Postoperative Neurological Function Research Articles

The application of the technique for dorsal median sulcus mapping in intramedullary space occupying surgery: a single-center experience

PurposeTo investigate the technique for dorsal median sulcus (DMS) mapping and assess its application value in preserving dorsal columnn (DC) function during intramedullary space occupying surgery based on a single-center experience.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 cases of intramedullary spinal cord tumor admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from March 2017 to August 2023. All included cases underwent intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, and were divided into a study group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 23), based on whether DMS mapping technique was utilized. The general and clinical data, intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring data, and changes in patients’ deep sensory function before and after surgery were collected. The postoperative neurological function protection of the two groups of patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumor was compared.ResultsThe present study introduces a technique for DMS mapping through the dorsal region stimulation. The amplitude and waveform of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) recorded by the nerve stimulation probe consistently exhibited patterns relative to the dorsal column. This method demonstrated stable localization of the DMS during surgical procedures in all cases (18/18). Furthermore, compared to the double fork bipolar neurostimulator, the concentric bipolar neurostimulator induced SEPs with higher amplitudes in the dorsal column. There was no significant difference in tumor resection duration between the two groups, while postoperative hospitalization duration was shorter in the study group than in control group. During incision of dorsal column, SEP deterioration rate was 0/18 in study group and 4/23 in control group. During the procedure of tumor resection, the rate of deterioration in SEP was 5/18 in the study group and 9/23 in the control group. One week and three months post-surgery, the rate of decline in deep sensation in lower limbs was 4/18 and 3/18 respectively for the study group, while it was 8/23 and 9/23 for the control group.ConclusionThe technique of DMS mapping is both stable and feasible, can assist the surgeon in accurately identifying the position of the posterior median sulci of the spinal cord and performing a precise dorsal columnotomy along the electrophysiological midline. This method holds great potential in enhancing the preservation of deep sensory function in patients’ lower limbs post-surgery, thereby enabling them to benefit from the technique. Additionally, SEP Mapping of dorsal column aids in comprehending their function and facilitating rapid localization. Consequently, this approach introduces a novel neuroprotective measure for multimodal electrophysiological monitoring during intramedullary space occupying surgery.

Analysis of influencing factors for complications of anterior thoracolumbar tuberculosis surgery in adults.

This study analyzes the risk factors related to the complications of anterior thoracolumbar tuberculosis in adults and to provide clinical reference. A total of 98 adult patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis undergoing anterior surgery in our hospital from February 2020 to December 2023 were selected, and the clinical data and postoperative complications were collected. The clinical characteristics were analyzed, and the risk factors related to surgical complications were analyzed by univariate analysis and multi-factor logistic regression model. A total of 54 patients had 75 postoperative complications of different degrees. Univariate analysis showed that patient age, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, bone graft fusion method, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative neurological function [Asian neurological function classification] were correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications (P < .05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age over 60 years old, preoperative Hb < 100 g/L, blood loss ≥ 800 mL, bone graft fusion method were independent risk factors for anterior postoperative complications of thoracolumbar tuberculosis (P < .05). The independent risk factors for surgical complications of anterior thoracolumbar tuberculosis were age over 60 years old, preoperative Hb < 100 g/L, blood loss ≥ 800 mL, titanium cage by bone graft fusion. Controlling these variable factors before operation can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Surgical management of skull base and spinal chordomas: A case series with comprehensive review of the literature

BackgroundChordomas are rare, slow growing, locally aggressive malignant bone tumors that arise from remnants of the embryonic notochord with variable presenting symptoms depending on tumor location. MethodsAll patients with craniospinal chordoma managed at our institution between 1982 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical course and treatment, and long-term neurological and survival outcomes were collected. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was stratified into standard dose fractionated radiotherapy (standard XRT) for doses of 50 to 60 Gy at 1.8 Gy fractions or high dose hyperfractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HD-FSRT) for doses of 60 to 81 Gy at 1.2-1.5 Gy fractions per treatment. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, Log-rank test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. ResultsA total of 37 patients were included in our cohort (mean age 46.0 ± 20.8 years; 22 male). Clival chordomas accounted for the majority of patients (56.8%), followed by vertebral (27%) and sacral (10.8%) chordomas. Thirty-five patients (94.6%) underwent gross total resection (GTR) or subtotal resection (STR), and 2 patients underwent excisional biopsy only. Postoperatively, functional status trended towards improvement (KPS: Preop- 80 [range 40–100] vs. Post op- 90 [60–100], p = .0911) and all patients either maintained or improved their neurological function. Median overall survival (OS) after diagnosis was 16.5 years. Age < 65, clival tumor location, post-operative Frankel grade E, and administration of adjuvant RT following initial STR significantly improved OS. OS of GTR patients was not significantly affected by adjuvant RT treatment. ConclusionsOur results show the best long-term survival outcomes for chordoma patients undergoing GTR of tumor tissue. Higher postoperative neurological function was significantly associated with OS, highlighting the importance of maximal but safe total tumor resection. Moreover, adjuvant RT improved long-term survival for patients that underwent STR but had no effect on survival outcomes for patients that underwent GTR.

How to determine the course of preoperative chemotherapy for spinal tuberculosis: A single-center clinical study.

This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy and feasibility of preoperative 1-week chemotherapy for patients with spinal tuberculosis (STB) undergoing complete lesion removal. Clinical data of 76 patients with STB who underwent complete focal debridement in our hospital were collected from June 2020 to September 2023. The patients were divided into 38 cases of preoperative 1-week chemotherapy group (Group A) according to the length of preoperative chemotherapy, and 38 cases of preoperative 2 to 4-week chemotherapy group (Group B). Perioperative related, imaging, and laboratory examination indices as well as postoperative neurological function recovery, postoperative pain recovery, related complications, and clinical efficacy were analyzed to compare the clinical efficacy of the 2 groups. All patients successfully completed the treatment of stage I complete lesion removal combined with bone grafting fusion and internal fixation. The difference in erythrocyte setting rate and C-reactive protein at the same postoperative observation time between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). The visual analogue scale scores of patients in the 2 groups decreased significantly with prolonged time, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). All patients achieved satisfactory clinical efficacy (P < .05). All patients achieved good clinical outcomes, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). The difference in incision healing rate at 3 months postoperatively and bone graft fusion rate at 6 months postoperatively was not statistically significant between the 2 groups (P > .05). The dissemination and recurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups after surgery (P > .05). In summary, with complete lesion clearance, 1 week of preoperative chemotherapy is feasible in patients with STB with varying degrees of neurological dysfunction.

Efficacy of Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation for Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) surgeries necessitate a substantial amount of allogeneic blood resources. However, the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in TSS surgery has not been clearly evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PABD for TSS surgery. This study is a retrospective study. Totally 397 patients who underwent TSS surgeries at our institution from January 2019 to June 2023 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make the PABD and Non-PABD groups comparable at baseline. Regarding outcome measures, the incidence and amount of allogeneic blood transfusion, changes in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, occurrence of postoperative complications, medical costs, drainage time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative neurological function were analyzed. The outcomes were compared between the matched PABD (n = 79) and Non-PABD (n = 79) groups. Univariate analysis methods were used for statistical analysis, including independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and chi-square test. The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion (8.9% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.006) and volume of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (10.12 ± 54.52 vs. 122.78 ± 275.00 mL, p < 0.001) in the PABD group were significantly lower than those in the Non-PABD group. The PABD group had significantly higher average postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than the Non-PABD group at 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Similarly, the PABD group exhibited a smaller reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared with the Non-PABD group on 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of transfusion-related complications, medical expenses, neurological function, length of hospital stay, or drainage time. Notably, PABD was an independent protective factor of allogeneic transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.334, 95%CI = 0.051-0.966). PABD can effectively reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and amount of allogeneic blood in TSS surgeries with safety. It also significantly improved the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Under the premise of clear indications, PABD is worth promoting for the surgical treatment of TSS.

Analysis of risk factors affecting postoperative neurological recovery in patients with cervical spine fracture in ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and involves the sacroiliac and peripheral joints. Low-energy trauma can often lead to spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries (SCIs), the treatment of AS is challenging. The prognosis of neurological function in patients with AS cervical fracture and SCI is a major problem that must sought clinician attention on urgent basis. A total of 106 patients with AS cervical fractures who underwent surgical treatment at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between August 2009 and 2021 were included in this study. All the patients were divided into 2 groups (improved group and the control group) based on their neurological function improvement at 1 year mark after the surgery. The baseline characteristics, perioperative factors, and procedural outcomes of all the patients including injury type, AS drug treatment, the injured segment, ossified anterior longitudinal ligament injury, spinal hypersignal, decompression time window, operation duration, blood loss, preoperative and postoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score were recorded and analyzed. Among the 106 patients, 79 demonstrated improved neurological function at 1 year mark after the surgery. Binary univariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences in injury type (P = .018), ossified anterior longitudinal ligament injury (P = .01), operation duration (P = .002), spinal hypersignal (P = .001), preoperative ASIA score (P < .001), and prior AS drug treatment (P = .012). No significant differences were observed in the other variables (P > .05). Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis identified spinal hypersignal (OR = 37.185, P = .028), preoperative ASIA score (OR = 0.16, P = .012) and previous AS drug treatment (OR = 0.296, P = .049) as factors associated with postoperative neurological function improvement. The preoperative ASIA score and previous drug treatment of AS were identified as protective factors affecting the improvement of neurological functions in patients with AS cervical fracture after surgery. Preoperative T2-weighted spinal hypersignal was identified as an independent risk factor affecting the improvement of neurological function recovery in patients with AS cervical fracture after the surgery.

AB049. Surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases-when, what and how?

Spine is the most common site for metastases in the skeletal system. Longer lifespans of patients with common cancers are translating into increasing incidence of patients with symptomatic spinal metastases. Surgery for spinal metastases offers immediate neurological decompression with stabilization and preservation of quality-of-life parameters. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of pre-operative neurological condition, timing, and type of surgery on postoperative neurological function and long-term outcome as well as to analyze the various sources of primary in cases of symptomatic spinal metastases and the spinal level involved in terms of postoperative neurological function and ambulation. A retrospective analysis of all operated cases of symptomatic spinal metastases at our institute over a period of 5 years was performed. Parameters such as neurological presentation, timing of surgery, source of primary, and radiological features of the metastases were assessed and compared with the type of surgery performed, post-operative neurological function, and long-term outcome. The in-house hospital information system was to collect data. A total of 94 patients were operated on for symptomatic spinal metastases, the dorsal spine was the most common location and hematological malignancies were the most common primary overall and among men whereas breast was the most common primary in females. Overall, 64.8% of the patients had neurological motor deficits of which 72% had an improvement in motor power. We found that patients with a pre-operative motor power of 3/5 or more likely to have an improvement in post-operative neurological function and ambulatory status. Surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases plays a vital role in preserving the quality of life of the patients. Patients with preoperative motor power of 3/5, spastic tone, and features of mechanical back pain alone have good ambulatory outcomes post-spine surgery.

The efficacy and safety of mini-open (air/water medium) endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

To compare the clinical efficacy of mini-open (air/water medium) endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (MOEA-ACDF) and anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). This study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of CSM patients who received surgical treatment from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical method: the MOEA-ACDF group and the ACDF group. The preoperative and postoperative imaging results at one week and the last follow-up examination were compared between the two groups. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score and neck disability index (NDI) score were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes preoperatively, one week postoperatively and at the last follow-up examination. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months. A total of 131 CSM patients who underwent surgery at our institution were included, including 61 patients in the MOEA-ACDF group and 70 patients in the ACDF group. In the MOEA-ACDF group, the postoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle and HAVB were significantly greater than the preoperative values (P < 0.05). In the ACDF group, the postoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle was also significantly greater than the preoperative value, and the C2-C7 ROM and HAVB significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The postoperative neurological function of the patients in both groups improved, and the postoperative VAS score and NDI score significantly decreased. Compared with ACDF, MOEA-ACDF is associated with a significantly larger postoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle and significantly better C2-C7 ROM and HAVB, as well as better clinical efficacy (P < 0.05). MOEA-ACDF combines endoscopic systems with ACDF technology to treat CSM, but its clinical efficacy is not inferior to that of ACDF in the short- to intermediate-term. It can effectively and safely restore the cervical intervertebral height, physiological curvature, and range of motion.

Can Survival Scoring Systems for Spinal Metastases be Used to Predict Postoperative Neurologic Recovery? A Retrospective Study on 204 Patients With Thoracolumbar Metastases Treated at a Tertiary Center.

Retrospective Cohort Study. Scoring systems for metastatic disease of the spine are used to select patients for surgical treatment based on survival estimation, but it is unknown whether they can be used to predict the outcome of surgery. This study aims to investigate the association between two widely used prognostic scores and the neurologic function after surgery. Retrospective analysis of 204 patients with thoracolumbar metastases treated with decompressive surgery at Karolinska University Hospital (2001-2020). Modified Bauer and Tokuhashi scores were categorized based on surgical indication, and post-operative neurological function was assessed using the Frankel scale at two different post-surgery intervals. Modified Bauer scores ≥2 yielded higher late follow-up Frankel scores (3.9 ± 1.1) than scores <2 (3.5 ± 1.1), P = .03. Modified Tokuhashi scores ≥9 correlated with higher Frankel scores (4.5 ± .9) than scores <9 (3.5 ± 1.1), P < .0001. Both scoring systems positively predicted neurological outcomes at late follow-up, with odds ratios of 1.6 (P = .03) for Bauer and 9.2 (P < .0001) for Tokuhashi. However, only Tokuhashi predicted ambulatory function at late follow-up (P < .0001), demonstrating its utility in prognosticating post-surgical mobility. Higher modified Bauer and Tokuhashi scores were associated with better neurologic function at last follow-up, as well as greater likelihood of being able to walk again. The Tokuhashi score was found to be more accurate than the modified Bauer score in predicting the neurological outcome after surgery.

Bayesian networks for Risk Assessment and postoperative deficit prediction in intraoperative neurophysiology for brain surgery.

To this day there is no consensus regarding evidence of usefulness of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM). Randomized controlled trials have not been performed in the past mainly because of difficulties in recruitment control subjects. In this study, we propose the use of Bayesian Networks to assess evidence in IONM. Single center retrospective study from January 2020 to January 2022. Patients admitted for cranial neurosurgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring were enrolled. We built a Bayesian Network with utility calculation using expert domain knowledge based on logistic regression as potential causal inference between events in surgery that could lead to central nervous system injury and postoperative neurological function. A total of 267 patients were included in the study: 198 (73.9%) underwent neuro-oncology surgery and 69 (26.1%) neurovascular surgery. 50.7% of patients were female while 49.3% were male. Using the Bayesian Network´s original state probabilities, we found that among patients who presented with a reversible signal change that was acted upon, 59% of patients would wake up with no new neurological deficits, 33% with a transitory deficit and 8% with a permanent deficit. If the signal change was permanent, in 16% of the patients the deficit would be transitory and in 51% it would be permanent. 33% of patients would wake up with no new postoperative deficit. Our network also shows that utility increases when corrective actions are taken to revert a signal change. Bayesian Networks are an effective way to audit clinical practice within IONM. We have found that IONM warnings can serve to prevent neurological deficits in patients, especially when corrective surgical action is taken to attempt to revert signals changes back to baseline properties. We show that Bayesian Networks could be used as a mathematical tool to calculate the utility of conducting IONM, which could save costs in healthcare when performed.

Utility of somatosensory- and motor-evoked potential change thresholds in surgical treatment for thoracic spinal stenosis based on different pathologies

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) is secondary to different pathologies that differ in clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes. PURPOSEThis study aimed to determine the optimal warning thresholds for combined somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) for predicting postoperative neurological deterioration in surgical treatment for TSS based on different pathologies. Additionally, we explored the correlation between SSEP/MEP monitoring and postoperative spinal neurological function. STUDY SETTINGRetrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLETwo hundred five patients. OUTCOME MEASURESWe obtained perioperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores to assess spinal neurological function. METHODSThe data collected in this study included demographic data, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) signals, and perioperative neurological function assessments. To determine the optimal IONM warning threshold, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between IONM signals and clinical neurological conditions. RESULTSA total of 205 consecutive patients were eligible. Forty-one patients had thoracic disc herniation (TDH), 14 had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), 124 had ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF), and 26 had OPLL+OLF. The mean mJOA scores before surgery and 3 months after surgery were 7.0 and 7.9, respectively, resulting in a mean mJOA recovery rate (RR) of 23.1%. The average postoperative mJOA RRs for patients with TDH, OPLL, OLF, and OPLL+OLF were 24.8%, 10.4%, 26.8%, and 11.2%, respectively. Patients with OPLL+OLF exhibited a more stringent threshold for IONM changes. This included a lower amplitude cutoff value (a decrease of 49.0% in the SSEP amplitude and 57.5% in the MEP amplitude for short-term prediction) and a shorter duration of waveform change (19.5 minutes for SSEP and 22.5 minutes for MEP for short-term prediction). On the other hand, patients with TDH had more lenient IONM warning criteria (a decrease of 49.0% in SSEP amplitude and 77.5% in MEP amplitude for short-term prediction; durations of change of 25.5 minutes for SSEP and 32.5 minutes for MEP). However, OPLL patients or OLF patients had moderate and similar IONM warning thresholds. Additionally, there was a stronger correlation between the SSEP amplitude variability ratio and the JOA RR in OPLL+OLF patients, while the correlation was stronger between the MEP amplitude variability ratio and the JOA RR for the other three TSS pathologies. CONCLUSIONSOptimal IONM change criteria for prediction vary depending on different TSS pathologies. The optimal monitoring strategy for prediction varies depending on TSS pathologies.

Effects of Solitaire AB stent thrombectomy with tirofiban and butylphthalide on neurological function and inflammatory factors in acute cerebral infarction patients

Background Acute cerebral infarction profoundly affects patients’ neurological function and quality of life. This study explores the impact of Solitaire AB stent thrombectomy, combined with tirofiban and butylphthalide, on neurological function and inflammatory factors in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods Seventy-three eligible patients treated between 2021 and 2023 were divided into a control group (Solitaire AB stent thrombectomy) and a treatment group (Solitaire AB stent thrombectomy with tirofiban and butylphthalide). Postoperative neurological function scores and inflammatory factor levels were analyzed. Results The treatment group demonstrated a higher clinical effective rate, lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at one day and seven days and higher Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores post-treatment. Inflammatory factor levels (Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), S100-β, TNF-α and IL-6) were lower in the treatment group. No significant differences in adverse outcomes were observed. Conclusion Solitaire AB stent thrombectomy with tirofiban and butylphthalide shows superior efficacy, improving neurological function and inflammatory factors without increasing adverse outcomes. This offers valuable insights for clinical treatment of acute cerebral infarction.

Correlation between Duration of Preoperative Motor Deficit and Early Postoperative Motor Functional Recovery in Patients with Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumor

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal tumors are generally benign neoplasms that occur within the dura mater but outside the spinal cord substance and usually treated with surgical excision. Symptoms of these tumors may varies with duration. This study denoted correlation between duration of preoperative motor deficit and early postoperative motor functional recovery that will help eventually to do more accurate assessment, counselling of the patients about surgical outcome and prognosis of IDEM spinal tumors. This prospective interventional study was carried out in the department of Neurosurgery, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. A total N=49 patients of IDEM spinal tumor were included after taking informed written consent. A detailed history and thorough neurological examination were carried out. Pre and postoperative neurological function and motor deficit were evaluated by Modified Medical Research Council system (MRC) muscle grading. Follow-up was done at 30th postoperative day (POD). Data were collected and analyzed by SPSS – 24. Correlation between duration of preoperative motor symptoms and postoperative MRC grading was determined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Mean age of the patiesants was 41 ± 14.08 years with male predominance (55.1%). Schwannoma was the commonest tumor (42.8%). The commonest location was dorsal spine (46.9%). Pain was present in all (100%) patients, motor weakness in (97.9%), tingling/numbness in (69.4%), sphincter disturbance in 21 patients (42.9%). The mean duration of preoperative disease symptoms was 9.79 ± 7.46 months. According to MRC motor power grade, majority (83.7%) had improved at 30th postoperative day. Median (IQR) value of MRC motor power grade at 30th postoperative day was increased to 4(3-5) from preoperative grade 3(1-3). Spearman correlation model showed that duration of preoperative motor deficit had significant negative correlation with motor functional recovery at 30th POD (rs= -0.733, p &lt;0.001). Preoperative duration of motor deficit and early postoperative motor functional recovery is significantly interrelated in patients with IDEM spinal tumors.

Comparison of Posterior Approach and Combined Anterior-Posterior Approach in the Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis Combined With Cervical Spine Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Systematic review. To compare the efficacy of the posterior approach and combined anterior-posterior approach in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with cervical spine fracture by meta-analysis. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the comparison of the posterior approach group and the combined anterior-posterior approach group in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with cervical spine fracture from database establishment to August 2023. The procedure time, intraoperative blood loss, the rates of neurological improvement, mean change in the postoperative neurological function, complication rates, rates of revised surgery, and mortality were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software provided by Cochrane Library. A total of 11 retrospective cohort studies with a total of 215 patients were included in this study. The posterior approach group had lower intraoperative blood loss than the combined anterior-posterior approach group [Mean difference (MD) = -146.05, 95%CI(-187.40,-104.69), P < .00001]; the operation time was significantly less in the posterior approach group than in the combined anterior-posterior approach group [MD = -95.34, 95%CI(-113.13,-77.55), P < .00001]. There were no statistically significant differences in the neurological improvement rates, mean changes in postoperative neurological function, complication rates, modified surgery rates, and mortality rates. Both the posterior approach and combined anterior and posterior approach can achieve good results. Clinicians should develop an individualized approach based on the patient's fracture type, degree of spinal cord injury, fracture stability, fracture dislocation, general condition, and underlying disease.

Assessing Neurologic Complications in Thoracic Three-Column Osteotomy: A Clinical Application of a Novel MRI-Based Classification Approach.

Retrospective comparative study. To investigate the occurrence of neurologic complications in patients undergoing thoracic three-column osteotomy (3CO) utilizing an MRI-based classification that assesses spinal cord shape and the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the curve apex, and evaluate its prognostic capacity for postoperative neurologic deficits. Recent advancements in correction techniques have improved outcomes for severe spinal deformity patients undergoing 3CO. A novel MRI-based spinal cord classification system was introduced, but its validation and association with postoperative complications remain unexplored. Between September 2012 and September 2018, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 158 adult patients with spinal deformities undergoing 3CO. Radiographic parameters were measured. T2-weighted axial MRI was employed to describe spinal cord morphology at the apex. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (INOM) alerts were recorded, and preoperative and postoperative neurologic functions were assessed using the Frankel score. Categorical data were compared using the Chi-Square or Fisher's exact test. The paired t-test was utilized to assess the mean difference between pre- and postoperative measurements, while the one-way ANOVA and independent t-test were employed for comparative analyses among the different spinal cord types. Patients were categorized into three groups: type 1, type 2, and type 3, consisting of 12, 85, and 61 patients. Patients with type 3 morphology exhibited larger Cobb angles of the main curve (P<.001). This disparity persisted both postoperatively and during follow-up (P<.05). IONM alerts were triggered in 32 patients (20.3%), with a distribution of one case in type 1, six cases in type 2, and 22 cases in type 3 morphologies (P<.001). New neurologic deficits were observed in 15 patients (9.5%), with one, three, and 11 cases in type 1, 2, and 3 morphologies, respectively. Patients with type 3 morphology exhibited greater spinal deformity severity, higher likelihood of preoperative neurologic deficits, and an elevated risk of postoperative neurologic complications. This underscores the utility of the classification as a tool for predicting postoperative neurologic complications in patients undergoing thoracic 3CO. Level IV.

Surgery for Symptomatic Spinal Metastases – When, What, and How?

Abstract Background: Spine is the most common site for metastases in the skeletal system. Longer lifespans of patients with common cancers are translating into increasing incidence of patients with symptomatic spinal metastases. Surgery for spinal metastases offers immediate neurological decompression with stabilization and preservation of quality-of-life parameters. Objectives: To assess the effect of pre operative neurological condition, timing, and type of surgery on post operative neurological function and long-term outcome. To analyze the various sources of primary in cases of symptomatic spinal metastases and the spinal level involved in terms of post operative neurological function and ambulation. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all operated cases of symptomatic spinal metastases at our institute over a period of 5 years was performed. Parameters such as neurological presentation, timing of surgery, source of primary, radiological features of the metastases were assessed and compared with the type of surgery performed, post operative neurological function and long-term outcome. The in house hospital information system was to collect data. Results: A total of ninety-four patients were operated for symptomatic spinal metastases, the dorsal spine was the most common location and haematological malignancies were the most common primary overall and among men whereas breast was the most common primary in females. Overall, 64.8% of the patients had neurological motor deficit of which 72% had an improvement in motor power. We found that patients with a pre operative motor power of 3/5 or more likely to have in improvement in post operative neurological function and ambulatory status. Conclusion: Surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases plays a vital role in preserving the quality of life of the patients. Patients with preoperative motor power of 3/5, spastic tone and features of mechanical back pain alone have good ambulatory outcomes post spine surgery.

C-arm CT scanning combined with simple laser device-assisted puncture therapy for cerebellar hemorrhage.

Cerebellar hemorrhage is a severe cerebrovascular disease. The small posterior fossa space can cause compression of surrounding brain tissue with even a small amount of bleeding, leading to increased intracranial pressure, disruption of blood supply to surrounding brain tissue, and exacerbation of brain function damage. The most common surgical approach currently is craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, inevitably causing damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels. In this study, we introduced C-arm CT scanning combined with simple laser device technology to assist in puncture drainage for cerebellar hemorrhage, aiming to improve the accuracy of surgery and maximize the protection of patients' brain function, providing a physiological basis for better clinical prognosis. From January 2023 to February 2024, a total of 8 patients (6 males, 2 females) with cerebellar hemorrhage underwent C-arm CT-assisted puncture therapy combined with a simple laser device at the affiliated hospital of Binzhou Medical University. Statistical analysis was performed on operation time, number of punctures, impact on important structures and vessels, postoperative hematoma clearance, complications, and neurological function recovery. All 8 patients underwent the surgery smoothly without causing damage to important structures or blood vessels. There was no rebleeding intraoperatively. Among the 8 patients, 5 were discharged smoothly, while 3 patients opted to discontinue treatment and requested discharge. At the 3-month follow-up, 3 patients showed no ataxia, while 2 patients had impaired cerebellar motor function. C-arm CT scanning combined with a simple laser device technology can accurately locate the position of the hematoma, effectively avoid important structures and vessels, reduce damage to surrounding normal brain tissue, and maximize the protection of normal brain tissue function. Real-time navigation and dynamic adjustments during surgery allow immediate access to imaging data postoperatively. It also has the advantages of being minimally invasive, highly precise, easy to operate, and short operation time, demonstrating high practicality and feasibility.

Scarless Excision of Second Branchial Cleft Cyst via Retroauricular Hairline Incision.

Second branchial cleft cyst (2nd BCC) is treated by complete excision. Conventional transcervical skin incision on the lesion may leave a prominent scar in the cosmetically sensitive area. The retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) approach may maintain neurological, mobility, and cosmetic functions of the neck and face after excision. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and disease control of scarless surgery via RAHI in 57 consecutive patients with 2nd BCC. The patients received the prospective evaluation of postoperative neurological, subjective pain, swallowing, neck motion, and cosmetic functions. Postoperative complications, subjective satisfaction, and recurrence were also assessed in each patient. Excision was performed in all cases without injury to the facial nerve or other neurological complications and conversion to other incisions or approaches with a median operation time of 44min. Complications were minimal, without dysphagia, neurological deficits, or limited neck motion. Postoperative incision scars in the postauricular and hairline region were commonly invisible. Subjective satisfaction with the scar and facial deformity was high after surgery. No patients had a recurrence for a median follow-up of 66months. The RAHI approach for 2nd BCC has excellent cosmetic, functional, and disease control outcomes. This can be safely applied to the treatment of 2nd BCC. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

EXTH-33. RAGE INHIBITOR (TTP488) AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DEXAMETHASONE FOR MANAGING CEREBRAL EDEMA FOLLOWING BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY

Abstract BACKGROUND Cerebral edema (CE) commonly occurs after neurosurgical procedures and contributes to patient morbidity and neurological deterioration. Corticosteroids alleviate brain edema during the perioperative period, but they impose several undesirable side effects and interfere with immunotherapies in patients with malignant brain tumors. OBJECTIVE To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of TTP488 (inhibitor of receptor for advanced glycation end products) on CE formation following tumor resection in glioma models. METHODS Mice harboring orthotopic CT-2A gliomas were randomly assigned to three groups and underwent tumor resection. TTP488, dexamethasone, and vehicle were administered perioperatively (day -4 pre-op to day 7 post-op) and post-operative neurological function was examined. CE was assessed on serial brain MRIs over a 7-day period, and using manual segmentation techniques, tumor-related volumes were calculated. In a separate survival experiment, the effect of each drug on anti-PD-1 immunotherapy response was measured. RESULTS In each group, CE peaked on post-operative day 2 and gradually diminished by day 7. On post-operative day one, mice treated with TTP488 showed a marked reduction in CE compared to those treated with either dexamethasone or vehicle with mean CE volumes of 1.75±1.08%, 2.69±0.77%, and 3.87±1.07%, respectively (P=0.02, TTP488 vs vehicle). Furthermore, the TTP488 group had better functional recovery scores (P=0.04) and wound healing (dehiscence, P=0.00003) compared to the vehicle group. Interestingly, unlike dexamethasone, TTP488 did not abrogate the efficacy of immunotherapy in the CT-2A glioma model. CONCLUSION TTP488 was as effective as dexamethasone in alleviating CE caused by tumor resection and did not interfere with the efficacy of immunotherapy. TTP488 could potentially be an alternative to dexamethasone in the perioperative management of patients undergoing tumor resection or other neurosurgical interventions.

Modified posterior osteotomy for osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological dysfunction in thoracolumbar spine: a preliminary study

ObjectiveThe risk of osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC) associated with delayed neurological dysfunction (DND) is substantial, and performing surgery for this condition in elderly patients presents challenges. The focus of the current research is on simplifying surgical procedures while maintaining their effectiveness. This study was designed to contribute clinical data supporting the use of modified posterior osteotomy for treating thoracolumbar OVC with DND. The study compares perioperative clinical parameters, imaging data characteristics, and changes in efficacy outcome indicators to provide evidence for the advancement of this technique.MethodsA total of 12 patients diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral collapse and neurological dysfunction were included in the study. All patients underwent modified posterior osteotomy. Data regarding perioperative and radiological parameters as well as complications such as surgery duration, blood loss, ASIA grade, VAS, ODI, regional kyphosis angle (RKA), anterior vertebral height ratio (AVHr), and spinal canal clearance ratio (SCCr), were collected retrospectively. These parameters were then analysed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the modified posterior osteotomy technique.ResultsA total of 12 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 9.7 years. The average follow-up period was 29.4 ± 5.0 months. The mean operative blood loss was 483.3 ± 142.0 ml, and the average operative time was 3.7 ± 0.7 h. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased from a preoperative value of 5.8 ± 0.7 to a final follow-up value of 1.3 ± 0.8 (P < 0.05), indicating a significant improvement in pain. The ODI decreased from 65.2 ± 6.0 before surgery to 20.5 ± 7.0, indicating a decrease in disability, and the postoperative neurological function showed a significant improvement. Correction of the RKA was observed, with the angle changing from 35.8 ± 10.8° before surgery to 20.0 ± 3.5° after surgery and to 22.5 ± 3.1° at the final follow-up. Similarly, correction of the AVHr was observed, with the height changing from 39.3 ± 18.0 to 63.0 ± 14.3 after surgery and to 53.9 ± 8.9 at the final follow-up. Correction of the SCCr was also observed, with the ratio changing from 54.9 ± 5.4 to 68.1 ± 5.3 after surgery and to 68.68 ± 6.76 at the final follow-up.ConclusionsPosterior modified osteotomy is an effective treatment for thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures with OVC combined with DND. It can significantly preserve vertebral height, increase vertebral canal volume, correct kyphotic angle, and improve postoperative neurological function. The simplified osteotomy also offers advantages in terms of operating time, blood loss, postoperative VAS score, and improvement in lumbar function.