Artificial intelligence in risk prediction and diagnosis of vertebral fractures.

With the increasing prevalence of vertebral fractures, accurate diagnosis and prognostication are essential. This study assesses the effectiveness of AI in diagnosing and predicting vertebral fractures through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search across major databases selected studies utilizing AI for vertebral fracture diagnosis or prognosis.

Management of Severe Pyogenic Spinal Infections: The 2SICK Study by the EANS Spine Section.

Background Context: Spondylodiscitis management presents significant clinical challenges, particularly in critically ill patients, where the risks and benefits of surgical intervention must be carefully balanced. The optimal timing of surgery in this context remains a subject of debate.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of early surgery versus delayed surgery or conservative management in critically ill patients with de novo pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Comparing Conservative and Early Surgical Treatments for Pyogenic Spondylodiskitis: An International Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Outcome Analysis.

Background And Objectives: Pyogenic spinal infections pose therapeutic challenges, with the optimal treatment approach remaining contentious. This study aimed to compare outcomes of conservative vs early surgical treatment (SuT) modalities in primary pyogenic spondylodiskitis through an international cohort analysis.

Methods: A retrospective outcome analysis was conducted of 392 patients from the United Kingdom and Germany, treated between 2017 and 2022 with primary pyogenic spondylodiskitis.

Tips and tricks for using cement augmentation of pedicle screws and vertebral body replacements-A literature review supported by two case reports.

Background: The prevalence of osteoporosis is escalating alongside an aging global population, increasing the demand for spinal surgeries, including those necessitating cement augmentation for enhanced construct stability.

Objective: This article delves into the nuanced application of cement augmentation techniques for pedicle screws and vertebral body replacements (VBR), aimed at optimizing surgical outcomes in osteoporotic spines.

Method: Drawing from a comprehensive literature review according to important clinical and biomechanical studies and the authors' clinical experiences, we elucidate strategies to mitigate complications and improve surgical efficacy.

Historical Perspectives on the Evolution of Spino-Pelvic Fixation and its Implications on Clinical Care A Narrative Review.

Study Design: Broad narrative review.

Objectives: To review and summarize the evolution of spinopelvic fixation (SPF) and its implications on clinical care.

Methods: A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature was performed on the historical evolution of sacropelvic fixation techniques and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Tips and tricks for using cement augmentation of pedicle screws and vertebral body replacements-A literature review supported by two case reports.

Background: The prevalence of osteoporosis is escalating alongside an aging global population, increasing the demand for spinal surgeries, including those necessitating cement augmentation for enhanced construct stability.

Objective: This article delves into the nuanced application of cement augmentation techniques for pedicle screws and vertebral body replacements (VBR), aimed at optimizing surgical outcomes in osteoporotic spines.

Method: Drawing from a comprehensive literature review according to important clinical and biomechanical studies and the authors' clinical experiences, we elucidate strategies to mitigate complications and improve surgical efficacy.

The projected increase of vertebral osteomyelitis in Germany implies a demanding challenge for future healthcare management of aging populations.

Purpose: Since an increase in the occurrence of native vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is expected and reliable projections are missing, it is urgent to provide a reliable forecast model and make it a part of future health care considerations.

Methods: Comprehensive nationwide data provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany were used to forecast total numbers and incidence rates (IR) of VO as a function of age and gender until 2040. Projections were done using autoregressive integrated moving average model on historical data from 2005 to 2019 in relation to official population projections from 2020 to 2040.

Single- and Multilevel Corpectomy and Vertebral body replacement for treatment of spinal infections. A retrospective single-center study of 100 cases.

Background: The optimal operative approach for treating spinal infections remains a subject of debate. Corpectomy and Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) have emerged as common modalities, yet data on their feasibility and complication profiles are limited.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study examined 100 consecutive cases (2015-2022) that underwent VBR for spinal infection treatment.

Surgical Outcomes of Full Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy for Proximal Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of case series.

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the effects of full endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy (FPCF) on cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA).

Overview Of Literature: The method for decompressing the ventral nerve root and anterior horn (AH) in CSA is controversial.

SPINE20 recommendations 2023: One Earth, one family, one future WITHOUT spine DISABILITY.

Introduction: The purpose is to report on the fourth set of recommendations developed by SPINE20 to advocate for evidence-based spine care globally under the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future WITHOUT Spine DISABILITY".

Research Question: Not applicable.

Material And Methods: Recommendations were developed and refined through two modified Delphi processes with international, multi-professional panels.

Epidemiological trends of pyogenic spondylodiscitis in Germany: an EANS Spine Section Study.

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In Germany, a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology and inpatient management outcomes is limited, hindering the optimisation of therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to characterise the evolving epidemiological trends of pyogenic spondylodiscitis in Germany, and concurrently evaluate inpatient management strategies and outcomes.

Conservative versus early surgical treatment in the management of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spondylodiscitis is the commonest spine infection, and pyogenic spondylodiscitis is the most common subtype. Whilst antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment, some advocate that early surgery can improve mortality, relapse rates, and length of stay. Given that the condition carries a high mortality rate of up to 20%, the most effective treatment must be identified.

Severity of spinal degeneration does not affect the pain reduction under continuous epidural analgesia.

Purpose: To outline clinical effectiveness of continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) depending on severity of spinal degeneration.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, all patients with FBSS or LSS who underwent CEA within an inpatient rehabilitation program were evaluated. The pain reduction was measured by VAS on an hourly basis.

Increasing incidence of spondylodiscitis in England: An analysis of the national health service (NHS) hospital episode statistics from 2012 to 2021.

Background: Spondylodiscitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the intervertebral disk and adjacent vertebral bodies, with a mortality rate of 2-20%. Given the aging population, the increase in immunosuppression, and intravenous drug use in England, the incidence of spondylodiscitis is postulated to be increasing; however, the exact epidemiological trend in England remains unknown.

Objective: The Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database contains details of all secondary care admissions across NHS hospitals in England.

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.

Neurological recovery after early versus delayed surgical decompression for acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study was to determine whether early surgical treatment results in better neurological recovery 12 months after injury than late surgical treatment in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Patients with tSCI requiring surgical spinal decompression presenting to 17 centres in Europe were recruited. Depending on the timing of decompression, patients were divided into early (≤ 12 hours after injury) and late (> 12 hours and < 14 days after injury) groups.

Projections From Surgical Use Models in Germany Suggest a Rising Number of Spinal Fusions in Patients 75 Years and Older Will Challenge Healthcare Systems Worldwide.

Background: Spinal fusion is a well-established procedure in the treatment of degenerative spinal diseases. Previous research shows that the use of this operative treatment has been growing in recent decades in industrialized countries and has become one of the most cost-intensive surgical procedures. It seems that in some countries such as Germany-with its large, industrialized, European population-this increase is mainly driven by demographic changes with low fertility rates, increasing life expectancy, and an aging population.

Atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation: Surgical treatment in a pediatric patient cohort.

•Surgical correction of AARD is an appropriate method of treatment after failed non-operative therapy.•The technique of surgical reduction and C1-C2 fixation using Harms/Goel technique provides excellent clinical outcomes.•In case of traumatic AARD we recommend to consider temporary fixation.

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.

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.