C5 Motor Palsy After Single- and Multi-level Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion: A Retrospective Review.

Introduction: Postoperative C5 nerve root palsy is a known complication after cervical surgery. The effect of increasing number of levels fused on the prevalence of C5 palsy after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is unclear.

Methods: Medical records of ACDF patients that included the C4-5 level at one institution were retrospectively reviewed.

Intraoperative pedicle screw navigation does not significantly affect complication rates after spine surgery.

Various forms of intraoperative computer-assisted navigation technologies exist, and have consistently been shown to improve pedicle screw accuracy. However, the overall clinical effects of inaccurate pedicle screw placement have been debated. We examined the clinical effects of improved pedicle screw accuracy with computer navigation technology in reducing complication rates in patients undergoing multi-level spinal fusion.

Risk Factors for and Complications After Surgical Delay in Elective Single-Level Lumbar Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objective: To assess the incidence of and risk factors for delay of elective lumbar fusion surgery, as well as medical and surgical complications associated with surgical delay.

Summary Of Background Data: Lumbar fusion is a well-established treatment for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis with stenosis who have failed conservative management.