Posterior Stabilization Research Articles

Impact of femoral anteversion and tibial torsion on balance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Purpose: To investigate the relation between femoral anteversion angle, tibial torsion and balance abilities in children with spastic diaplegic cerebral palsy. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational research design study utilizing a sample of 50 spastic diplegic children (22 girls and 28 boys), with gross motor functional classification system levels I, II were recruited and their ages ranged from 7 to 13 years. Femoral anteversion and tibial torsion angles were measured by computed tomography scan, while balance abilities were assessed by Biodex balance system. Results: Data analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between right femoral anteversion angle and the overall stability index and the antero posterior stability index, while a weak positive non-significant correlation with the medio-lateral stability index was found. There was a weak negative non-significant correlation between left femoral anteversion angle and stability indices. There was a weak non-significant correlation between tibial torsion angle and stability indices. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the relation between femoral anteversion angle, tibial torsion angle and balance in spastic diplegic children can provide quantitative and objective information that could be used in the clinical assessment and rehabilitation strategies.

Open Posterior Reduction and Stabilization of AO Spine C3 Sacral Fractures.

AO Spine C3 sacral fractures are defined by separation of the spine including S1 from the pelvic ring and are usually result of a high-energy injury. Besides their high biomechanical instability and high rate of associated neurological impairment, these fractures are often extremely difficult to reduce due to severe bony impaction and dislocation. Additional difficulties in management of these fractures arise from only a thin-layer of soft-tissue coverage overlying the injured area.

Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sports After Open Reduction and Hamstring Tendon Autograft Reconstruction in Patients With Acute Traumatic First-Time Posterior Dislocation of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Background: Traumatic posterior dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) are rare. Multiple case reports, case series, and systematic reviews have been published on the treatment of posterior SCJ dislocations. However, they have usually been of small numbers, described a variety of surgical techniques on a mixture of acute and chronic dislocations, and have not focused on functional recovery or return to sports. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and return to sports after SCJ open reduction and reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft in patients with an acute first-time traumatic posterior dislocation of the SCJ. We hypothesized that SCJ open reduction and reconstruction would result in high survivorship, good clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included all patients who underwent SCJ open reduction and reconstruction within 14 days of sustaining a first-time traumatic posteriorly dislocated SCJ, with a minimum 3-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed by the following scores: short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Rockwood SCJ, modified Constant, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Survivorship was defined as no clinical failure, such as instability or recurrent dislocation, and no revision surgery. Return to sports was assessed using a customized questionnaire. Results: A total of 19 patients who underwent surgery were included, with a mean age of 30.8 years (range, 18-52 years). Seventeen patients were available at final follow-up at a mean 94.5 months (range, 37-155 months). At final follow-up, the mean scores were as follows: QuickDASH, 4.3 (range, 0-20.4); Rockwood, 13.9 (range, 12-15); modified Constant, 94.4 (range, 71-100); and SANE, 92.1 (range, 70-100). The construct survivorship was 96%. Of the 14 patients who participated in sports, 12 (86%) returned to their preinjury levels. Conclusion: After an acute first-time traumatic posterior SCJ dislocation, open reduction and stabilization with a hamstring tendon autograft, undertaken within 14 days of injury, provides good clinical outcomes and high rates of survivorship and return to sports.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Primary Motor Cortex in Improving Postural Stability in Healthy Young Adults.

Simple SummaryTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used as an adjuvant rehabilitation treatment to improve postural control and lower limb function. This study explored the effects of sham and anodal tDCS over the leg region of M1 on static and dynamic postural stability in healthy young adults. Jump-landing tasks were used to examine dynamic postural stability. Static postural stability was assessed by a single-leg stand on force plates with open eyes. Anodal tDCS had an immediate improving effect on static and dynamic postural stability, and might evolve as an adjuvant rehabilitation treatment to enhance postural deficits in the future.Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) is of increasing interest to improve motor performance in healthy adults and patients with respective deficits. This study aimed to examine whether tDCS over M1 can improve static and dynamic postural stability in young healthy adults. Seventeen healthy participants (mean age = 25.14 ± 2.50 (standard deviation, SD) years) received sham and anodal tDCS (2 mA) over the vertex at the Cz electrode position for 15 min. Static and dynamic postural stability were evaluated before and immediately after tDCS. The center of pressure (COP) sway area (COPSA) and COP maximum displacements to medio-lateral (COPML) and antero-posterior directions (COPAP) were used to evaluate static postural stability. The anterior–posterior stability index (APSI), medial–lateral stability index (MLSI), vertical stability index (VSI), dynamic postural stability index (DPSI), and time to stabilization (TTS) in forward (FL), 45° anterior lateral (LL), and 45° anterior medial (ML) direction landing, as well as the Y-balance composite score (YBTCS) were used to assess dynamic postural stability. The results showed that the LL-TTS (p = 0.044), non-dominant leg COPSA (p = 0.015), and YBTCS (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved in the real stimulation as compared with the sham stimulation session, and anodal tDCS significantly changed dominant leg COPAP (p = 0.021), FL-APSI (p < 0.0001), FL-TTS (p = 0.008), ML-TTS (p = 0.002), non-dominant leg YBTCS (p < 0.0001), and dominant leg YBTCS (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in all obtained balance values in the sham stimulation session, except for non-dominant leg YBTCS (p = 0.049). We conclude that anodal tDCS over M1 has an immediate improving effect on static postural stability and dynamic performance in young healthy adults. This makes tDCS a promising adjuvant rehabilitation treatment to enhance postural stability deficits in the future.

Surgical Site Infection After Posterior Stabilization of the Spine - When do we Have to Remove the Implants?

Retrospective data analysis. The primary objective of this investigation was to analyze if treatment of Postoperative surgical site infections (PSSI) after posterior stabilization of the spine (PS) without radiological signs of screw loosening (RSL) shows a sufficient success rate without implant removal and if there was any difference between early and late PSSI. PSSI after PS are usually treated by implant removal and reinstrumentation if loosening of one of more screws is detected. There is presently no conclusive data that shows the success rate of the treatment of PSSI after PS without implant removal if no RSL are perceived. All patients who were treated for a PSSI after PS without RSL in a single spine center from 12/2009 to 03/2020 were enrolled in a retrospective analysis. Patients were treated by revision surgery with debridement and irrigation and subsequent antibiotic therapy. Implant removal was performed if the initial treatment did not lead to an improvement in wound healing and normalization of laboratory values. Statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25. Descriptive data are given as mean and standard error of mean, a χ 2 test was performed. Of the 32 enrolled patients, 17 had an early PSSI, 15 a late PSSI. In 71.9% (23/32), the PSSI was treated without implant removal: 12/17 in early PSSI, 11/15 in late PSSI. The difference was not significant ( P >0.05). One patient died, all other patients were discharged from the hospital with no remaining laboratory signs of the infection and with closed soft tissues. In our group of patients, the success rate of irrigation and debridement without implant removal was 71.9%. In the light of this data, performing at least two irrigations and debridement before implant removal seems to be a valid treatment option in PSSI after PS if there are no RSL in early and late PSSI.

Can tibia-first total knee arthroplasty using computer-assisted system improve anterior and posterior knee stability?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed procedure to alleviate pain and restore function of patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The study aim was to determine if tibia-first (TF) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a novel computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system can yield better anterior and posterior (AP) knee stability. Patients with knee osteoarthritis with obvious varus knee who met the indication for and underwent TKA from May 2019 to November 2020 were included. Forty-one measured resection (MR)-TKAs and 32 TF-TKAs were compared. The varus-valgus ligament balance and joint tension at a joint center-gap setting equal to the tibial-baseplate thickness were measured, and appropriate polyethylene inserts with 0∘, 30∘, 45∘, 60∘, 90∘, and 120∘ of knee flexion were placed. A Kneelax 3 arthrometer was used to measure knee AP laxity in the postoperative anesthetized patients with 30∘ and 90∘ of knee flexion. The horizontal gap balance was significantly closer in the TF-TKA group than the MR-TKA group for 0∘, 30∘, 45∘, and 60∘ of knee flexion. In contrast, no significant differences were observed for 90∘ and 120∘ of knee flexion. No significant differences in joint-gap tensions among all knee-flexion angles were observed. Translation was significantly smaller in the TF-TKA group than the MR-TKA group for AP laxity with 30∘ of knee flexion (8.8 ± 2.9 mm vs. 10.7 ± 3.1 mm, P= 0.0079). In contrast, no significant AP laxity was observed with 90∘ of knee flexion (7.2 ± 2.8 mm vs. 7.2 ± 3.5 mm). TF-TKA using a novel CAS system provided better AP knee stability with close to horizontal gap balances.

Comprehensive analysis of the results of surgical treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine using rigid fixation systems

Introduction. According to the literature, the development of adjacent-level syndrome 10 years after posterior rigid stabilization is noted in 6.7–80 % of patients, of which 24 % require revision surgery.The aim: to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the results of surgical treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine using rigid fixation systems.Materials and methods. A multicenter retrospective study of the results of surgical treatment of 268 patients with degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the lumbar spine, who underwent mono- or bisegmental decompression-stabilizing intervention with the implementation of the TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) technique and open transpedicular rigid fixation, was conducted. The study included radiography, MRI and CT (in 2-energy mode) of intervertebral discs and isolated facet degeneration of the upper adjacent level.Results and discussion. The combination of the initial degeneration of the adjacent spinal motion segment in the form of disc degeneration of grade III and higher according to Pfirrmann with threshold values of the density of the outer cartilaginous plate from 161.7 ± 18.8 to 164.8 ± 14.2 HU, the density of the outer facet – from 702.43 ± 12.3 to 713.65 ± 13.6 HU and the density of the inner facet – from 580.5 ± 11.6 to 582.1 ± 15.1 HU, as well as with signs of segmental instability of the adjacent segment can be considered as risk factors for the development of its degeneration. With the progression of degeneration of the upper intervertebral disc, revision interventions were performed within 12–60 months after surgery.Conclusion. Bisegmental stabilization with signs of initial degeneration in the intervertebral disc and facet joints in the upper segment has proven its clinical and instrumental effectiveness in the period of 36 months and reduces the risks of developing degenerative disease of the adjacent disc.

Biomechanical analysis of lumbar nonfusion dynamic stabilization using a pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilizer or an interspinous process spacer.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of two widely used nonfusion posterior dynamic stabilization (NPDS) devices, pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilizer (PSDS) and interspinous process spacer (IPS), on biomechanics of the implanted lumbar spine under static and vibration loadings. The finite element model of healthy human lumbosacral segment was modified to incorporate NPDS device insertion at L4-L5 segment. Bioflex and DIAM were used as PSDS-based and IPS-based NPDS devices, respectively. As a comparison, lumbar interbody fusion with rigid stabilization was also simulated at L4-L5. For static loading, segmental range of motion (ROM) of the models under moments of four physiological motions was computed using hybrid testing protocol. For vibration loading, resonant modes and dynamic stress of the models under vertical excitation were extracted through random response analysis. The results showed that compared with the rigid fusion model, ROM of the nonfusion models was higher at L4-L5 level but lower at adjacent levels (L1- L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L5-S1). Compared with the Bioflex model, the DIAM model produced higher ROM at L4-L5 level but lower ROM at adjacent levels, especially under lateral bending and axial rotation; resonant frequency of the DIAM model was slightly lower; dynamic response of nucleus stress at L4-L5 level was slightly higher for the DIAM model, and the dynamic stress at adjacent levels was no obvious difference between the nonfusion models. This study reveals biomechanical differences between the Bioflex and DIAM systems, which may provide references for selecting surgical approaches in clinical practice.

Efficacy of Non-Fusion Surgeries in the Management of AO Type C Injuries of the Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Spine: A Retrospective Study.

The initial descriptions of successful management of non-fusion surgeries in the management of unstable burst injuries of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine (TTLS) were published by Osti in 1987 and Sanderson in 1999. These were further supported by prospective studies and meta-analyses establishing comparable results between fusion and non-fusion surgeries. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the efficacy of non-fusion surgeries in the management of AO type C injuries. The study aims to determine the efficacy of open posterior instrumented stabilization without fusion in AO type C injuries of the TTLS. Patients with AO type C injuries of the TTLS (T4-L2 levels) with normal neurology who underwent open, posterior, long segment instrumented stabilization without fusion between January 2015 and June 2018 were included. The regional kyphotic angle, local kyphotic angle, AP (anterior and posterior wall) ratio, and cumulative loss of disc space angle were assessed on radiographs. Functional outcome was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the AO Spine patient-reported outcome spine trauma (PROST) instrument. The study included 35 patients with AO type C injury of the TTLS and a normal neurology who underwent open posterior instrumented stabilization and had a mean follow-up of 43.2 months (range 24-60 months). The mean preoperative regional kyphotic angle decreased from 19.8 ± 13.7° to 6.6 ± 11.3° after surgery but showed an increase to 9.21 ± 10.5° at final follow-up (P = 0.003). The cumulative loss of disc space angle was significant at final follow-up (2.4 ± 5° [P = 0.002]). Twenty-eight out of 35 patients had minimal while seven had moderate disability on the ODI score. The AO Spine PROST revealed that patients regained 95.7 ± 4.2% of their pre-injury functional status at final follow-up. Posterior instrumented stabilization without fusion in the management of AO type C injuries of the TTLS gives satisfactory results with acceptable functional and radiological outcomes.

Three-dimensional Breathing Leads To Better Effectiveness Than Lumbar Stabilization Exercises In The Patients With Chronic Pelvic Pain

PURPOSE: Lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) is one of the most popular therapeutic methods for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Moreover, three-dimensional breathing (TDB) is a novel paradigm of CPP prevention and treatment, but the comparison of efficacy between LSE and TDB have rarely been reported. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of TDB and LSE in improving the efficacy of patients with CPP. METHODS: Thirty-six female patients with chronic pelvic pain were randomly divided into three-dimensional breathing (TDB) and lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) groups. The training cycle of the 2 groups was 8 weeks, and the training frequency was 3 times a week. The clinical symptoms, functional parameters of pelvic and deep muscle strength were collected and measured before and after training in the 2 groups. All experimental data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Pearson's r was used to analyze the relationship between the change of muscle strength and the Changes in pelvic function parameters. RESULTS: After 10 weeks of intervention, the parameters of the 2 groups showed the following changes: ①The clinical symptoms were significantly improved in LSE (6.22 ± 0.22 vs 2.38 ± 0.55, P < 0.001) and TDB (5.76 ± 0.53 vs 1.48 ± 0.46, P < 0.001). ②The range of pelvic neutral positions increased significantly in LSE (6.02 ± 0.49 vs 5.35 ± 2.25, P < 0.05) and TDB (5.93 ± 0.38 vs 5.04 ± 1.89, P < 0.05), it is related to the muscle strength of the psoas major (P < 0.05, r = 0.465) and the lower transverse abdominal muscle (P < 0.05, r = 0.451). ③The range of pelvic neutral positions is related to pelvic posterior stability (P < 0.05, r = 0.632), pelvic function (P < 0.05, r = 0.517), and pelvic lateral stability (P < 0.05, r = 0.569).④The extended effect of neutral position of pelvis in TDB was better than that in LSE (2.93 ± 1.14 vs 3.33 ± 1.21, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lumbar stabilization exercises and three-dimensional breathing patterns improved clinical symptoms and increased Pelvic neutral range in patients with chronic pelvic pain. However, the extended effect of neutral position of pelvis was better in the three-dimensional breathing group, which was related to the deep muscle strength and the stability of pelvic. Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province ZR2020MC080

Spinal Lesions as Clinical Manifestations of Plasma Cell Neoplasia.

(1) Background: Plasma cell neoplasia can be separated into independent subtypes including multiple myeloma (MM) and solitary plasmacytoma of the bone (SBP). The first clinical signs patients present with are skeletal pain, most commonly involving ribs and vertebrae. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of 114 patients (38 female, 76 male) receiving spinal surgery from March 2006 until April 2020. Neurological impairments and surgical instability were the criteria for intervention in this cohort. Analysis was based on demographic data, Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), location of the lesion, spinal levels of tumor involvement, surgical treatment, histopathological workup, adjuvant therapy, functional outcome, and overall survival (OS). (3) Results: The following surgical procedures were performed: posterior stabilization only in 9 patients, posterior stabilization and decompression without vertebral body replacement in 56 patients, tumor debulking and decompression only in 8 patients, anterior approach in combined approach without vertebral body replacement and without biopsy and/or without kyphoplasty in 33 patients, 3 patients received biopsies only, and 5 patients received kyphoplasty only. The histopathology diagnoses were MM in 94 cases and SBP in 20 cases. Median OS was 72 months (53.4–90.6 months). Preoperative KPSS was 80% (range 40–100%), the postoperative KPSS was 80% (range 50–100%). (4) Conclusions: Surgery for patients with plasma cell neoplasia is beneficial in case of neurological impairment and spinal instability. Moreover, we were able to show that patients with MM and a low number of spinal levels to be supplied have a better prognosis as well as a younger age at the time of the surgical intervention.

Influence of posterior tibial slope on sagittal knee alignment with comparing contralateral knees of anterior cruciate ligament injured patients to healthy knees

Posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been known to contribute to anterior–posterior knee stability and play an essential biomechanical role in knee kinematics. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PTS on single-leg standing sagittal knee alignment of the intact knee. This study included 100 patients with unilateral ACL injury knee (ACL injury group, 53 patients) or with the normal knee (control group, 47 patients). The single-leg standing sagittal alignment of the unaffected knees of the ACL injury group and normal knees of the control group were assessed radiographically with the following parameters: knee extension angle (EXT), PTS, PTS to the horizontal line (PTS-H), femoral shaft anterior tilt to the vertical axis (FAT), and tibial shaft anterior tilt to the vertical axis (TAT). PTS was negatively correlated with EXT and positively correlated with TAT. EXT was significantly larger in the ACL injury group, whereas TAT was smaller in the ACL injury group. Patients with larger PTS tend to stand with a higher knee flexion angle by tilting the tibia anteriorly, possibly reducing tibial shear force. Patients with ACL injury tend to stand with larger EXT, i.e., there is less preventive alignment to minimize the tibial shear force.

Does navigation still have avalue in trauma surgery?

Navigation systems are supposed to increase precision and support surgeons while they perform certain interventions. 2D, or nowadays 3D, systems are used in image-based approaches. Image-free navigation uses 3D printing. There are several studies on navigation procedures in trauma surgery. In contrast to limb surgery, the use of 3D navigation in pelvic and spine surgery is already well established. Navigation is especially regularly used to treat fractures of the posterior pelvic ring and for posterior stabilization of the cervical spine. To be able to utilize navigation systems optimally, the learning curve should be completed, and the technique should be used regularly. In addition, the surgeon should know the surgical technique without navigation in order to recognize potential errors of the navigation. Advantages include increased patient safety, reduction in radiation exposure and less invasive surgical procedures. However, among other disadvantages, initial costs are high.

The Efficiency and Reliability of Minimally Invasive Anterior Corpectomy and Percutaneous Posterior Stabilization for the Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive anterior corpectomy and percutaneous posterior stabilization for treating unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. Patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent minimally invasive anterior corpectomy and percutaneous posterior stabilization between 2012 and 2019 at a tertiary hospital were enrolled. Radiological outcomes such as endplate subsidence and fusion status were identified on preoperative and postoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography images. Preoperative and postoperative neurological statuses were evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. Furthermore, operation-related parameters were analyzed. In total, 21 patients (mean follow-up period, 21.7months) were included in this study. Of them, 17 (80.95%) patients exhibited complete fusion according to the Bridwell's criteria at the final follow-up, and only 1 patient exhibited nonunion at the surgical level. Endplate subsidence was observed in 6 (28.57%) patients; however, there were no definite symptoms that would have necessitated a revision surgery. Of 15 patients with preoperative neurological impairment, 7 exhibited neurological improvement during follow-up. None of the patients experienced postoperative neurological deterioration. Regarding operation-related parameters, the mean operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 266.19±51.54min and 520.71±190.86ml, respectively. The mean length of hospital stays and days to postoperative ambulation were 12.14 and 4.20days, respectively. Minimally invasive anterolateral corpectomy with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation is a reliable surgical treatment option for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Arthroscopic Posterior Labral Repair and Capsular Closure via Single Working Portal for Posterior Shoulder Instability

Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is a relatively less common form of instability that frequently affects young overhead or contact athletes. The etiology of PSI may be traumatic or atraumatic, with establishment of the diagnosis being more difficult in cases of atraumatic instability. Surgical management of PSI has evolved from open techniques to arthroscopic techniques. Posterior stabilization has commonly been performed with 2 posterior working portals with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. The objective of this Technical Note is to describe a technique for posterior labral repair using all-suture anchors with the patient in the beach-chair position via 1 working portal with capsular closure.

Trends in the surgical treatment of posterior shoulder instability in the United States from 2016 to 2020.

The purpose of this study was to describe trends in the incidence of open versus arthroscopic management of posterior shoulder instability (PSI) as well as the patients undergoing these procedures in the United States over time. The PearlDiver Patient Records Database was utilized for this study. Cases of PSI and surgery were identified via the appropriate ICD-10-CM and CPT codes. Linear regression and two-sample Student's t-test were used to analyze incidence rates, procedure type, number of instability events, and patient age. A total of 5655 patients were identified as having PSI, undergoing a total of 686 capsulorraphies. The incidence of PSI treated surgically increased across the years of the study at a rate of 0.0293 per 100,000 person-years with an incidence in 2019-2020 greater than in 2016-2018 (p = 0.0151). Patients undergoing arthroscopic capsulorrhaphy were on average younger than those undergoing open capsulorrhaphy (p = 0.0021). Patients experienced a higher number of posterior instability events before open surgery compared to arthroscopic (p = 0.0274). The incidence of surgical treatment of PSI in the United States is steadily rising, with greater than 90% of cases being treated arthroscopically. Those undergoing arthroscopic posterior stabilization are both younger and face fewer instability events prior to surgery.

Endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy: a long-term follow-up results for a cohort of 21 patients

BackgroundEndoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (EEO) has been described as a potential approach for craniovertebral junction (CVJ) disease which could cause anterior bulbomedullary compression and encroaching. Due to the atlantoaxial junction’s uniqueness and complex biomechanics, treating CVJ pathologies uncovers the challenge of preventing C1–C2 instability. A large series of patients treated with endonasal odontoidectomy is reported, analyzing the feasibility and necessity of whether or not to perform posterior stabilization. Furthermore, the focus is on the long-term follow-up, especially those whom only underwent partial C1 arch preservation without posterior fixation.MethodsThis study is a retrospective analysis of patients with ventral spinal cord compression for non-reducible CVJ malformation, consecutively treated with EEO from July 2011 to March 2019. Postoperative dynamic X-ray and CT scans were obtained in each case in order to document CVJ decompression as well as to exclude instability. The anterior atlas‐dens interval, posterior atlas‐dens interval and C1–C2 total lateral overhang were measured as a morphological criteria to determine upper cervical spine stability.ResultsTwenty-one patients (11:10 F:M) with a mean age of 60.6 years old at the time of surgery (range 34–84 years) encountered the inclusion criteria. For all 21 patients, a successful decompression was achieved at the first surgery. In 11 patients, the partial C1 arch integrity did not require a posterior cervical instrumentation on the bases of postoperative and constant follow-up radiological examination. In 13 cases, an improvement of motor function was recorded at the time of discharge. Only one patient had further motor function improvement at follow-up. Among the patients that did not show any significant motor change at discharge, 4 patients showed an improvement at the last follow-up.ConclusionsThe outcomes, even in C1 arch preservation without posterior fixation, are promising, and it could be said that the endonasal route potentially represents a valid option to treat lesions above the nasopalatine line.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Versus Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Treatment of Low-Grade Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

A retrospective cohort comparison study. To compare perioperative outcomes, radiographic parameters, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression (MIS-ULBD) versus MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for treatment of low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. While lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis is a common condition, optimal surgical treatment remains controversial. Newer MIS techniques, which preserve bone, paraspinal musculature, and posterior midline stabilizers, are thought to reduce the risk of iatrogenic instability and may obviate the need for fusion. However, few comparative studies of MIS techniques for low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis currently exist. Consecutive patients with low-grade (Meyerding grade I or II) lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with single-level MIS-ULBD or MIS-TLIF were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected spine surgery registry from April 2017 to November 2021. Perioperative outcomes, radiographic data, and PROMs were assessed. A total of 188 patients underwent either MIS-ULBD or MIS-TLIF (79 MIS-ULBD and 109 MIS-TLIF). Patients who underwent MIS-ULBD tended to be older, had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, lower mean percentage back pain, higher percentage of L4/L5 pathology, shorter operative time, lower estimated blood loss, and lower postoperative pain ( P <0.05). In both groups, there were statistically significant improvements at one year for five of the six PROMs studied: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS)-back pain, VAS-leg pain, Short Form 12 Physical Component Score (SF12-PCS), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) ( P <0.05). On multivariate analysis controlling for confounders, there were no associations between procedure type and achieving minimal clinically important difference at one year in any of the PROMs studied. The current study suggests that both MIS-ULBD and MIS-TLIF result in significant improvements in pain and physical function for patients with low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. 3.

Serum Procalcitonin Levels in Postoperative Monitoring of Diabetic Patients with Posterior Lumber Vertebral Stabilization Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Study

Objective:To compare the serum procalcitonin levels and other infection markers released in response to the inflammatory response that develops secondary to the operation in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent spinal instrumentation.Methods:Fifty patients, who belonged to the American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II, were between 18 and 65 years of age, and who had planned for posterior spinal instrumentation surgery were grouped into 2 as group I (n = 25) type 2 diabetic patients (group DM) and group II (n = 25) non-diabetic patients (group non-DM). On the operation day, preoperatively (T0), 5 minutes after intraoperative instrument placement (T1), on postoperative 24th hour (T2), 48th hour (T3), 3rd day (T4), 5th day (T5), 7th day (T6), 10th day (T7), and 15th day (T8), serum samples were obtained from the patients for the evaluation of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and neutrophil values.Results:Procalcitonin levels were higher in the diabetic patient group at all time points (P < .01); C-reactive protein levels were higher in T1, T2, and T5 in the diabetic patient group (P < .05). There was no difference in erythrocyte sedimentation rate or neutrophil counts between the groups (P > .05). When the alterations in procalcitonin levels were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic groups, in diabetic patients, there were significantly higher increases in the first 6 timelines (P < .05).Conclusion:In diabetic patients, the procalcitonin levels were significantly higher at all time points, predicting an augmented bacterial infection in those patients compared with the non-diabetic patients.

Paper 29: Return to Sport Testing vs Time-Based Clearance in Posterior Shoulder Instability

Objectives:Recurrent pain, instability and loss of function are challenging complications that can occur after arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability and SLAP tears in athletes. Many surgeons allow return to sport after a designated arbitrary postoperative time point. Recent evidence has demonstrated that a majority of athletes have residual strength and functional limitations at 6 months postoperatively – the time at which most time-based protocols allow full return to sport. Recent data has also been presented that patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair who are required to meet objective return to sport testing criteria have a 4x lower rate of recurrent anterior instability than those who return based on time elapsed since surgery. Considering these findings, the purpose of this study is to investigate the use of a similar objective return to sport testing protocol on recurrence rates following arthroscopic surgery for posterior shoulder instability and SLAP tears. We hypothesized that patients who meet objective return to sport criteria would have a lower rate of reoperation and recurrence of symptoms compared to those who did not undergo the testing and were cleared to return based on time from surgery.Methods:Consecutive patients (Group 1) who underwent arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization surgery with or without SLAP repair by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2019, had a minimum of 1 year follow up, and completed functional and strength testing to evaluate readiness for return to sport were included in this retrospective case-controlled study. These patients were compared to a control group of historical consecutive cases (Group 2) from 2012-2016 who did not undergo return to sports testing and were cleared for sports after a minimum of 6 months following surgery. Failure was defined as recurrent symptoms of pain or instability requiring reoperation. Exclusion criteria were: patients undergoing isolated anterior stabilization procedures with or without concomitant SLAP tears, multidirectional instability, and open procedures. Chi-square, Fisher exact tests and two-tailed Students T-test were performed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results:There were 33 patients in Group 1 who underwent return to sport testing, and 91 patients in Group 2, the historical control. There were no differences between groups regarding sex (p=0.46), hand dominance (p=0.16), side affected (p= 0.69). The average age of Group 1 (20.8 +/- 4 yrs) was significantly younger than Group 2 (31.5 +/- 9.1 yrs, p< 0.00001). Patients who underwent return to sport criteria-based testing protocol had a rate of recurrent symptoms of pain or instability of 12.1% compared to 18.6% for those who did not (p= 0.43). Similarly, there were no reoperations for in Group 1, while three patients in group 2 (3.3%) underwent revision surgery for recurrent symptoms. This difference, however, did not reach statistical significance (p= 0.5633).Conclusions:In our cohort of young patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for posterior shoulder instability, we detected no significant difference in reoperation rate and recurrence of symptoms between athletes who underwent objective return to sport testing and those who were released to sport on a time-based protocol. This may be related to an overall lower rate of reoperation in patients undergoing arthroscopic posterior stabilization or SLAP repairs in general compared to those undergoing arthroscopic anterior stabilization and differences in tolerance and presentation of recurrent posterior instability/SLAP tears versus anterior instability. It is possible that criteria-based return to sport testing prior to clearance to return to sport may be less critical for improving failure rates following arthroscopic posterior stabilization and SLAP repair than for anterior stabilization. Alternatively, given low reoperation rates overall, future studies investigating the role of return to sport testing after arthroscopic surgery for posterior shoulder instability and SLAP repairs may need to include more patients in order to detect differences related to the testing protocol. This study provides a basis upon which further studies, involving larger patient populations, may be conducted to elucidate any impact on functional scores and recurrence rates that may be associated with return-to-sport protocols based on functional testing rather than time since surgery.