Does Two-level Hybrid Surgery Promote Early Fusion Compared with Two-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Background Context: Hybrid surgery (HS), which involves both anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc replacement (ACDR), is increasingly used to treat multilevel cervical disc degenerative disease, yielding satisfactory clinical outcomes. Early fusion is critical after anterior cervical fusion surgeries, but there are no studies comparing the rate of early fusion of HS with that of ACDF.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of early fusion (3-6 months postoperatively) of two-level HS with that of two-level ACDF surgery.

[Application status and considerations of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique].

Objective: To review the application status, clinical advantages, and complications of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique and explore its future development direction.

Methods: By reviewing recent domestic and international literature, the evolution history of UBE technique, its surgical advantages, and its application effectiveness in various spinal diseases were analyzed, providing a comprehensive review.

Results: UBE technique, with its unique dual-channel design, provides a clearer surgical field and more flexible operating space, significantly reduces surgical trauma and postoperative recovery time.

Multidisciplinary unravelling Cogan's syndrome post-C-section: insights into diagnosis, treatment and a possible identified new trigger.

We present a case series consisting of three female patients in their 30s with presumed autoimmune uveitis resembling Cogan's syndrome following caesarean sections (C-sections) with severe intraoperative bleeding and the use of chitosan-tamponade, exhibiting a combination of varying ocular and auditory symptoms postoperatively. Our patients displayed a range of inflammatory ocular changes, including stromal keratitis, panuveitis, retinal infiltrates, haemorrhages, optic disc swelling, and intraretinal and subretinal fluid, along with otalgia and hearing loss, consistent with typical and atypical Cogan's syndrome. Treatment involved systemic corticosteroids, resulting in variable outcomes.

The Influence of Zero-Profile Implant Selection on the Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Objectives: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been widely used in the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the size of implants in ACDF determines radiological and clinical outcomes. However, the principles of choosing an appropriate implant size in ACDF remain controversial.

Treatment Algorithms for Continuous Low-Level Heat Wrap Therapy for the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Italian Position Paper.

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP), which impacts bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, is a substantial worldwide pain disorder, characterized by muscle soreness, fatigue, inflammation, muscle spasms, sleep disruptions, and functional limitations. MSP is predominantly managed within the primary care setting. Recent consensus recognizes that heat therapy (HT) may provide potential benefits, especially in treating chronic MSP.

Quantitative assessment of cervical disc degeneration using disc signal intensity index.

Background/context: The assessment of disc degeneration remains a significant challenge in clinical research. Pfirrmann grade is a frequently used classification for lumbar disc degeneration on MRI. However, there has been no gold standard for cervical spine disc degeneration.

The use of robotic surgery for the management of urethral strictures and bladder neck contractures: A systematic review.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to offer a comprehensive view of the current use of robotic surgery for the treatment of urethral strictures and bladder neck contractures.

Methods: A systematic review of the current literature was conducted through the Medline and NCBI PubMed, Embase databases in December 2023. Keywords used were "robotic" and "robotic-assisted" combined with "urethroplasty", "urethral stricture", and "bladder neck contracture".

Does posterior longitudinal ligament resection during cervical artificial disc replacement affect the clinical or radiographic outcome?

Background Context: Much controversy exists about whether posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) resection should be performed during cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR). The PLL can be resected or preserved during the ADR procedure based on the shape and location of the compressive pathology. However, unlike fusion operations, the outcomes of ADR may be affected by PLL resection since segmental motion is preserved with ADR and the PLL restricts flexion of the segment.

Efficacy of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Cervical Disc Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease, Radiculopathy, and Myelopathy: A Systematic Review.

Cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which the discs in the neck deteriorate, causing symptoms including neck and arm pain, muscle weakness, and incoordination. In severe cases, it can lead to nerve and spinal cord compression, resulting in radiculopathy and myelopathy. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of two surgical treatments, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), for addressing cervical DDD, radiculopathy, and myelopathy.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Anchored Stand-Alone Cage Compared to Conventional Plating in Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review.

Multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease (cDDD) is typically treated through anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Traditionally, the plate-cage construct (PCC) has been utilized, though alternatives such as the locking stand-alone cage (LSC) have become popular. This systematic review aims to assess differences in clinical and radiological outcomes between LSC and PCC methods in the ACDF management of multilevel cDDD by aggregating existing literature.

Risk factors and treatment strategies for adjacent segment disease following spinal fusion (Review).

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a significant clinical complication following cervical and lumbar spinal fusion surgery, characterized by the degeneration of spinal segments adjacent to the fused area. The present literature review aimed to elucidate the risk factors contributing to ASD and to evaluate current and emerging treatment strategies. Epidemiological data indicate that patient‑related factors such as age, pre‑existing spinal degeneration and comorbidities, along with surgical factors including the type of fusion, instrumentation and alignment correction, play pivotal roles in ASD development.

Reducing Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Insights From a Meta-Analysis.

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. The analysis focused on the influence of surgical duration, the number of cervical levels treated, and implant types. A total of 21 studies were included, and heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I² statistic.

Nonoperative Care Versus Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Application of a Health Economic Technique to Simulate Head-to-Head Comparisons.

Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) occurs when spondylotic changes compress the spinal cord and cause neurologic dysfunction. Because of a lack of comparative data on nonoperative care versus surgery for DCM, it has been difficult to support patients through the shared decision-making process regarding treatment options. Our objective was to synthesize the best available data in a manner that helps clinicians and patients to weigh the differences between nonoperative care and surgery at different ages and disease severity.

Key Takeaways From ISASS Webinar Series on Endoscopic Spine Surgery Techniques | Part 4: Advancing the Curve on Surgeons' Experience With Complex Lumbar Revision Scenarios, Grades 1 to 3 Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Foraminotomy, and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

Background: The fourth webinar in a 4-part series hosted by the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery explored contemporary endoscopic spine surgery techniques. This session covered complex revision strategies, endoscopic management of grades 1-3 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, cervical foraminotomy, and decompression techniques for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Objective: The aim was to assess surgeon endorsement of the discussed endoscopic spine surgery techniques both before and after the webinar using polytomous Rasch analysis.