Radiologic Assessment of Interbody Fusion: A Systematic Review on the Use, Reliability, and Accuracy of Current Fusion Criteria.

Background: Lumbar interbody fusion (IF) is a common procedure to fuse the anterior spine. However, a lack of consensus on image-based fusion assessment limits the validity and comparison of IF studies. This systematic review aims to (1) report on IF assessment strategies and definitions and (2) summarize available literature on the diagnostic reliability and accuracy of these assessments.

Preclinical model for lumbar interbody fusion in small ruminants: Rationale and guideline.

Unlabelled: Lumbar interbody fusion (IF) is a common procedure to obtain fusion of the spine by replacement of the intervertebral disc with a cage. Optimization of spinal cages is ongoing to reduce complications such as a pseudoarthrosis and subsidence of the cage. IF animal models (primate, dog, pig, goat and sheep) remain important to assess implant effectivity.

The atonic stomach: a dangerous condition prior to scoliosis surgery.

A dilated atonic stomach as part of neuromuscular or syndromic disorders can have devastating results after scoliosis surgery. Patients can be asymptomatic preoperatively and non-clinical signs can be easily overlooked. Awareness of the condition, however, can prevent severe complications such as aspiration.

Impact of body fat distribution and sarcopenia on the overall survival in patients with spinal metastases receiving radiotherapy treatment: a prospective cohort study.

An increasing number of patients is diagnosed with spinal metastases due to elevated cancer incidence and improved overall survival. Patients with symptomatic spinal bone metastases often receive radiotherapy with or without surgical stabilisation. Patients with a life expectancy of less than 3 months are generally deemed unfit for surgery, therefore adequate pre-treatment assessment of life expectancy is necessary.