spinal metastases: a prospective study.

Background: Owing to recent advances in cancer therapy, updated data are required for clinicians counselling patients on treatment of spinal metastases.

Objective: To analyse the outcomes of surgical treatments of spinal metastases.

Methods: Prospective and multicentric study that included consecutively patients operated on for spinal metastases between January 2016 and January 2017.

A novel risk calculator to predict outcome after surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases; use of a large prospective patient database to personalise surgical management.

Aim: Surgery for spinal metastases can improve symptoms, but sometimes complications can negate the benefits. Operations may have different indications, complexities and risks, and the choice for an individual is a tailor-made personalised decision. Previous prognostic scoring systems are becoming out of date and inaccurate.

Prediction Accuracy of Common Prognostic Scoring Systems for Metastatic Spine Disease: Results of a Prospective International Multicentre Study of 1469 Patients.

Study Design: A prospective multicenter cohort study.

Objective: To assess the clinical accuracy of six commonly cited prognostic scoring systems for patients with spinal metastases.

Summary Of Background Data: There are presently several available methods for the estimation of prognosis in metastatic spinal disease, but none are universally accepted by surgeons for clinical use.

The Intervertebral Disc: Physiology and Pathology of a Brittle Joint.

Background: Intervertebral disc (ID) degeneration represents the number one cause for outpatient clinic visits worldwide. Mechanisms are discussed but not yet clearly established. Consequently, back pain management is commonly limited to symptomatic treatment therapies.

Loss of Local Tumor Control After Index Surgery for Spinal Metastases: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: As survival after treatment for symptomatic spinal metastases increases, the incidence of local tumor recurrence also may increase. However, data regarding incidence and timing of recurrence or duration of survival after second surgeries are not readily available and may help to inform clinicians when to perform second surgeries.

Objective: To identify features associated with loss of local control (LLC) at a previously treated or new spinal level.

Metastatic Spine Tumor Epidemiology: Comparison of Trends in Surgery Across Two Decades and Three Continents.

Background: Indications for surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases have become better defined in recent years, and suitable outcome measures have been established against a changing backdrop of patient characteristics, tumor behavior, and oncologic treatments. Nonetheless, variations still exist in the local management of patients with spinal metastases. In this study, we aimed to review global trends and habits in the surgical treatment of symptomatic spinal metastases, and to examine how these have changed over the last 25 years.

Malunion of post-traumatic thoracolumbar fractures.

Thoracolumbar malunion is the result of loss of correction, insufficient correction or even no correction (both in the frontal and sagittal planes) of a thoracolumbar fracture. The main causes are incorrect assessment of the fracture's complexity (burst fracture), its potential progression to kyphosis and associated disc or ligament damage. It can also be the result of a poorly conducted initial treatment.

Characteristics of Patients Who Survived < 3 Months or > 2 Years After Surgery for Spinal Metastases: Can We Avoid Inappropriate Patient Selection?

Purpose: Survival after metastatic cancer has improved at the cost of increased presentation with metastatic spinal disease. For patients with pathologic spinal fractures and/or spinal cord compression, surgical intervention may relieve pain and improve quality of life. Surgery is generally considered to be inappropriate if anticipated survival is < 3 months.

Rapid improvements in pain and quality of life are sustained after surgery for spinal metastases in a large prospective cohort.

Introduction Metastatic spinal cancer is a common condition that may lead to spinal instability, pain and paralysis. In the 1980s, surgery was discouraged because results showed worse neurological outcomes and pain compared with radiotherapy alone. However, with the advent of modern imaging and spinal stabilisation techniques, the role of surgery has regained centre stage, though few studies have assessed quality of life and functional outcomes after surgery.

Translational challenges for the development of a novel nucleus pulposus substitute: Experimental results from biomechanical and in vivo studies.

Nucleus pulposus replacement therapy could offer a less invasive alternative to restore the function of moderately degenerated intervertebral discs than current potentially destructive surgical procedures. Numerous nucleus pulposus substitutes have already been investigated, to assess their applicability for intradiscal use. Still, the current choice of testing methods often does not lead to efficient translation into clinical application.

Extrinsic thoracic spinal cord compression related to supine position: from diagnosis to the creation of a spinal protection shield.

Background: Rapidly progressing extrinsic spinal cord compression syndromes are rare, especially when the compression is associated with the supine position.

Purpose: This work presents a case of extrinsic thoracic spinal cord compression related to the supine position and describes our approach from diagnosis to the technical therapeutic creation of a spinal protection shield.

Study Design: One case of a patient suffering from extrinsic spinal cord compression syndrome is reported.

Surgery for metastatic spine tumors in the elderly. Advanced age is not a contraindication to surgery!

Background: With recent advances in oncologic treatments, there has been an increase in patient survival rates and concurrently an increase in the number of incidence of symptomatic spinal metastases. Because elderly patients are a substantial part of the oncology population, their types of treatment as well as the possible impact their treatment will have on healthcare resources need to be further examined.

Purpose: We studied whether age has a significant influence on quality of life and survival in surgical interventions for spinal metastases.

Prediction of Quality of Life and Survival After Surgery for Symptomatic Spinal Metastases: A Multicenter Cohort Study to Determine Suitability for Surgical Treatment.

Background: Surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases aims to improve quality of life, pain, function, and stability. Complications in the postoperative period are not uncommon; therefore, it is important to select appropriate patients who are likely to benefit the greatest from surgery. Previous studies have focused on predicting survival rather than quality of life after surgery.

Synthesis of the 19th ArgoSpine Symposium.

After a short introduction of the meeting by the President 2015, Wilco Peul, the opening lecture was delivered by Bart Koes, who dealt with Health Technology Assessment and Guidelines. Then, it was the turn of Carmen Vleggert to show whether there was any Evidence for the Use of Implants in Spinal Stenosis. The final presentation of this session was delivered by Björn Strömqvist who dealt with Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation, patients' selection and outcomes.

Lumbar spine surgery in patients 80 years of age or older: morbidity and mortality.

Introduction: The life expectancy increased significantly during last four decades and is associated with an increasing quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine morbidity and mortality of degenerative lumbar spine surgery in patients 80 years of age or older.

Methods: A consecutive retrospective review evaluated 121 consecutive patients, who had undergone posterior decompression associated or not with lumbar instrumentation.