Orthopaedic Surgeons Research Articles

The 3-Steps Approach for Lumbar Stenosis with Anatomical Insights, Tailored for Young Spine Surgeons.

Background/Objectives: Lumbar decompression surgery for degenerative lumbar stenosis is an intervention which addresses a degenerative condition affecting many patients. This article presents a meticulous three-phase surgical approach, derived from our clinical experiences and intertwining anatomical insights, offering a nuanced perspective tailored for the educational needs of young spinal surgeons. Methods: Six hundred and eighty-seven patients who underwent lumbar decompression surgery at a single institution were included in the present study. A retrospective analysis of patient demographics and surgical techniques was performed. All surgeries were performed by a consistent surgical team, emphasizing uniformity in approach. The surgical technique involves a meticulous three-phase process comprising exposure and skeletal visualization; microscopic identification and decompression; and undermining of the spinous process base and contralateral decompression. Results: Presenting results from 530 patients, the study examines demographic characteristics, health profiles, operative details, complications, and clinical assessments. The three-phase approach demonstrates low complication rates, absence of recurrences, and improved clinical outcomes, emphasizing its efficacy. Conclusions: The three-phase surgical approach emerges as a valuable educational tool for both novice and seasoned spinal surgeons. Rooted in anatomical insights, the structured methodology not only caters to the educational needs of young surgeons, but also ensures a standardized and safe procedure. The emphasis on tissue preservation and anatomical points aligns with current trends toward minimally invasive techniques, promising enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The Cervical Intervertebral Foramen: Microanatomy, Pathology, and Clinical Implications.

This is an evidence-based narrative review article. We hope to provide a primer on cervical intervertebral foramen (cIVF) anatomy for spine surgeons, interventionalists, and physiatrists who regularly treat cervical spine pathology, and encourage further exploration of this topic. This corridor for exiting cervical nerve roots is characterized by its intricate microanatomy involving ligamentous, nervous, and vascular structures. Degenerative changes such as facet hypertrophy and disc herniations alter these relationships, potentially leading to nerve root compression and cervical radiculopathy. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on the cIVF. Key imaging, cadaveric, and clinical studies serve as a foundation for this anatomic review. We explore topics such as dynamic changes that affect foraminal size and their implications for nerve root compression, the relationship of the dorsal root ganglion to the cervical foramen, and the function and clinical significance of foraminal ligaments, arteries, and veins. Changes in the cIVF are frequently the basis of cervical degenerative pathologies. A comprehensive understanding of its microanatomical structure will allow the practitioner to better treat the underlying disease process causing their symptoms and signs.

Parameters and Biomechanics of Cervical Sagittal Balance: A Concise and Precise Review

Cervical spine is a vital component of the human spine and it is different from other components. It is the most mobile part of spine and it not only holds the head load but also maintains head balance while in motion. It also helps to balance the thoracic spine which is just contrary to it. Thoracic spine is a rigid structure and its natural curve is kyphotic unlike cervical spine. The equilibrium maintained by the cervical spine for head holding and balancing thoracic kyphosis is called cervical sagittal balance. Similarly, cervical spine also maintains the balance with lumbar spine and its lordosis. In fact, various components of the human spine are not individual parts from a function standpoint, they act simultaneously in a coordinated way to maintain the global balance so that human body remains in an equilibrium at any posture and position, this is what is called a sagittal balance. Cervical spine plays a vital role in maintaining the global balance of spine. Many parameters have been identified to understand cervical sagittal balance. Surgical planning based on maintenance of sagittal balance with the help of these parameters gives the best outcome. We hereby have tried to collect the maximum information about cervical sagittal balance which otherwise is not mentioned collectively elsewhere, and this will provide guidelines and surgical hints to a spinal surgeon.

Perioperative Nutritional, Functional, and Bone Health Optimization in Spine Surgery: A National Investigation of Spine Surgeons' Perceptions and Practices.

While perioperative nutritional, functional, and bone health status optimization in spine surgery is supported with ample evidence, the implementation and surgeon perception regarding such efforts in clinical practice remain largely unexplored. This study sought to assess the current perception of spine surgeons and implementation regarding the nutritional, functional status, and bone health perioperative optimization. An anonymous 30-question survey was distributed to orthopaedic spine fellowship and neurosurgery program directors identified through the North American Spine Society and American Association of Neurological Surgeons contact databases. The questionnaire was completed by 51 surgeon survey respondents. Among those, 62% reported no current formal nutritional optimization protocols with 14% not recommending an optimization plan, despite only 10% doubting benefits of nutritional optimization. While 5% of respondents perceived functional status optimization as nonbeneficial, 68% of respondents reported no protocol in place and 46% noted a functional status assessment relying on patient dependency. Among the respondents, 85% routinely ordered DEXA scan if there was suspicion of osteoporosis and 85% usually rescheduled surgery if bone health optimization goals were not achieved while 6% reported being suspicious of benefit from such interventions. While most responding spine surgeons believe in the benefit of perioperative nutritional and functional optimization, logistical and patient compliance challenges were noted as critical barriers toward optimization. Understanding surgeon perception and current practices may guide future efforts toward advancement of optimization protocols.

Origin of median sacral artery with fourth pair of lumbar artery - an alert for spine surgeons and interventionalists: A case report and mini literature review.

The median sacral artery (MSA) is the single unpaired dorsal branch of the abdominal aorta. The present case describes the relatively unusual origin of the median sacral artery in common with the fourth pair of lumbar arteries via a common trunk in a 74-year-old males' cadaver. Unusual common trunk is prone for iatrogenic injury in surgeries of the lumbar and pelvic region. Owing to the deep seated nature of MSA close to the periosteum of lumbar vertebrae and sacrum, detection of accidental rupture of MSA and ligation thereof becomes a difficult task. MSA is also increasingly being utilized for intra-arterial embolization of pelvic tumours. The proximal portion of the common origin may at times undergo cone shaped dilatation which is referred to as infundibulum or infundibular dilatation and can also transform into aneurysm later. Knowledge of this variation is imperative for spine and pelvic surgeons to avoid unwanted complications.

Sociopolitical, clinical, and ethical challenges of sustainable fracture care in Haiti.

In low- and middle-income countries such as Haiti, musculoskeletal injuries are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated injuries can contribute to decreased mobility, leading to disability and reduced productivity for individuals. The accessibility of timely fracture care poses a substantial challenge in Haiti, where socioeconomic instability and recent surges in gang violence exacerbate an already strained healthcare infrastructure. This manuscript delves into the intricate barriers to sustainable fracture care in Haiti, shedding light on the sociopolitical landscape and clinical challenges that influence the delivery of orthopedic services. The ethical considerations in providing fracture care in Haiti are multifaceted, including classic medical principles, self-preservation in the face of violence, issues of justice in resource and service allocation, and concerns of nonmaleficence in the context of international volunteers. These ethical dilemmas arise from the complex interplay of limited resources, the dangers posed by the current sociopolitical climate, and the involvement of international aid in a vulnerable healthcare system. To address the clinical and ethical conflicts of providing fracture care in Haiti, solutions include education and training of Haitian orthopedic surgeons, capacity building of healthcare facilities, and establishing ethical standards for international volunteers. This comprehensive approach is vital for advancing sustainable fracture care in Haiti and other resource-limited settings.

Successful Arthrodesis Using a Blended Allograft and Autograft Mixture in Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Retrospective Case Series.

Introduction Achieving successful arthrodesis after lumbar interbody fusion remains a challenge, especially for minimally invasive surgical approaches that limit the amount of local bone autograft. However, using an allograft blend as an autograft extension mixture may hold promise but requires further research. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of an allograft blend added to autograft on the quality of arthrodesis after lumbar interbody fusion in adult patients. Methods This study is a retrospective case series of adult patients (>21 years old) who underwent lumbar interbody fusion between October 2021 and January 2022, performed by a single spine surgeon. The quality of arthrodesis was assessed via the Bridwell grade (I-IV) for up to six months. The impact of surgical technique, age, sex, or amount of allograft utilized during fusion on Bridwell grade was assessed. Results Patients (n = 18; 27 levels fused) had a mean age of 58.6 (1.9) years and a mean BMI of 32.8 (1.2) kilograms per meter squared (kg/m²). A mean of 18.0 (standard deviation = 2.4) cubic centimeters (cc) (range: 3.4-50.0 cc) of allograft was used per fused level. A Bridwell grade of I (successful arthrodesis) was achieved at three months in 11.1% (3/27) of fusions and at six months in 85.2% (23/27) of fusions. Four fusions remained at a Bridwell grade of II at six months and subsequently achieved complete arthrodesis at 12 months. No patients received a Bridwell grade of IV (lucency with collapse of graft) at three- or six-month follow-up. There was no difference in Bridwell grade when stratified by surgical technique, age, sex, or amount of allograft used. Conclusion The allograft and autograft blend utilized in this study resulted in successful arthrodesis at all fused levels after one year, irrespective of surgical technique or other patient factors. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to corroborate the findings of this small case series.

Posterolateral Versus Posteromedial Approach for Posterior Malleolus Fixation in Trimalleolar Fractures of the Ankle.

Background Ankle fractures, particularly those involving the posterior malleolus, are prevalent injuries that can lead to significant functional impairment if not managed appropriately. The choice of surgical approach for posterior malleolus fixation - posteromedial (PM) or posterolateral (PL) - remains a debate among orthopedic surgeons. The PM approach is a traditional technique involving extensive soft tissue dissection, while the PL approach offers improved visualization and precision with potentially less soft tissue disruption. Materials and methods This prospective comparative study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, between February 2022 and August 2024.Atotal of 42 patients with trimalleolar fractures involving the posterior malleolus were randomly assigned to either the PL or PM surgical groups, with 21 patients in each group. Surgical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, articular surface step-off, range of motion (ROM), and complications such asosteoarthritis, infection, neurovascular injury, nonunion, and deep vein thrombosis at six months, 12 months, and final follow-up. Results Patients in the PL group demonstrated superior clinical outcomes with higher mean AOFAS scores at six-month(87.52 ± 2.92) and 12-month(90.28 ± 1.72) follow-ups compared to the PM group (84.95 ± 3.25 at six months; 88.86 ± 2.41 at 12 months), with statistically significant differences favoring the PL approach. However, as per the final follow-up, the difference in AOFAS scores between the two groups was not statistically significant. The PL group also had more patients with excellent ROM and fewer complications, such as arthritis, than the PM group. Conclusion The PL approach for posterior malleolus fixation in trimalleolar fractures offers superior early functional outcomes and fewer complications than the PM approach. However, the long-term outcomes between the two approaches show no significant difference, indicating that both techniques can be effective depending on the specific fracture pattern and patient characteristics.

Bipartition of the atlanto-occipital joint surfaces in a South African sample

BackgroundOne variation of the atlanto-occipital joint contains a groove or crest dividing the superior articulating facet of C1 and/or the corresponding occipital condyle. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bipartition of the facets associated with the atlanto-occipital joint and to determine the relationships between the corresponding joint surfaces, bilateral and unilateral facets as well as demographic factors in a South African sample. Materials and methodsData about shape and bipartition found on the superior articular facets of the atlas and the occipital condyles were collected from 109 skulls and atlases from the Pretoria Bone Collection, South Africa. Shape data was categorically classified according to existing criteria from literature. ResultsThe results revealed the occasional occurrence of a double facet at both the superior articular facet of the atlas (15.6 %), and the occipital condyle (7.34 %). Shape and facet number of the superior articulating facet and corresponding occipital condyle were significantly correlated. The prevalence of bipartition of neither the superior articular facets nor the occipital condyles were statistically significantly different between the left and right sides. Sex and age did not statistically significantly contribute to prevalence of bipartition in this population. However, population group statistically significantly contributed to prevalence of bipartition (p = 0.019), with the White South African sample having a much higher prevalence (88.24 % superior articulating facet, 100 % occipital condyle) of bipartition compared to the Black South African sample (11.76 % superior articular facet, 0 % occipital condyle). ConclusionAwareness of this joint variation and instances where it is more likely to occur may be valuable for neuro-vascular and orthopaedic surgeons when doing invasive treatments around the craniocervical junction, and chiropractors when assessing and treating patients.

A retrospective study to assess the complications associated with surgical management of distal radius fracture by ligamentotaxis

Background: Fractures of the distal radius are the most common upper limb fractures encountered by orthopedic surgeons. It constitutes about 75% of all the forearm fractures. There is steady increase in this type of fracture in all age groups but is the highest in children and elderly. There are multiple modalities of treatment available for distal end radius fractures, among which ligamentotaxis is one of the modalities, where the ligaments, retinaculum, tendons and periosteum that envelope the fracture serves as barrier during open reduction, helps achieve the reduction of the fracture. The objective is to study the most common complication associated with distal radius fractures treated by ligamentotaxis in this institution. Methods: This hospital based retrospective study was conducted at MVJMC and RH after receiving ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. The study population contained 50 patients that met the inclusion criteria over a period of 4 years from March 2019 to March 2024.The administrative health data was collected from OPD and OT registers, and the collected data was entered in Microsoft excel and results were calculated and tabulated at the end of the period. All the patients with distal end radius fractures treated by ligamentotaxis over a period of 4 years were included Results: According to the study distal end radius fracture was more prevalent among males than females and the highest percentage with 30% was seen among the age group of 31-40 years. The most common complication encountered was neuropathy and residual wrist pain which accounted for 14%. Conclusions: The study concludes that most of the fractures and its complications are note among the active age group. The study helps understand the complications and find strategies to reduce the complication percentage.

Stressors and coping strategies in older people hospitalised for hip surgery following a fall: a multiple case study

BackgroundMore than half of older persons admitted to an emergency department after a fall have a hip fracture and require surgery for a total hip replacement. This procedure has a high risk of postoperative complications and consequences for older persons, their informal caregivers, and the healthcare system. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of older persons, their informal caregivers and health professionals about intra-personal, inter-personal and extra-personal stressors arising from hip surgery following the fall of an older person hospitalised in orthopaedics, as well as the coping strategies used and the results obtained.MethodsA qualitative multiple case study. The sample consisted of eight cases. Each case consisted of one older person, their informal caregiver and the professionals involved in their care: a nurse, an orthopaedic surgeon and a physiotherapist. A total of 32 participants were recruited. Data were collected between August 2018 and February 2019 in a public hospital in French-speaking Switzerland. Intra- and inter-case analyses were performed.ResultsFive topics emerged: two concerning stressors for older persons (the physical and psychological consequences of the fall and hospitalisation; the loss of relational and environmental markers and habits); two relating to the coping strategies used to face the stressors (being resilient and involved in their own care; partially meeting the older person’s needs); and one regarding the results of the strategies used (reassurance through consideration of some of their needs).ConclusionsOlder persons hospitalised for hip surgery after a fall are confronted with various intra-, inter- and extra-personal stressors and have to explore, together with their informal caregivers, strategies to cope with the consequences of these stressors. Healthcare professionals should possess efficient intervention strategies to help identify and support older persons who experience various types of stressors during hospitalisation for hip surgery following a fall.

Perioperative outcomes using computer navigation in primary total shoulder arthroplasty

IntroductionThe utilization of computer navigation to improve glenoid component placement in primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, there is a paucity of literature examining the perioperative outcomes and cost of this technology compared to standard instrumentation. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative complications and healthcare utilization between computer navigation and standard instrumentation in primary TSA. MethodsThe Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried from 2016 to 2020 to identify patients who underwent elective primary TSA. Patients who underwent TSA with computer navigation (n = 752) were propensity score matched in a 1:3 proportion to patients who underwent TSA with standard instrumentation (n = 2256) for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol abuse, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and chronic lung disease. Bivariate statistical analyses were performed to compare preoperative demographic and comorbidity data, postoperative complications, and hospital utilization metrics between the 2 groups. Chi-square and student t-tests identified differences in categorical and continuous variables, respectively. ResultsPatients undergoing TSA with computer navigation exhibited lower rates of revision within 180 days (P < .001) and lower rates of certain postoperative medical and surgical complications, including acute renal failure (P = .006), urinary tract infection (P = .015), acute respiratory distress syndrome (P = .045), surgical site infection (P = .022), dislocation (P = .012), and prosthetic loosening (P = .032). Computer navigation patients had a higher cost of initial admission (P < .001) but were less likely to have extended hospital stays (P = .047), less likely to be discharged with home healthcare (P < .001), and more likely to be discharged routinely (P < .001). ConclusionTSA with computer navigation was associated with lower revision rates and reduced postoperative complications. Although greater initial costs were observed, decreased extended hospital stays and more routine discharges show promise for long-term cost efficiency. These findings underscore the advantages of computer navigation in TSA and should be considered by orthopedic surgeons when evaluating choice of instrumentation.

What's Important: Engaging Meaningfully with Sustainability Efforts as an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

What's Important: Engaging Meaningfully with Sustainability Efforts as an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Reliability of a Photo-Based Modified Foot Posture Index (MFPI) in Quantifying Severity of Foot Deformity in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have high rates of foot deformity. Accurate assessment of foot morphology is crucial for therapeutic planning and outcome evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of a novel photo-based Modified Foot Posture Index (MFPI) in the evaluation of foot deformity in children with CP. Thirteen orthopaedic surgeons with neuromuscular clinical focus from 12 institutions evaluated standardized standing foot photographs of 20 children with CP, scoring foot morphology using the MFPI. Raters scored the standardized photographs based on five standard parameters. Two parameters assessed the hindfoot: curvature above and below the malleoli and calcaneal inversion/eversion. Three parameters assessed the midfoot and forefoot: talonavicular congruence, medial arch height, and forefoot abduction/adduction. Summary MFPI scores range from -10 to +10, where positive numbers connote planovalgus, whereas negative numbers connote a tendency toward cavovarus. Intra- and interrater reliability were calculated using a 2-way mixed model of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) set to absolute agreement. Feet spanned the spectrum of potential pathology assessable by the MFPI, including no deformity, mild, moderate, and severe planovalgus or cavovarus deformities. All scored variables showed high intrarater reliability with ICCs from 0.891 to 1. ICCs for interrater reliability ranged from 0.965 to 0.984. Hindfoot total score had an ICC of 0.979, with a 95% CI, 0.968-0.988 (P<0.001). The forefoot total score had an ICC of 0.984 (95% CI, 0.976-0.991, P<0.001). Mean total score by the MFPI was 3.67 with an ICC of 0.982 (95% CI, 0.972-0.990, P<0.001). The photo-based MFPI demonstrates high intra- and interrater reliability in assessing foot deformities in children with CP. Its noninvasive nature and ease of use make it a promising tool for both clinical and research settings. MFPI should be considered as part of standard outcomes scores in studies regarding the treatment of CP-associated foot deformities. Level V.

Evolution of Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Thoracic Disc Herniation: Towards Biportal Thoracoscopic Approach

This work aims to describe the evolution of the VATS approach from a multiportal access to a biportal access for thoracic herniated disc surgery. Thoracic disc herniation remains a challenging pathology for spine surgeons. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) of the thoracic spine was described in the 90s and represented an important technical leap by including minimally invasive options for thoracic pathology. Nowadays, VATS in thoracic surgery tends to evolve towards an even less invasive technique, from a multiportal approach to a biportal one. We describe the adoption of this approach for our spinal pathology in three patients. We use a two-port VATS. The largest (approximately 5 cm) with an Alexis retractor ® and a second port (1.5 cm) just for the camera. The three patients started walking in less than 24 hours, and none suffered any complications related to the approach. All of them reported tolerable pain at the surgical site. Changing our previous VATS system from 3 to 5 ports was relatively easy regarding the surgical technique. This access allows the surgeon to manipulate the instrumentation confidently, and the camera does not fog up as often. Extracting a piece of rib is unnecessary, and theoretically, we only manipulate one or at most two intercostal nerves, so the patient's recovery is favorable.

Development of a core outcome set of clinical research on the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for spinal metastases: a study protocol

BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence of spinal metastasis (SM) has been increasing steadily. In response to this serious public health problem, researchers have made progress by using the integration of...

Heterotopic ossification following total hip arthroplasty. Which is the predominant risk factor: surgical approach or post-operative prophylaxis?

To investigate the impact of surgical approach and post-operative prophylaxis on heterotopic ossification (HO) development after total hip arthroplasty (THA). A retrospective analysis of 312 patients who underwent THA between January 2009 and April 2016. Patients were categorized by surgical approach (direct lateral or posterolateral), prosthesis type, and post-operative prophylaxis (Etoricoxib 60mg daily for two weeks). Two orthopaedic surgeons independently assessed radiographs at serial intervals, and HO was graded as per Brooker classification. Bivariate analysis and regression modelling were performed to assess the associations and confounding effects of different variables, RESULTS: Bivariate analysis identified factors correlated with higher HO incidence: absence of prophylaxis, older age, longer symptom evolution, and lower pre-surgery physical activity. Regression modelling showed a correlation between the direct-lateral approach, post-operative prophylaxis, symptom evolution, and higher HO incidence. Patients with longer symptom evolution before surgery and without post-operative prophylaxis are at higher risk of developing HO. While the direct lateral approach showed higher HO rates, the difference was insignificant. A two-week prophylactic regimen of Etoricoxib 60mg daily after THA effectively reduced HO formation. Pharmacological prophylaxis should be evaluated case-by-case, considering patient characteristics and risk factors.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A study of the patient journey in 13 European countries

IntroductionOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable skeletal disorder and comprises various subtypes that differ in clinical presentation, with Type I considered the least severe and Types III/IV the most severe forms. The study aim was to understand the OI patient diagnostic and treatment journey across Europe.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative, descriptive study to understand the OI patient journey. A selection of people with OI/their caregivers and clinicians involved in OI-patient care from across Europe were interviewed using a specially developed questionnaire.ResultsBetween May 2022 and July 2022, 22 people with OI/caregivers and 22 clinicians (endocrinologists, orthopaedic surgeons, geneticists and metabolic specialists) from across Europe were interviewed. Our study showed various areas of concerns for the OI community. Timely diagnosis of OI is essential; misdiagnoses and a delay to treatment initiation are all too common. There are a lack of consensus guidelines regarding optimal treatments (including when bisphosphonate therapy should be initiated and the route of administration) and patient management throughout the duration of the patient’s life. Adult OI patients do not have a medical home and are often managed by endocrinologists and rheumatologists. Adult care is often reactive based on the development of new symptoms. The psychosocial burden of OI impacts on the patient’s quality of life.ConclusionsThere is an urgent need for increased awareness about OI and its wide range of symptoms. In particular, there is a need for consensus guidelines outlining the optimum care throughout the duration of the OI patient’s life.

Spinal Anesthesia for Awake Spine Surgery: A Paradigm Shift for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery.

Awake surgery has been applied for various surgical procedures with positive outcomes; however, in neurosurgery, the technique has traditionally been reserved for cranial surgery. Awake surgery for the spine (ASFS) is an alternative to general anesthesia (GA). As early studies report promising results, ASFS is progressively gaining more interest from spine surgeons. The history defining the range of adverse events facing patients undergoing GA has been well described. Adverse reactions resulting from GA can include postoperative nausea and vomiting, hemodynamic instability and cardiac complications, acute kidney injury or renal insufficiency, atelectasis, pulmonary emboli, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, or malignant hyperthermia and other direct drug reactions. For this reason, many high-risk populations who have typically been poor candidates under classifications for GA could benefit from the many advantages of ASFS. This narrative review will discuss the significant historical components related to ASFS, pertinent mechanisms of action, protocol overview, and the current trajectory of spine surgery with ASFS.

SCUBE3 promotes osteogenic differentiation and mitophagy in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through the BMP2/TGF-β signaling pathway.

In clinical settings, addressing large bone defects remains a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The use of genetically modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has emerged as a highly promising approach for these treatments. Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) is a multifunctional secreted glycoprotein, the role of which remains unclear in human hBMSCs. This study used various experimental methods to elucidate the potential mechanism by which SCUBE3 influences osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs invitro. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of SCUBE3, in conjunction with porous GeLMA microspheres, was evaluated invivo using a mouse bone defect model. Our findings indicate that SCUBE3 levels increase significantly during early osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, and that reducing SCUBE3 levels can hinder this differentiation. Overexpressing SCUBE3 elevated osteogenesis gene and protein levels and enhanced calcium deposition. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant human SCUBE3 (rhSCUBE3) protein boosted BMP2 and TGF-β expression, activated mitophagy in hBMSCs, ameliorated oxidative stress, and restored osteogenic function through SMAD phosphorylation. Invivo, GELMA/OE treatment effectively accelerated bone healing in mice. In conclusion, SCUBE3 fosters osteogenic differentiation and mitophagy in hBMSCs by activating the BMP2/TGF-β signaling pathway. When combined with engineered hydrogel cell therapy, it could offer valuable guidance for the clinical management of extensive bone defects.