Streamlining the Journey of Research Into Clinical Practice: Making Your Patients and Practice Flourish Optimizing Management and Minimizing Risk of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures - Perspectives of the AO Spine KF Trauma and Infection Group Key Opinion Leaders.

Study Design: Literature review with clinical recommendations.

Objective: To highlight important studies about osteoporotic spinal fractures (OF) that may be integrated into clinical practice based on the assessment of the AO Spine KF Trauma and Infection group key opinion leaders.

Methods: 4 important studies about OF that may affect current clinical practice of spinal surgeons were selected and reviewed with the aim of providing clinical recommendations to streamline the journey of research into clinical practice.

Lumbar safety triangle: comparative study of coronal and coronal oblique planes in 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: To compare the measurements of the lumbar safety triangle (Kambin's triangle) and the invasion of the dorsal root ganglion in the triangle in coronal and coronal oblique planes.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study, in which 210 3.0-T magnetic resonance images of L2-L5 were analyzed in coronal and coronal oblique planes.

The Influence of Comminution and Posterior Ligamentous Complex Integrity on Treatment Decision Making in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurologic Deficit?

Study Design: A prospective study.

Objective: to evaluate the impact of vertebral body comminution and Posterior Ligamentous Complex (PLC) integrity on the treatment recommendations of thoracolumbar fractures among an expert panel of 22 spine surgeons.

Methods: A review of 183 prospectively collected thoracolumbar burst fracture computed tomography (CT) scans by an expert panel of 22 trauma spine surgeons to assess vertebral body comminution and PLC integrity.

Expert Opinion, Real-World Classification, and Decision-Making in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurologic Deficits?

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objectives: To compare decision-making between an expert panel and real-world spine surgeons in thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBFs) without neurological deficits and analyze which factors influence surgical decision-making.

Methods: This study is a sub-analysis of a prospective observational study in TL fractures.

The AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System and Treatment Algorithm in Decision Making for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurologic Deficit.

Study Design: Prospective Observational Study.

Objective: To determine the alignment of the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification system and treatment algorithm with contemporary surgical decision making.

Methods: 183 cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures were reviewed by 22 AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma experts.

Interobserver Reliability in the Classification of Thoracolumbar Fractures Using the AO Spine TL Injury Classification System Among 22 Clinical Experts in Spine Trauma Care.

Study Design: Reliability study utilizing 183 injury CT scans by 22 spine trauma experts with assessment of radiographic features, classification of injuries and treatment recommendations.

Objectives: To assess the reliability of the AOSpine TL Injury Classification System (TLICS) including the categories within the classification and the M1 modifier.

Methods: Kappa and Intraclass correlation coefficients were produced.

Understanding Decision Making as It Influences Treatment in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurological Deficit: Conceptual Framework and Methodology.

Study Design: This paper presents a description of a conceptual framework and methodology that is applicable to the manuscripts that comprise this focus issue.

Objectives: Our goal is to present a conceptual framework which is relied upon to better understand the processes through which surgeons make therapeutic decisions around how to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures (TL) fractures.

Methods: We will describe the methodology used in the AO Spine TL A3/4 Study prospective observational study and how the radiographs collected for this study were utilized to study the relationships between various variables that factor into surgeon decision making.

Predictive Algorithm for Surgery Recommendation in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurological Deficits.

Study Design: Predictive algorithm via decision tree.

Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) remain an emerging field and have not previously been used to guide therapeutic decision making in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Building such models may reduce the variability in treatment recommendations.

An Assessment of the World's Contribution to Spine Trauma Care: A Bibliometric Analysis of Classifications and Surgical Management; An AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma Initiative.

Study Design: Bibliometric analysis.

Objectives: An analysis of the literature related to the assessment and management of spinal trauma was undertaken to allow the identification of top contributors, collaborations and research trends.

Methods: A search to identify original articles published in English between 2011 and 2020 was done using specific keywords in the Web of Science database.

The Diagnostic Process of Spinal Post-traumatic Deformity: An Expert Survey of 7 Cases, Consensus on Clinical Relevance Does Exist.

Study Design: Survey of cases.

Objective: To evaluate the opinion of experts in the diagnostic process of clinically relevant Spinal Post-traumatic Deformity (SPTD).

Summary Of Background Data: SPTD is a potential complication of spine trauma that can cause decreased function and quality of life impairment.

Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Reduce Cellular Damage after Experimental Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition without an effective therapy. Cellular therapies are among the promising treatment strategies. Adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, are often used clinical research for their immunomodulatory and regenerative potential.

Anterolateral versus posterior minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis: comparison of outcomes from a global, multicenter study at 12-months follow-up.

Background Context: Several minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion techniques may be used as a treatment for spondylolisthesis to alleviate back and leg pain, improve function and provide stability to the spine. Surgeons may choose an anterolateral or posterior approach for the surgery however, there remains a lack of real-world evidence from comparative, prospective studies on effectiveness and safety with relatively large, geographically diverse samples and involving multiple surgical approaches.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that anterolateral and posterior minimally invasive approaches are equally effective in treating patients with spondylolisthesis affecting one or two segments at 3-months follow-up and to report and compare patient reported outcomes and safety profiles between patients at 12-months post-surgery.

Comparison Between Surgical and Conservative Treatment for AOSpine Type A3 and A4 Thoracolumbar Fractures without Neurological Deficit: Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

 To compare the clinical results between conservative (CS) and surgical treatment (CXS) of A3 and A4 fractures without neurological deficit.  Prospective observational study of patients with thoracolumbar fractures type A3 and A4. These patients were separated between the surgical and conservative groups, and evaluated sequentially through the numeric rating scale (NRS), Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) quality of life questionnaire, and Denis work scale (DWS) up to 2.

An international validation of the AO spine subaxial injury classification system.

Purpose: To validate the AO Spine Subaxial Injury Classification System with participants of various experience levels, subspecialties, and geographic regions.

Methods: A live webinar was organized in 2020 for validation of the AO Spine Subaxial Injury Classification System. The validation consisted of 41 unique subaxial cervical spine injuries with associated computed tomography scans and key images.

Correlation Between Cage Positioning and Lumbar Lordosis in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).

 The present study evaluates radiographic outcomes and the lumbar lordosis achieved with a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) arthrodesis technique according to the positioning of an interbody device (cage) in the disc space.  This is a retrospective radiographic analysis of single-level surgical patients with degenerative lumbar disease submitted to a TLIF procedure and posterior pedicle instrumentation. We divided patients into two groups according to cage positioning.

The AO spine upper cervical injury classification system: Do work setting or trauma center affiliation affect classification accuracy or reliability?

Purpose: To assess the accuracy and reliability of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System based on a surgeons' work setting and trauma center affiliation.

Methods: A total of 275 AO Spine members participated in a validation of 25 upper cervical spine injuries, which were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scans. Each participant was grouped based on their work setting (academic, hospital-employed, or private practice) and their trauma center affiliation (Level I, Level II or III, and Level IV or no trauma center).

Global Validation of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification: Geographic Region Affects Reliability and Reproducibility.

Study Design: Global Survey.

Objective: To determine the accuracy, interobserver reliability, and intraobserver reproducibility of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System based on surgeons' AO Spine region of practice (Africa, Asia, Central/South America, Europe, Middle East, and North America).

Methods: A total of 275 AO Spine members assessed 25 upper cervical spine injuries and classified them according to the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System.

Management of C0 Sacral Fractures Based on the AO Spine Sacral Injury Classification: A Narrative Review.

The Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthese fragen Spine Sacral Injury Classification hierarchically separates fractures based on their injury severity with A-type fractures representing less severe injuries and C-type fractures representing the most severe fracture types. C0 fractures represent moderately severe injuries and have historically been referred to as nondisplaced "U-type" fractures. Injury management of these fractures can be controversial.

Spinal Post-traumatic Deformity: An International Expert Survey Among AO Spine Knowledge Forum Members.

Study Design: Survey among spine experts.

Objective: To investigate the different views and opinions of clinically relevant spinal post-traumatic deformity (SPTD).

Summary Of Background Data: There is no clear definition of clinically relevant SPTD.

Unstable Thoracolumbar Injuries: Factors Affecting the Decision for Short-Segment vs Long-Segment Posterior Fixation.

Background: Factors influencing the length of spinal instrumentation have been mostly evaluated in burst fractures, receiving more attention than other unstable thoracolumbar injuries. We aimed to evaluate clinical factors affecting surgical decision-making and associated complications.

Methods: This was a multicentric retrospective cohort study.

AO Spine upper cervical injury classification system: a description and reliability study.

Background Context: Prior upper cervical spine injury classification systems have focused on injuries to the craniocervical junction (CCJ), atlas, and dens independently. However, no previous system has classified upper cervical spine injuries using a comprehensive system incorporating all injuries from the occiput to the C2-3 joint.

Purpose: To (1) determine the accuracy of experts at correctly classifying upper cervical spine injuries based on the recently proposed AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System (2) to determine their interobserver reliability and (3) identify the intraobserver reproducibility of the experts.

Evolution of the AO Spine Sacral and Pelvic Classification System: a systematic review.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the genesis of the AO Spine Sacral and Pelvic Classification System in the context of historical sacral and pelvic grading systems.

Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases was performed consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify all existing sacral and pelvic fracture classification systems.

Results: A total of 49 articles were included in this review, comprising 23 pelvic classification systems and 17 sacral grading schemes.