Effect of Clinical and Radiographic Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Classification on Patient-reported Outcomes and Spinopelvic Parameters for Patients With Single-level L4-L5 Degenerative Spondylolisthesis After Lumbar Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To determine whether preoperative clinical and radiographic degenerative spondylolisthesis (CARDS) classification is associated with differences in patient-reported outcomes and spinopelvic parameters after posterior decompression and fusion for L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).

Summary: The CARDS classification for lumbar DS, an alternative to the Meyerding system, considers additional radiographic findings such as disc space collapse and segmental kyphosis and stratifies DS into 4 radiographically distinct classes.

The Effect of L5-S1 Degenerative Disc Disease on Outcomes of L4-L5 Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim was to investigate the clinical relevance of preoperative caudal adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) in patients undergoing isolated L4-5 fusion to determine a threshold of degeneration at which a primary L4-S1 fusion would be warranted.

Summary Of Background Data: Increased motion and biomechanical forces across the adjacent caudal segment in isolated L4-L5 fusion leads to concerns regarding the increased incidence of revision surgery because of the development of ASD.

Effect of a Mandatory Prescription Drug Monitoring Program on Patient-initiated Phone Calls After Spine Surgery.

Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a statewide, government-mandated prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) on patient-initiated phone calls after lumbar and cervical spinal surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Prior studies have examined the most common reasons for a postoperative phone calls, most of which pertain to pain or prescription medications.

Clinical Outcomes of Robotic Versus Freehand Pedicle Screw Placement After One-to Three-Level Lumbar Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients undergoing one-to three-level lumbar fusion using robotically assisted vs freehand pedicle screw placement.

Methods: Patients who underwent either robotically assisted or freehand pedicle screw placement for one-to three-level lumbar fusion surgery from January 1, 2014 to August 31, 2020 at a single academic institution were identified.

Reimbursement of Lumbar Decompression at an Orthopedic Specialty Hospital Versus Tertiary Referral Center.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in Medicare reimbursement for one- to three-level lumbar decompression procedures performed at a tertiary referral center versus an orthopedic specialty hospital (OSH).

Summary Of Background Data: Lumbar decompression surgery is one of the most commonly performed spinal procedures.

Timing of Preoperative Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis After Primary One-Level to Three-Level Lumbar Fusion.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between timing of preoperative surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) among patients with 1-level to 3-level lumbar fusion.

Methods: Patients having undergone a primary 1-level to 3-level lumbar fusion at a single institution were allocated into 5 groups based on the time from preoperative antibiotic administration to incision (group A, 0-15 minutes; group B, 16-30 minutes; group C, 31-45 minutes; group D, 46-60 minutes; and group E, 61+ minutes). Timing of antibiotic administration as a continuous variable was also analyzed.

Static Versus Expandable Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Interbody Cages: A Comparison of One-Year Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes for One-Level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Objective: To examine the effect of static versus expandable polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cages on both clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent one-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with either a static or expandable PEEK cage. Patient outcomes were obtained from chart review and radiographic outcomes were measured using standing, lateral radiographs.

Comparison Between Three- and Four-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Patient-Reported and Radiographic Outcomes.

Objective: We compared the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after 3- and 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Patients who had undergone primary 3- or 4-level ACDF were retrospectively identified. The demographic data and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected through a review of the medical records.

Updated Review: The Steroid Controversy for Management of Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a devastating event that can have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families. While no definitive medical treatment exists, the role of methylprednisolone (MP) in the management of ASCI and other spinal cord pathologies has been investigated in depth; however, its use remains contentious. While MP initially showed promise in the efficacy of ASCI treatment, more recent studies have questioned its use citing numerous systemic adverse effects.