Decompression Surgery In Patients Research Articles

A comparative analysis of neuroendoscopic foramen magnum decompression versus traditional open surgery for Chiari Malformation Type I.

Chiari Malformation Type I (CM1) is characterized by the downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum. The standard surgical treatment for CM1 is foramen magnum decompression and atlas laminectomy (FMD-AL). However, there is a growing interest in exploring minimally invasive techniques, such as neuroendoscopically assisted FMD-AL, to optimize surgical outcomes. The aim is to present the results of the less invasive neuroendoscopic-assisted system application as an alternative to decompression surgery in patients with CM-1 with/without syringomyelia. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 76 patients with CMI who underwent either neuroendoscopic-assisted FMD-AL (n = 23) or open surgery (n = 53). Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed, including pain levels, functional assessment, outcome and serum creatinine kinase (CK) levels. Surgical parameters and radiological imaging were also evaluated and compared. Both surgical groups showed improvements in pain levels and increase in postoperative CK levels. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative JOA scores, VAS scores, CCOS, or syrinx resolution. However, the neuroendoscopic group had significantly lower CK levels, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and shorter operation times compared to the open surgery group, indicating reduced muscle damage and potential benefits of the neuroendoscopic assisted approach. Both neuroendoscopy and open surgery groups can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes in patients with CM1. The neuroendoscopic assisted technique offers the advantage of reduced muscle damage and shorter hospital stays. The choice of surgical technique should be based on individual patient characteristics and preferences. 3 (Retrospective case-control study) according to using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) Table.

Timing of Decompressive Surgery in Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review Update.

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Surgical decompression is a cornerstone in the management of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the influence of the timing of surgery on neurological recovery after acute SCI remains controversial. This systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of early (≤24hours) or late (>24hours) surgery in patients with acute traumatic SCI for all levels of the spine. Furthermore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence with respect to the impact of ultra-early surgery (earlier than 24hours from injury) on these outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE database (PubMed), Cochrane database, and EMBASE. Two reviewers independently screened the citations from the search to determine whether an article satisfied predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. For all key questions, we focused on primary studies with the least potential for bias and those that controlled for baseline neurological status and specified time from injury to surgery. Risk of bias of each article was assessed using standardized tools based on study design. Finally, the overall strength of evidence for the primary outcomes was assessed using the GRADE approach. Data were synthesized both qualitatively and quantitively using meta-analyses. Twenty-one studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and formed the evidence base for this review update. Seventeen studies compared outcomes between patients treated with early (≤24hours from injury) compared to late (>24hours) surgical decompression. An additional 4 studies evaluated even earlier time frames: <4, <5, <8 or <12hours. Based on moderate evidence, patients were 2times more likely to recover by ≥ 2 grades on the ASIA Impairment Score (AIS) at 6months (RR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.98) and 12months (RR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.18) if they were decompressed within 24hours compared to after 24 hours. Furthermore, moderate evidence suggested that patients receiving early decompression had an additional 4.50 (95% CI 1.70 to 7.29) point improvement on the ASIA motor score. With respect to administrative outcomes, there was low evidence that early decompression may decrease acute hospital length of stay. In terms of safety, there was moderate evidence that suggested the rate of major complications does not differ between patients undergoing early compared to late surgery. Furthermore, there was no difference in rates of mortality, surgical device-related complications, sepsis/systemic infection or neurological deterioration based on timing of surgery. Firm conclusions were not possible with respect to the impact of ultra-early surgery on neurological, functional or safety outcomes given the poor-quality studies, imprecision and the overlap in the time frames examined. This review provides an evidence base to support the update on clinical practice guidelines related to the timing of surgical decompression in acute SCI. Overall, the strength of evidence was moderate that early surgery (≤24hours from injury) compared to late (>24hours) results in clinically meaningful improvements in neurological recovery. Further studies are required to delineate the role of ultra-early surgery in patients with acute SCI.

Emergency decompressive surgery in patients with transtentorial brain herniation and pupillary abnormalities: the importance of improved pupillary response after osmotherapy and surgery.

The predictors of survival and functional recovery following emergency decompressive surgery in patients with transtentorial brain herniation, particularly those with pupillary abnormalities, have not been established. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the outcome of patients with intracranial mass lesions, transtentorial brain herniation, and nonreactive mydriasis, following emergency surgical decompression. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with transtentorial herniation and pupillary abnormalities who underwent craniotomy or craniectomy at two trauma and stroke centers between 2016 and 2022. The functional outcome was determined using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Forty-three patients, 34 men and 9 women with a mean age of 47 years (range 16-92 years), were included. The underlying etiology was traumatic brain injury in 33 patients, hemorrhagic stroke in 8 patients, and tumor in 2 patients. The median preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score was 3 (range 3-8), and the median midline shift was 9 mm (range 1-29 mm). Thirty-two patients (74.4%) had bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils. The median time to surgery (from pupillary changes) was 133 minutes (mean 169 minutes, range 30-900 minutes). Eighteen patients (41.9%) died postoperatively. After a median follow-up of 12 months (range 3-12 months), 11 patients (26.8%) had a favorable functional outcome, while 10 remained severely disabled (mRS score 5). On univariate analysis, younger age (p < 0.001), less midline shift (p = 0.049), and improved pupillary response after osmotic therapy (p < 0.01) or decompressive surgery (p < 0.001) were associated with favorable outcomes at 3 months. With aggressive medical and surgical management, patients with transtentorial brain herniation, including those with bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils, may have considerable rates of survival and functional recovery. Young age, less midline shift, and improved pupillary response following osmotic therapy or decompressive surgery are favorable prognosticators.

Prospective Investigation of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Disc Complex after Posterior Stabilization and Decompression Surgery in Patients With Non-OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

BackgroundCervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a prevalent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults, primarily from degenerative changes. The efficacy of treatment strategies, especially surgical approaches, remains debated. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the long-term impact of posterior fusion laminectomy on the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) thickness, disc complex, and myelomalacia signal changes in CSM patients. MethodsA single-centre, prospective study from January 2020 to December 2021 included CSM patients without ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from baseline, six, and twelve months postoperatively were collected. Measurements on the MRI were performed using the Osirix® MD software, focusing on the PLL width, myelopathic foci dimensions, and canal diameter. ResultsOut of the 82 initially enrolled patients, 64 were considered for analysis. Postoperatively, a significant reduction in PLL width and myelopathic foci dimensions was observed, alongside a considerable increase in the canal diameter. Clinical outcomes based on the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale also showcased marked improvements post-surgery. ConclusionPosterior fusion laminectomy effectively reduces anterior pressure in CSM patients. This treatment may represent an optimal surgical approach for select CSM cases. Further, more extensive studies with extended follow-up are advocated.

Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging indications of spinal cord swelling for cervical spondylotic myelopathy prognosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred examination approach for patients with suspected cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). To investigate the predictive value of MRI spinal cord swelling on the prognosis of decompression surgery in patients with CSM. A retrospective analysis of 115 patients with CSM who underwent decompression surgery was performed. According to whether cervical MRI showed spinal cord swelling, they were divided into a spinal cord swelling group and non-swelling group. The Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (MJOA) score, MJOA improvement rate and abnormal spinal cord enhancement rate in the two groups were compared before and after surgery. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of the MJOA improvement rate. The time from symptom onset to operation (t= 2.400, p= 0.018) and preoperative MJOA score in the spinal cord swelling group were lower than those in the non-swelling group (t= 3.253, p= 0.002). The body mass index (t= 2.895, p= 0.005), anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal (t= 4.421, p< 0.001), cross-sectional area (t= 3.136, p= 0.002), postoperative improvement rate (t= 4.277, p< 0.001) and proportion of abnormal enhancement of the spinal cord in the swelling group were higher than those in the non-swelling group (χ2= 3.136, p= 0.002). The preoperative MJOA score in the swelling group was lower than that in the non-swelling group (t= 2.583, p= 0.013). A multivariate linear regression model revealed that age and spinal cord swelling were independent predictors of MJOA score improvement, explaining 33.2% of the total variation. Patients with CSM with spinal cord swelling have less time from symptoms to surgery, and the degree of preoperative neurological deterioration is more obvious. Spinal cord swelling is an independent predictor of surgical prognosis in patients with CSM.

Influence of Posture on Gait Parameters in Severe Symptomatic Lumbar Stenosis Before and After Decompression Surgery

BackgroundWe searched to quantify the influence of sagittal vertical axis (SVA) on the improvement of spatiotemporal gait parameters using a gait motion analysis (GMA) before and after decompression surgery in patients suffering from lumbar stenosis (LSS). MethodsThirty-nine patients with severe LSS planned for lumbar decompression underwent a full body biplanar radiographs (EOS®) to quantify the SVA, and have benefited from a three-dimensional GMA one month before surgery (M0) and 6 month (M6) after surgery. The first step of this study was to confirm the validation of three dimensional SVA (3D SVA) for posture analysis. An analysis of modification of the 3D SVA and spatio-temporal gait parameters was then carried out in order to identify any correlation. ResultsDecompression surgery did not significantly improve 3D SVA between M0 and M6 (respectively 49.1 (50.3) versus 49.84 (19.02), p=0.42). Concerning spatio-temporal parameters, we found significant difference for all parameters between M0 and M6. A strong correlation (R2>0.65) between static SVA (EOS®) and 3D SVA was demonstrated using a statistical regression equation. There was also a statistically significant correlation between SVA (static and 3D) and improvement in spatiotemporal gait parameters after decompression surgery. ConclusionThis study analyses the relationship between postural change (SVA) and improvement in gait parameters measured during GMA before and after decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. This specific analysis of gait parameters may represent a prognostic assessment tool for the recovery of patients undergoing surgery for a lumbar spinal stenosis.

Validity of evoked potential as biomarker for predicting early neural function changes after thoracic spinal decompression surgery in patients with neurological deficits.

To evaluate the validity of intraoperative evoked potential (EP) including motor evoked potential (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) as a biomarker for predicting neural function changes after thoracic spinal decompression (TSD) surgery. A consecutive series of 336 TSD surgeries were reviewed between 2010 and 2021 from four spine center. All patients with TSD were divided into 3 groups according to different intraoperative EP results: group 1, EP alerts; group 2, no obvious EP deterioration; group 3, EP improvement compared with baselines. The lower limb Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores (as well as early and long-term JOA recovery rate) were utilized to quantitatively assess pre- and postoperative neural function change. Among the 3 subgroups according to the different EP changes, the early JOA recovery rate (RR%) in the EP improvement group was significantly better than the other two groups (51.3 ± 58.6* vs. 27.5 ± 31.2 and 33.3 ± 43.1; p < 0.01) after 3-month follow-up. The mean MEP and SEP amplitude were from 116 ± 57µV to 347 ± 71µV (p < 0.01) and from 1.86 ± 0.24µV to 2.65 ± 0.29µV (p < 0.01) between spinal cord pre-decompression and post-decompression. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors of EP improvement were duration of symptom (p < 0.001, OR 10.9) and Preop. neurologic deficit degree (p = 0.013, OR 7.46). The intraoperative EP can predict postoperative neural function changes as a biomarker during TSD. Patient with EP improvement probably has better prognosis for early neural function recovery. The duration of symptom and preoperative neurologic deficit degree may be related to intraoperative EP improvement.

Necessity of fusion following decompression surgery in patients with single-level lumbar stenosis: study protocol for an open-label multicentre non-inferiority randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundThe necessity of spinal segment fusion after decompression is one of the most controversial and unresolved issues in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. To date, only one trial carried out 15 years ago focused on this problem. The key purpose of the current trial is to compare the long-term clinical results of the two surgical methods (decompression vs. decompression and fusion) in patients with single-level lumbar stenosis.MethodsThis study is focused on the non-inferior clinical results of decompression compared with the standard fusion procedure. In the decompression group, the spinous process, the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, part of the facet joints, and corresponding parts of the vertebral arch are to be preserved intact. In the fusion group, decompression is to be supplemented with transforaminal interbody fusion. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two equal groups (1:1), depending on the surgical method. The final analysis will include 86 patients (43 per group). The primary endpoint is Oswestry Disability Index dynamics at the end of the 24-month follow-up compared to the baseline level. Secondary outcomes included those estimated using the SF-36 scale, EQ-5D-5L, and psychological scales. Additional parameters will include sagittal balance of the spine, fusion results, total cost of surgery, and hospital stay followed by two-year treatment. Follow-up examinations will be performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 monthsDiscussionAuthors suggest that this study will improve the evidence for application of various surgical techniques for lumbar spine stenosis surgery and verify the existing protocol for surgical management.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05273879. Registered on March 10, 2022.

The indications for core decompression surgery in patients with ARCO stage I-II osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a new, comprehensive prediction system

BackgroundCore decompression (CD) is considered the most popular treatment method for patients with Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage I-II osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the definitive indication for CD is currently not well established.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who were diagnosed with ARCO stage I-II ONFH and who underwent CD were included. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into two groups: collapse of the femoral head after CD and noncollapse of the femoral head. Independent risk factors for the failure of CD treatment were identified. Subsequently, a new scoring system that included all these risk factors was built to help estimate the individual risk of CD failure in patients who were planning to undergo CD.ResultsThe study included 1537 hips after decompression surgery. The overall failure rate of CD surgery was 52.44%. Seven independent prognostic factors for failed CD surgery were identified, such as male sex (HR = 75.449; 95% confidence interval (CI), 42.863-132.807), Aetiology (Idiopathic HR = 2.762; 95% CI, 2.016–3.788, Steroid-induced HR = 2.543; 95% CI, 1.852–3.685), if the patient had a seated occupation (HR = 3.937; 95% CI, 2.712–5.716), age (HR = 1.045; 95% CI, 1.032–1.058), haemoglobin level (HR = 0.909; 95% CI, 0.897–0.922), disease duration (HR = 1.217; 95% CI, 1.169–1.267) and the combined necrosis angle (HR = 1.025; 95% CI, 1.022–1.028). The final scoring system included these seven risk factors, and the area under the curve of this scoring system was 0.935 (95% confidential interval = 0.922–0.948).ConclusionThis new scoring system might provide evidence-based medical proof for determining whether a patient with ARCO stage I - II ONFH might benefit from CD surgery. This scoring system is crucial for making clinical decisions. Consequently, this scoring system is recommended before CD surgery, which could help determine the potential prognosis of patients.

Infrared thermographic changes after decompression surgery in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

BackgroundDigital infrared thermal imaging (DITI), which detects infrared rays emitted from body surface to create a body heat map, has been utilized at various musculocutaneous conditions. Notably, DITI can demonstrate autonomic vasomotor activity in the nerve-innervated area, and thus may be of use in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In this study, we compared DITI findings before and after carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery in patients with unilateral CTS to investigate the corresponding neurophysiological changes.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, DITI parameters such as the temperature differences between the median and ulnar nerve territories and median nerve-innervated digital anisometry were measured. Subjective symptom duration, pain scale, and ultrasonographic findings were also compared before and after CTR. Patients were evaluated before and 6 weeks after CTR, respectively.ResultsA total of 27 patients aged 59.0 ± 11.2 years were finally included. After CTR, median nerve-innervated thermal anisometry was improved (2.55 ± 0.96 °C to 1.64 ± 1.34 °C; p = 0.003). The temperature differences between the median and ulnar nerve territories were not significantly changed. Subjective pain, the Simovic Weinberg Clinical Scale, and palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum were also significantly improved (p < 0.001 for all comparisons).ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that DITI findings could reflect an improvement in autonomic function after CTR. Therefore, DITI can be an objective method to assess pre- and post-operative neurophysiologic changes in CTS.

Improvement of postural stability and gait velocity after cervical decompression surgery in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive degenerative condition that can lead to significant neurological deficits, including gait instability. Biomechanical alterations of gait and its various components are poorly understood. The goal of the current study was to determine how spatiotemporal gait parameters, as well as postural and dynamic stability, change after surgery in CSM patients. A total of 47 subjects were included, with 23 test subjects and 24 controls. Baseline measurements were made for both cohorts. In the CSM cohort, repeat measurements were made at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. To record spatiotemporal and dynamic stability parameters, subjects performed walking trials over force plates on a 15-m runway. To assess postural stability, standing balance trials were conducted on a floor-mounted force plate. Three-dimensional motion analysis cameras and gait modeling software were used to quantify and visually represent results. Statistical analysis was completed using repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests. Significance was set at p < 0.05. CSM patients had significantly increased gait velocity at the 6-month follow-up (mean 0.948 ± 0.248 m/sec/leg length) versus baseline (mean 0.852 ± 0.257 m/sec/leg length) (p = 0.039). The tilted ellipse area was significantly decreased at the 6-month follow-up compared with baseline (mean 979.8 ± 856.7 mm2 vs 598.0 ± 391.1 mm2, p = 0.018). Angular momentum excursion was not significantly different between baseline and the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. CSM patients displayed significant improvement in gait velocity and postural stability parameters after decompressive surgery. Dynamic stability parameters did not change significantly during the study period.

Frequency-dependent hearing outcomes with or without preservation of intact ossicular articulations.

To determine the frequency-specific benefits of ossicular chain preservation compared to performing disarticulations and reconstructions in transmastoid facial nerve decompression surgery in patients with an intact ossicular chain. A retrospective chart review (January 2007 and June 2018) of patients undergoing transmastoid facial nerve decompression on the intact middle ear for severe facial palsy at a tertiary referral center. Surgery was performed with ossicular chain disarticulation on an as-needed basis using either ossicular chain preservation (without ossicular disarticulation), incudostapedial separation, or incus disarticulation technique. Hearing outcomes were assessed. The 108 patients were included in this study. Among these, 89 patients underwent ossicular chain preservation, 5 underwent incudostapedial separation and 14 underwent incus repositioning. The proportion of patients with a change in the 4-frequency air conduction pure-tone average of less than 10dB was 91%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, for the three surgical techniques; these were significantly different (Fisher's exact test, p < .001). Frequency-specific analysis showed that air conduction was significantly better following the ossicular chain preservation technique compared with the incus repositioning technique at stimulation frequencies lower than 250 Hz and higher than 2000 Hz, and compared with the incudostapedial separation technique at 4000 Hz. Analysis of biometric measures determined on CT images suggested that the feasibility of the ossicular chain preservation technique correlates with incus body thickness on coronal CT images. Ossicular chain preservation is an effective approach for hearing preservation in transmastoid facial nerve decompression or similar surgical procedures.

Evaluating a paradigm shift from anterior decompression and fusion to muscle-preserving selective laminectomy: a single-center study of degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Muscle-preserving selective laminectomy (SL) is an alternative to conventional decompression surgery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). It is less invasive, preserves the extensor musculature, and maintains the range of motion of the cervical spine. Therefore, the preferred treatment for DCM at the authors' institution has changed from anterior decompression and fusion (ADF), including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), toward SL. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes before and after this paradigm shift with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, reoperations, and cost-effectiveness. This study was a retrospective register-based cohort study. All patients with DCM who underwent ADF or SL at the authors' institution from 2008 to 2019 were reviewed. Using ANCOVA, changes in PROMs from baseline to the 2-year follow-up were compared between the two groups, adjusting for clinicodemographic parameters, baseline PROMs, number of decompressed levels, and MRI measurements (C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA], and modified K-line interval [mK-line INT]). The PROMs, including the European Myelopathy Score (EMS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the EQ-5D, were collected from the national Swedish Spine Register. Complications, reoperations, and in-hospital treatment costs were also compared between the two groups. Ninety patients (mean age 60.7 years, 51 men [57%]) were included in the ADF group and 63 patients (mean age 68.8 years, 41 men [65%]) in the SL group. The ADF and SL groups had similar PROMs at baseline. The preoperative MR images showed similar C2-7 Cobb angles (10.7° [ADF] vs 14.1° [SL], p = 0.12) and mK-line INTs (4.08 vs 4.88 mm, p = 0.07), but different C2-7 SVA values (16.2 vs 19.3 mm, p = 0.04). The comparison of ANCOVA-adjusted mean changes in PROMs from baseline to the 2-year follow-up presented no significant differences between the groups (EMS, p = 0.901; NDI, p = 0.639; EQ-5D, p = 0.378; and EQ-5D health, p = 0.418). The overall complication rate was twice as high in the ADF group (22.2% vs 9.5%, p = 0.049), while the reoperation rate was comparable (16.7% vs 7.9%, p = 0.146). The average in-hospital treatment cost per patient was $6617 (USD) for SL, $7046 for ACDF, and $12,000 for ACCF. SL provides similar PROMs after 2 years, a significantly lower complication rate, and better cost-effectiveness compared with ADF.

Early vs Late Surgical Decompression for Central Cord Syndrome

The optimal clinical management of central cord syndrome (CCS) remains unclear; yet this is becoming an increasingly relevant public health problem in the face of an aging population. To provide a head-to-head comparison of the neurologic and functional outcomes of early (<24 hours) vs late (≥24 hours) surgical decompression for CCS. Patients who underwent surgery for CCS (lower extremity motor score [LEMS] - upper extremity motor score [UEMS] ≥ 5) were included in this propensity score-matched cohort study. Data were collected from December 1991 to March 2017, and the analysis was performed from March 2020 to January 2021. This study identified patients with CCS from 3 international multicenter studies with data on the timing of surgical decompression in spinal cord injury. Participants were included if they had a documented baseline neurologic examination performed within 14 days of injury. Participants were eligible if they underwent surgical decompression for CCS. Early surgery was compared with late surgery. Propensity scores were calculated as the probability of undergoing early compared with late surgery using the logit method and adjusting for relevant confounders. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio by an optimal-matching technique. The primary end point was motor recovery (UEMS, LEMS, American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] motor score [AMS]) at 1 year. Secondary end points were Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score and complete independence in each FIM motor domain at 1 year. The final study cohort consisted of 186 patients with CCS. The early-surgery group included 93 patients (mean [SD] age, 47.8 [16.8] years; 66 male [71.0%]), and the late-surgery group included 93 patients (mean [SD] age, 48.0 [15.5] years; 75 male [80.6%]). Early surgical decompression resulted in significantly improved recovery in upper limb (mean difference [MD], 2.3; 95% CI, 0-4.5; P = .047), but not lower limb (MD, 1.1; 95% CI, -0.8 to 3.0; P = .30), motor function. In an a priori-planned subgroup analysis, outcomes were comparable with early or late decompressive surgery in patients with ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade D injury. However, in patients with AIS grade C injury, early surgery resulted in significantly greater recovery in overall motor score (MD, 9.5; 95% CI, 0.5-18.4; P = .04), owing to gains in both upper and lower limb motor function. This cohort study found early surgical decompression to be associated with improved recovery in upper limb motor function at 1 year in patients with CCS. Treatment paradigms for CCS should be redefined to encompass early surgical decompression as a neuroprotective therapy.

P114. Cervical decompression surgery improves postural stability and gait velocity in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive degenerative condition that can lead to functional deficits and gait instability. Biomechanical changes to a patient's dynamic and postural stability after decompressive surgery are poorly understood. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The aim of this study was to determine how spatiotemporal gait parameters, postural stability and dynamic stability change after decompressive surgery in patients with CSM. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Prospective cohort study. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Patients aged 40 to 80 years old with Nurick grade 2 or 3 CSM spanning one to four levels undergoing decompressive surgery were prospectively enrolled in this study. Decompression surgery was defined as decompression with or without fusion of the cervical vertebra. Exclusion criteria included: patients who could not ambulate independently, had a history of surgery within 6 months of initial gait evaluation or gait altering lower extremity surgery. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> A tilted ellipse area with bidirectional variance was used to assess postural stability metrics. Generated ground reaction forces (GRF) and variation in bidirectional center of pressure (CoP) motion were recorded and represented in an ellipse area around patient-generated CoP. Additionally, the analysis consisted of the examination of the following spatiotemporal gait parameters: stride length (distance over the ground between ipsilateral heel strikes), cadence (steps per minute), velocity (the speed of the patient's center of mass (CoM), step width (distance between two feet during period of double support), toe-off (percentage of the pre-swing portion of the gait cycle where ipsilateral limb leaves the ground and initializes single leg support) and double support (percentage of gait cycle spent with two feet on the ground). Dynamic stability of gait is inversely proportional to angular momentum regulation, where greater stability is shown by minimizing angular momentum excursion. Angular momentum was calculated using exported joint centers and joint angles, where each segment's angular momentum was computed as the sum of its local angular momentum and the angular momentum of the segment about the whole-body CoM, which was taken to be the sum of 15 body segments. <h3>METHODS</h3> A total of 47 subjects, including 23 Nurick grade 2 or 3 CSM patients and 24 controls, were included. Measurements were taken at baseline in both cohorts and then at 3- and 6-months following decompression in the CSM cohort. Standing balance trials were performed on a single force plate, and walking trials were conducted at a self-selected pace over a 15m runway and a series of five force plates. All trials were recorded with 3D motion analysis cameras, and gait modeling software was utilized. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare measurements at three timepoints, followed by paired t-tests. The significance value was set at P<0.05. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Patients with CSM had a significant increase in gait velocity postoperatively at 6 months (0.948 ± 0.248 m/s) compared to baseline (0.852 ± 0.257 m/s) (P = 0.008). CSM patients had a significant decrease in tilted ellipse area from baseline (979.8 ± 856.7 mm2) to 6 months (598.0 ± 391.1 mm2) (P = 0.018) postoperatively. There was no significant difference in angular momentum excursion between baseline and postoperative measurements. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Decompressive surgery in CSM patients was associated with significant improvement in gait velocity and postural stability. However, there was no significant change in dynamic stability throughout the study period. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Ultrasound-guided Cervical Retro-laminar Block for Cervical Radicular Pain: A Comparative Analysis.

Cervical radiculopathy is a common clinical condition, often treated with cervical epidural steroid injections (ESI). Retro-laminar cervical blocks (RLCB) may be considered safer than ESI as they do not require entering the neuroaxis.In this study, we evaluated the outcome of RLCB in patients with cervical radiculopathy who had failed conservative treatment and were candidates for cervical spine decompression surgery. Recently, we reported a clinical pilot study investigating the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with an ultrasound-guided RLCB. A retrospective, comparative analysis of prospectively collected data was carried out on the medical records of all patients who underwent RLCB for cervical radicular pain, between August 2019 and March 2021. Ninety-eight patients were included in the analysis, with a total of 139 procedures.A significant pain reduction was achieved for most patients immediately after the procedure and at the final follow up (16.9±13.4wk). The mean numerical rating scale for the whole cohort changed from 7.21±2.51 to 4.04±2.51 ( P -value <0.01) at the time of discharge, with similar patterns at the subgroup level. A functional evaluation was carried out by a questionnaire (Neck Disability Index-NDI). Overall, 83% of patients had a lower postprocedural NDI than preprocedural NDI. For 80% of patients, the improvement of NDI surpassed the minimal clinically important change at the final assessment. Most patients (61%) were discharged after just one RLCB. Eight patients (8%) eventually underwent surgery. The most frequent complaint was injection site soreness; however, there were no major adverse events reported. These findings suggest that RLCB can be performed as an alternative to cervical ESI and decompressive surgery in patients with cervical radicular pain that's refractory to noninvasive treatment. More comparative and prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Impact of sarcopenia on effectiveness of lumbar decompression surgery in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

To investigate the impact of sarcopenia on effectiveness of lumbar decompression surgery in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. The clinical data of 50 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who met the selection criteria between August 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the diagnostic criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), based on the calculation of the skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the L 3 level, SMI<45.4 cm 2/m 2 (men) and SMI<34.4 cm 2/m 2 (women) were used as the diagnostic threshold, the patients were divided into sarcopenia group (25 cases) and non-sarcopenia group (25 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, level of lumbar spinal stenosis, surgical fusion level, and comorbidity between the two groups ( P>0.05); the body mass index in sarcopenia group was significantly lower than that in non-sarcopenia group ( t=-3.198, P=0.002). Clinical data of the two groups were recorded and compared, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization stay, and complications. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and sciatica and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up. The effectiveness was evaluated according to modified MacNab standard. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative drainage volume ( P>0.05). However, the hospitalization stay in sarcopenia group was significantly longer than that in non-sarcopenia group ( t=2.105, P=0.044). The patients were followed up 7-36 months (mean, 29.7 months). In sarcopenia group, 1 case of dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred during operation, as well as 1 case of internal fixator loosening during follow-up; 1 case of incision exudation and poor healing occurred in each of the two groups, and no adjacent segment degeneration and deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity occurred in the two groups during follow-up. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications (12% vs. 4%) between the two groups ( χ 2=1.333, P=0.513). VAS scores in low back pain and sciatica as well as ODI scores in two groups significantly improved when compared with preoperative results at last follow-up ( P<0.05). The differences of VAS scores in low back pain and ODI scores before and after operation in sarcopenia group were significantly lower than that in non-sarcopenia group ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference of that in VAS scores of sciatica between the two groups ( t=-1.494, P=0.144). According to the modified MacNab standard, the excellent and good rate of the sarcopenia group was 92%, and that of the non-sarcopenia group was 96%, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( χ 2 =1.201, P=0.753). Patients with sarcopenia and lumbar spinal stenosis may have longer postoperative recovery time, and the effectiveness is worse than that of non-sarcopenic patients. Therefore, for elderly patients with lumbar spine disease, it is suggested to improve preoperative assessment of sarcopenia, which can help to identify patients with sarcopenia at risk of poor surgical prognosis in advance, so as to provide rehabilitation guidance and nutritional intervention in the perioperative period.

Nationwide Incidence of Thyroid Eye Disease and Cumulative Incidence of Strabismus and Surgical Interventions in Denmark

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a serious condition that can cause proptosis and strabismus and, in rare cases, lead to blindness. Incidence data for TED and strabismus and surgical interventions after TED are sparce. To investigate the nationwide incidence of TED, strabismus, and surgical interventions associated with TED. A Danish nationwide registry-based cohort study between 2000, which marks the beginning of uniform coding for the decompression surgery nationwide, and 2018. The cohort consisted of a mean 4.3 million people aged 18 to 100 years with no prior TED diagnosis each year. Total observation time was 8.22 × 107 person-years (women, 4.18 × 107 person-years; men, 4.04 × 107 person-years). The annual numeric and age-standardized incidence of hospital-treated TED and cumulative incidence of strabismus, strabismus surgery, and orbital decompression surgery in patients with TED. The incidence was stratified by sex, thyroid diagnosis, and age. A total of 4106 incident diagnoses of TED were identified during 19 years among 3344 women (81.4%) and 762 men (18.6%). The mean numeric annual nationwide incidence rate of TED was 5.0 per 100 000 person-years overall, 8.0 per 100 000 person-years in women, and 1.9 per 100 000 person-years in men, resulting in a 4:1 ratio of women to men with TED. The age-standardized incidence was similar. The mean (SD) age at onset was 51.3 (14.5) years. At the time of TED diagnosis, 611 patients (14.9%) were euthyroid, 477 (11.6%) were hypothyroid, and 3018 (73.5%) were hyperthyroid. In patients with TED who were euthyroid, the 4-year cumulative incidence was 41% for antithyroid medication and 13% for L-thyroxine. In patients with TED, the 4-year cumulative incidence for strabismus was 10%. The 4-year cumulative incidence of surgical interventions after TED was 8% for strabismus surgery and 5% for orbital decompression. At 4 years, strabismus surgery was more common in men (13.3%; 95% CI, 10.75-15.86) than in women (7.2%; 95% CI, 6.24-8.08), and the absolute difference was 6.1% (95% CI, 3.42-8.14; P < .001). This study in Denmark provides nationwide empirical incidence of TED and strabismus and surgical interventions after TED that required inpatient or outpatient hospital treatment, and might be used for patient information and health care planning.

Characteristics of Sagittal Spinopelvic Alignment Changes After Symptom Relief After Simple Lumbar Decompression.

Sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSPA) parameters are essential for the diagnosis of adult spinal deformities (ASDs) and their progression. Certain clinical symptoms that occur in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) may distort the SSPA and mimic ASD. To differentiate SSPA in symptomatic patients from asymptomatic patients within 10 minutes in the standing position. This retrospective cohort study evaluated changes in SSPA after simple lumbar decompression surgery in patients with LSS and HNP. Relative sagittal alignment (RSA), relative pelvic version, relative lumbar lordosis (RLL), Lordosis Distribution Index (LDI), and global alignment and proportion (GAP) values were calculated using the conventional Schwab classification method. First, the preoperative and postoperative SSPA parameters were compared. Second, patients were subgrouped into symptomatic within 10 minutes of standing (SP group) and other symptoms of LSS and HNP as controls. Changes in SSPA parameters after symptom relief after simple lumbar decompression surgery were compared between the two groups. Overall, all SSPA parameters improved after surgery. However, after subgrouping, patients in the control group did not show significant SSPA alterations, except for LDI, whereas patients in the SP group significantly improved in terms of their RSA, RLL, LDI, and GAP values after symptom relief after surgery. Patients with pain on standing within 10 minutes showed significant correction in RSA, RLL, and GAP values after simple lumbar decompression. Therefore, it is important to observe such clinical symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis of ASD.

Are Bilaterally Fixed and Dilated Pupils the Kiss of Death in Patients with Transtentorial Herniation? Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

Bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils (BFDP) in the setting of transtentorial herniation due to a space-occupying lesion have traditionally been considered a sign of futility. As a result, such patients may be denied life-saving decompressive surgery, resulting in very high mortality rates. We sought to determine the survival rate and functional outcomes in patients with transtentorial herniation and BFDP following emergency decompressive surgery. This was a systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, using a combination of 15 prespecified keywords, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. Individual patient data were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Twenty-two studies totaling 503 patients were included. Study designs were as follows: prospective cohort (n= 1), retrospective cohort (n= 15), and case report (n= 6). Nearly two thirds of patients (67.7%) were male. The mean age was 41years (range= 3-82). The median preoperative Glasgow coma scale was 3 (range= 3-6). Nearly two thirds (66.9%) underwent surgical decompression within 2hours of pupillary changes. The mean follow-up was 7months (range= 1-40). Two thirds (67%) died. Among survivors, 50.5% had severe disability (Glasgow outcome scale= 2-3), while 49.5% had a good outcome (Glasgow outcome scale 4-5), representing 17% of the whole population. Given the methodological limitations, the prognostic value of age, Glasgow comascale, and time to surgery could not be determined. The literature suggests a rate of favorable recovery approaching 17% following decompressive surgery in patients with transtentorial herniation and BFDP, secondary to space-occupying lesions. In the setting of stroke or trauma, the clinical finding of BFDP should not be solely relied on as an indicator of futility. Prospective studies are warranted.