No S.C.A.R.E. Protocol: A Streamlined Safety Protocol.

Introduction: Despite the proven success of anterior cervical surgery (ACS) postoperative issues can arise, with retropharyngeal hematoma (RH) being one of the most feared. A recent USA Today article highlighted the failed management and subsequent death of patients developing RH after ACS. The article calls into question the safety of performing ACS in an outpatient setting.

The Effect of Local Versus Intravenous Corticosteroids on the Likelihood of Dysphagia and Dysphonia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Single-Blinded, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Dysphagia and dysphonia are the most common postoperative complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Although most postoperative dysphagia is mild and transient, severe dysphagia can have profound effects on overall patient health and on surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of local to intravenous (IV) steroid administration during ACDF on postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia.

Management of Lumbar Conditions in the Elite Athlete.

Lumbar disk herniation, degenerative disk disease, and spondylolysis are the most prevalent lumbar conditions that result in missed playing time. Lumbar disk herniation has a good prognosis. After recovery from injury, professional athletes return to play 82% of the time.

Injectable gelatin used as hemostatic agent to stop pedicle bleeding in long deformity surgical procedures: does it embolize?

Study Design: Prospective porcine animal model.

Objective: Determine if injecting FloSeal into pedicles for hemostasis causes emboli.

Summary Of Background Data: Bleeding from spinal deformity cases can be substantial, especially when surgical procedures involve bilateral fixation at multiple segments.