Vertebral Resection Research Articles

Hydatid disease contributes to spinal cord compression: a case report and literature review

BackgroundHydatid disease is an infectious disease caused by echinococcus that causes liver and lung damage in humans. Bone involvement is rare and accounts for only 0.5%-4% of hydatid diseases; the spine is more prone to be infected with a proportion of 50% in musculoskeletal tissue. Missed hydatid cysts may lead to serious consequence, it is necessary to diagnosis and treatment of hydatid cysts at early stage.Case presentationWe present a case of a 47-year-old Han Chinese male diagnosed with spinal hydatidosis. The patient lived in pasturing areas accompanied by symptoms of low back pain radiating to the legs, progressive weakness, and hypoesthesia in the lower limbs accompanied by difficulty walking. Computed tomography (CT) images showed a spinal hydatid cyst in the lumbar vertebra2 (L2) that caused bone destruction in the vertebral body and lamina. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images showed hyperintense cystic components on L2 with the appearance of a lobulated, multiocular, septate cystic mass and compression of the spinal cord at the segments of L2. The patient underwent subtotal vertebral resection to completely remove the damaged vertebral and paravertebral cysts, and histopathological examination revealed the characteristic features of hydatid cysts. The patient received a postoperative antiparasitic drug treatment and finally achieved a successful treatment.ConclusionsSpinal hydatidosis is a rare infectious disease. It should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for patients accompanying by spinal bone destruction with animal contact history. Surgical removal combined with antiviral drugs is an effective way to treat spinal hydatidosis. In addition, long term follow-up is mandatory for avoiding its recurrence.

New technique of En bloc vertebral resection in the thoracolumbar region assisted by retroperitoneal laparoscopy in a single prone position: first results.

To describe the technique and review the oncological and surgical results of the En Bloc resection assisted by retroperitoneal laparoscopy in a single prone position for tumors in the thoracolumbar region. Monocentric retrospective case study. Procedure was performed in a single prone position by a dual team of spine and thoracovascular surgeons. An endoscopic balloon was inflated in the right retroperitoneal cavity. A plan was developed between the anterior spine and vena cava as well as abdominal aorta with segmental vessels ligation. Structures at risk were safely protected under endoscopy during horizontal or sagittal osteotomies. From 2021, seven patients aged a median 52years old (range, 34-67) were included. Involved spinal segments went from T11 to L3. Surgery was aborted in one case due to massive bleeding and ventilating difficulties. There were two partial and four total vertebral resections. Median operating duration and estimated blood loss were 405min (range, 360-540) and 2.1 L (range, 1.2-19), respectively. Postoperative complications consisted of 1 urinary infection; 1 transient urinary retention; 1 posterior wound infection; 1 pneumothorax; 1 persistent partial motor deficit; 1 transient confusion; 1 pulmonary embolism; 1 CSF leak; 1 subdural hematoma; 1 retroperitoneal lymphocele. All margins were uncontaminated. All patients were alive and ambulatory at last follow-up. Early results suggest En Bloc resection assisted by retroperitoneal videoscopy in tumors from T11 to L3/4 disk space is feasible, less invasive and safe. Careful surgical planning and experience in endoscopic vascular surgery are mandatory.

Efficacy of Flap-based Posterior Trunk Reconstruction after Vertebrectomy and Radiation Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Adjuvant radiation therapy following vertebrectomy is a major risk factor for local wound complications such as dehiscence, infection, and skin necrosis. In selected cases, well-vascularized coverage and modification of tension forces on the wound might reduce the risk of postoperative complications and reoperations. We aimed to demonstrate a reduction in general and specific complications in patients undergoing vertebral resection and flap coverage compared with vertebral resection alone. We retrospectively analyzed and collected data from patients diagnosed with a tumor involving the spine and requiring a total or partial posterior vertebrectomy between January 2012 and October 2022, referred to a single tertiary-level orthopedic and trauma center. We included only patients in whom primary closure of the wound was possible but judged to be under excessive tension. A total of 145 patients underwent partial or total vertebrectomy for oncological reasons at our tertiary-level trauma hospital. Among these, 73 patients were eventually included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria: 53 in the orthopedic group and 20 in the orthoplastic group. Considering only patients undergoing radiation therapy, the orthoplastic group showed significantly lower rates of overall complications (33% versus 69%) than the orthopedic group. Primary flap coverage, especially in patients receiving RT, reduces the risk of postoperative complications and avoids a second reconstructive operation, consequently reducing patient discomfort, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF VARIANTS OF TRANSPEDICULAR FIXATION AT THE THORACOLUMBAR JUNCTION AFTER ТHХІІ VERTEBRECTOMY DURING TRUNK BACKWARD BENDING

Fractures at the thoracolumbar junction are the most common traumatic spinal injuries. Advances in instrumentation for vertebral body replacement have significantly improved surgical techniques.However, the biomechanical characteristics of stabilizing surgeries have been insufficiently studied. Objective. To investigate the stressstrain state (SSS) of a mathematical finite element model of the humanthoracolumbar spine during trunk backward bending after ТhХІІ vertebra resection, considering different transpedicular fixation options. Methods. A mathematical finite element model of the humanthoracolumbar spine — ThIX‒LV vertebrae — was developed. The ТhХІІ vertebra was removed, and an interbody support and transpedicularsystem with 8 screws were implanted to simulate the postsurgical state after a ТhХІІ burst fracture with wide laminectomy, facetectomy, and corpectomy. The influence of transpedicular screw length and the presence of cross-links on the SSS of the model wasexamined. Results. The use of bicortical screws reduced stress levels in the bone elements of the model, except in the regions around the screws in the lumbar vertebrae, when compared to short screws.Installing cross-links decreased stress levels at all control points compared to models without cross-links. Specifically, in the presence of cross-links, the SSS values at the entry points of the short screwsinto the vertebral bodies of ThX, ThXI, LI, and LII were 2.3, 1.8, 1.2, and 5.0MPa, respectively, compared to 2.7, 2.0, 1.5, and 6.1 MPa in the models without cross-links. In the case of bicortical screwswithout cross-links, the stress values at the screw entry points into the pedicles of the corresponding vertebrae were 2.9, 1.5, 8.2, and 11.2 MPa, respectively, compared to 2.7, 1.5, 7.5, and 10.2 MPa in the models with cross-links. Conclusions. When the trunk is tilted backward, the use of cross-links reduces stress levels at all control points in the models, regardless of the screw length used. Bicortical transpedicular screws increase stress levels on the screws themselves and in the lumbar vertebral bodies surrounding them.

Postoperative dysesthesia after PVCR without anterior support applied in Yang's type A severe spinal kyphoscoliosis.

The incidence and characteristics of postoperative dysesthesia (POD) have not been reported for posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in the treatment of severe spinal kyphoscoliosis. The objective of the study is to investigate the incidence and characteristics of POD in PVCR without anterior support applied in Yang's type A severe spinal kyphoscoliosis. From August 2010 to December 2019, 167 patients diagnosed with Yang's type A severe spinal kyphoscoliosis who underwent PVCR without anterior support applied were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients were monitored using five modes of intraoperative multimodal neurophysiological monitoring. Neuromonitoring data, radiographic parameters, and neurological complications were reviewed and analyzed. The incidence and characteristics of POD were further summarized. POD was defined as dysesthetic pain or burning dysesthesia which could be caused by spinal cord kinking or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) injury but with no motor deficits. PVCR without anterior support was successfully conducted in all 167 patients. Intraoperative monitoring events occurred in five patients. One out of these five patients showed postoperative spinal cord injury (Frankel level C) but completely recovered within 9 months postoperation (Frankel level E). The number of levels and osteotomy space for vertebra resection were 1.28 and 3.6 cm, respectively. POD was confirmed in three patients (3/167, 1.8%), characterized as kyphosis with the apex vertebrae in T12 with the kyphotic Cobb angles of 100°, 115°, and 122°, respectively. The osteotomy space of vertebra resection in these three patients were 3.9, 3.8, and 4.2 cm, respectively. After the treatment by drug administration, they reported pain relief for 12-36 days. The pain gradually moved to the distal end of a proper DRG innervated region near the end. In this study, the incidence rate of POD in Yang's type A severe spinal kyphoscoliosis patients who underwent PVCR without anterior support applied was 1.8% (3/167). Evoked potential monitoring could not detect the occurrence of POD. POD in Yang's type A severe spinal kyphoscoliosis after PVCR could be ascribed to spinal cord kinking and DRG injury.

The Efficacy of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion and Posterior Total Laminectomy on Cervical Spinal Cord Injury and Quality of Life.

This study is aimed at investigating the efficacy of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and posterior total laminectomy in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury and assessing the impact of the two approaches on cervical spine function and patient quality of life. Retrospectively analyze the clinical data from 180 patients with cervical spinal cord injury who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from June 2019 to June 2021. The patients were divided into an anterior approach group (n = 89, treated with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion) and a posterior approach group (n = 91, treated with posterior total laminectomy). The amount of blood loss in the posterior approach group was larger compared to the anterior approach group. Patients in the posterior approach group had higher wound diameters and operation times compared to the anterior approach group, as well as the operation cost. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of patients in the posterior approach group were significantly higher than in the anterior approach group one month after operation. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), neck disability index (NDI), and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores of patients in both groups at 1, 6, and 9 months after surgery were higher compared to those before surgery, yet no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Also, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of complication and the quality of life between the two groups before and after treatment. Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and posterior total laminectomy can effectively restore the cervical nerve function in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury. However, anterior subtotal vertebral resection is associated with improved perioperative indicators compared to posterior total laminectomy. Clinically, surgical methods can be selected according to imaging findings, the general condition of patients, and individual economic status.

Cervical Anatomical Landmarks Indicate the Amount of Vertebra Resection during ACAF Surgery: A Semi-Quantitative Anatomical Parameter Study on Imaging Data.

ObjectiveWith the innovation and development of cervical spine surgical procedures, there is currently a lack of new and reliable data on cervical anatomical landmarks. The purpose of this study is to measure the CT data of the cervical vertebrae of healthy volunteers, so as to make up for the missing part of the measured value of cervical vertebra bone markers, and provide data support for the safety and accuracy of anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) surgery.MethodsFrom January 2019 to January 2020, the cervical computed tomography (CT) scan image data of volunteers in Changhai Hospital and Zhabei Hospital were randomly selected. The radiological parameters included three parameters were measured in the upper lamina plane. a: the distance from the anterior edge of the vertebral body to the anterior edge of the bilateral uncinate joint; c1: the sagittal diameter of the vertebral body; and d: the distance between the anterior edge of the uncinate joint. Three parameters were measured in the pedicle plane. b: the vertical distance from the anterior edge of the vertebral body to the junction line between the two lateral processes; c2: the sagittal diameter of the vertebral body; e: the transverse diameter of the vertebral body; and f: the sagittal diameter of the vertebral canal. The correlation ratios were calculated: a/c1, b/c2, a/f, b/f, d/e. The data between the two groups were compared by independent sample t‐test.ResultsFinally, 51 patients were included in this study, 18 males and 33 females, with an average age of 47.9 years (21–72 years). The maximum values of seven parameters measured were all at C7. The minimum b value was at C5, and the minimum f value was at C4. The minimum values of the other five parameters were all at C3, and there was an increasing relationship from C3 to C7 (P < 0.05). There was significant difference between male and female with regard to c1, c2, e and d values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between men and women regard to the ratio of related parameters (a/c1, b/c2, a/f, b/f, d/e).ConclusionsAnatomical consideration of this area is useful to estimate amount of vertebral body resection when performing the bony cut made in ACAF surgery; however, pre‐operative examinations with appropriate radiographic analysis are also recommended.

Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Posterior Vertebral Resection for the Treatment of Rigid Congenital Spinal Deformities in Pediatric Patients: A Long-Term Follow-up Study

ObjectiveWe sought to determine whether a posterior vertebral resection on congenital deformities of thoracolumbar and lumbar vertebrae leads to more complications and provides less correction.MethodsTwenty-three patients underwent a posterior vertebral resection for a rigid congenital spinal deformity, which included scoliosis (13 patients), kyphoscoliosis (6 patients), and pure kyphosis (4 patients). The surgeries involved removing 1 to 2 vertebrae using multiaxial pedicle screws in all but 2 of the patients. All surgeries were performed under intraoperative spinal cord monitoring. Thoracic curve, lumbar lordosis, focal kyphosis, shift, and sagittal vertical axis were collected at baseline and during the last follow-up (taking place after at least 3 years) and were then statistically analyzed.ResultsThe major curve correction was about 55% in cases of scoliosis, with focal kyphosis improving from 54.3 ± 19.1 degrees to 21.3 ± 15 degrees. Two patients experienced intraoperative neuromonitoring changes, with data returning to baseline without any surgical intervention. Sensory or motor palsy after the surgery was not reported in patients.Despite improving sagittal or coronal deformities, 8 patients experienced excessive sagittal decompensation during follow-up, 1 of whom underwent revision surgery. Sagittal decompensation was by far the most common complication. Larger kyphoscoliosis or focal kyphosis angles were preoperative risk factors for postoperative sagittal imbalance (P value < 0.05).ConclusionsUsing a lumbar or thoracolumbar posterior vertebral resection enables surgeons to correct rigid curves in the pediatric population without major risk to nerve roots. The primary complications would be sagittal decompensation and the likelihood of undercorrection, which requires mindful addressing during the preoperative planning stages.

The Role of 3D-Printed Custom-Made Vertebral Body Implants in the Treatment of Spinal Tumors: A Systematic Review.

In spinal surgery, 3D prothesis represents a useful instrument for spinal reconstruction after the removal of spinal tumors that require an “en bloc” resection. This represents a complex and demanding procedure, aiming to restore spinal length, alignment and weight-bearing capacity and to provide immediate stability. Thus, in this systematic review the authors searched the literature to investigate and discuss the advantages and limitations of using 3D-printed custom-made vertebral bodies in the treatment of spinal tumors. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement, with no limits in terms of date of publication. The collected studies were exported to Mendeley. The articles were selected according to the following inclusion criteria: availability of full articles, full articles in English, studies regarding the implant of 3D custom-made prothesis after total or partial vertebral resection, studies regarding patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of primary spinal tumor or solitary bone metastasis; studies evaluating the implant of 3d custom-made prothesis in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Nineteen published studies were included in this literature review, and include a total of 87 patients, 49 males (56.3%) and 38 females (43.7%). The main tumoral location and primary tumor diagnosis were evaluated. The 3D custom-made prothesis represents a feasible tool after tumor en-bloc resection in spinal reconstruction. This procedure is still evolving, and long-term follow-ups are mandatory to assess its safeness and usefulness.

Моделювання варіантів транспедикулярної фіксації грудного відділу хребта при резекції одного-трьох хребців

Актуальність. Патологічні переломи хребців є найбільшим ускладненням пухлинного процесу. Застосування додаткової внутрішньої фіксації металевими імплантатами значно покращує результати лікування й скорочує строки реабілітації хворих. Використання транспедикулярних пристроїв забезпечує стабільну фіксацію й стабільність сегментів хребта навіть при максимальному ступені його нестабільності. Мета: визначення оптимального варіанта протяжності заднього спондилодезу при паліативному та радикальному хірургічному лікуванні пухлин хребта. Матеріали та методи. Для вивчення можливостей стабілізації за допомогою транспедикулярної фіксації при резекції одного-трьох хребців провели експериментальні випробування на препаратах хребта свині. Використовували препарати сегментів грудного відділу хребта від Th3 до Th12 хребців. Вивчали 3 групи моделей: з одним резектованим хребцем Th6, з двома — Th5-Th6 і з трьома — Th5-Th7. Результати. Виявлено, що при резекції одного хребця в грудному відділі хребта транс-педикулярна фіксація за схемами 111х111, 101х101 та 011х110 має однакову ефективність. При резекції двох хребців найкращі стабілізуючі можливості мала конструкція за схемою 111хх111, схеми 101хх101 та 011хх110 показали доволі непогану фіксуючу здатність. При резекції трьох хребців грудного відділу хребта найбільш стабільну фіксацію показала схема 111ххх111. Схема фіксації 001ххх100 виявилась нестабільною при всіх видах резекції хребців. Висновки. Експериментальні дослідження транспедикулярної фіксації при радикальному хірургічному лікуванні пухлин хребта, який включає резекцію одного-трьох хребців, показали, що конструкція відповідає вимогам фіксації, коли кріплення відбувається не менше ніж за два верхніх та два нижніх хребці (можна через один), при резекції трьох хребців найбільш стабільною є конструкція з кріпленням за три верхні та три нижні хребці (без пропусків). Система кріплення за один хребець виявилася неспроможною майже при всіх видах резекції.

THE USE OF CRANIAL HALO TRACTION VERSUS TEMPORARY INTERNAL DISTRACTION IN STAGED SURGERY FOR SEVERE SCOLIOSIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine which method is more effective – cranial halo traction or temporary internal distraction – in staged surgeries for patients with severe (≥ 100°) and stiff (&lt;25% flexibility) scoliosis. Methods: A sample of 12 patients with traction and 7 patients without traction, operated on between January 2013 and December 2017. The patients’ demographic data, the type of surgery performed, complications, and coronal and sagittal alignment parameters were recorded before surgery and in the final follow-up. The data were processed in SPSS 20.0. Comparisons were made between the means (Student's t-test) and the clinical and procedure-related characteristics (likelihood ratio and Fisher's Exact tests), at a confidence level of 0.05. Results: There were no significant intergroup differences for clinical characteristics, complications or degree of correction. However, more patients in the group submitted to temporary internal distraction required vertebral resection osteotomies during definitive surgery (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, it was not possible to establish which is the most effective method, but it is suggested that staged traction may be more effective, and safer, particularly when the surgeon is less experienced, during surgery on patients with severe and stiff scoliosis. Level of evidence IV; Vase series.

Surgical and Functional Outcomes of En Bloc Resection of Sacral Chordoma: a Retrospective Analysis.

Conventional chordomas occur most commonly in the sacral region. Currently, wide local excision remains the only hope for a cure in this disease. However, given the substantial morbidity caused by sacrectomy, a delicate balance needs to be established. This study elaborates our experience in managing these complicated cases with the help of a multidisciplinary team approach and outlines the various surgical and functional outcomes of sacrectomy. This was aretrospective observationalstudy. Ten cases of biopsy proven sacral chordoma underwent en bloc resection by a posterior approach from 2011 to 2018 after multidisciplinary evaluation. Data collected and analyzed included demographics, extent of the disease, and operative parameters such as operative time, estimated blood loss, level of vertebral resection, level and number of the most caudal nerve roots preserved, surgical margins, soft tissue, or spinal reconstruction. Postoperative outcomes included time to recurrence and neurological function at 1 year. Mean size of the tumor was 116.1 mm. Three (30%) patients had positive margins. The median time to recurrence was 32 months. Four patients eventually succumbed to the disease due to local or distant recurrence. Bladder and bowel functions were excellent in those with preserved S3. Two patients remained wheelchair bound; the rest were able to walk with or without support. Management of sacral chordoma remains an onerous journey for both the treating surgeon and the patient. A multidisciplinary team approach, with careful preservation of sacral nerve roots, negative surgical margins, and excellent postoperative rehabilitation, can achieve optimum results.

A nationwide population-based cohort study of surgical care for patients with superior sulcus tumors: Results from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit for Surgery (DLCA-S)

ObjectivesData on national patterns of care for patients with superior sulcus tumors (SST) is currently lacking. We investigated the distribution of surgical care and outcome for patients with SST in the Netherlands. Material and methodsData was retrieved from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit for Surgery (DLCA-S) for all patients undergoing resection for clinical stage IIB-IV SST from 2012 to 2019. Because DLCA-S is not linked to survival data, survival for a separate cohort (2015–2017) was obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). ResultsIn the study period, 181 patients had SST surgery, representing 1.03% (181/17488) of all lung cancer pulmonary resections. For 2015–2017, the SST resection rate was 14.4% (79/549), and patients with stage IIB/III SST treated with trimodality had a 3-year overall survival of 67.4%. 63.5% of patients were male, and median age was 60 years. Almost 3/4 of tumors were right sided. Surgery was performed in 20 hospitals, with average number of annual resections ranging from ≤ 1 (n = 17) to 9 (n = 1). 39.8% of resections were performed in 1 center and 63.5% in the 3 most active centers. 12.7% of resections were extended (e.g. vertebral resection). 85.1% of resections were complete (R0). Morbidity and 30-day mortality were 51.4% and 3.3% respectively. Despite treating patients with a higher ECOG performance score and more extended resections, the highest volume center had rates of morbidity/mortality, and length of hospital stay that were comparable to those of the medium volume (n = 2) and low-volume centers (n = 1). ConclusionIn the Netherlands, surgery for SST accounts for about 1% of all lung cancer pulmonary resections, the number of SST resections/hospital/year varies widely, with most centers performing an average of ≤ 1/year. Morbidity and mortality are acceptable and survival compares favourably with the literature. Although further centralisation is possible, it is unknown whether this will improve outcomes.

Biomechanical Comparison of Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty, Vertebrae Stent for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures—A Finite Element Analysis

Vertebroplasty (VP), balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), and vertebral stent (VS) are usually used for treating osteoporotic compression fractures. However, these procedures may pose risks of secondary adjacent level fractures. This study simulates finite element models of osteoporotic compression fractures treated with VP, BKP, and VS Vertebral resection method was used to simulate vertebra fracture with Young’s modulus set at 70 MPa to replicate osteoporosis. A follower load of (1175 N for flexion, and 500 N for all others) was applied in between vertebral bodies to simulate the muscle force. Moment loadings of 7.5 N-m in flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation were applied respectively. The VS model had the highest von Mises stresses on the bone cement under all different loading conditions (flexion/5.91 MPa; extension/3.74 MPa; lateral bending/3.12 MPa; axial rotation/3.54 MPa). The stress distribution and maximum von Mises stresses of the adjacent segments, T11 inferior endplate and L1 superior endplate, showed no significant difference among three surgical models. The postoperative T12 stiffness for VP, BKP, and VS are 2898.48 N/mm, 4123.18 N/mm, and 4690.34 N/mm, respectively. The VS model led to superior surgical vertebra stiffness without significantly increasing the risks of adjacent fracture.

Perioperative complications of total en bloc spondylectomy for spinal tumours.

To evaluate the perioperative complications associated with total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) in patients with spinal tumours, based on the extent and level of tumour resection. In total, 307 patients who underwent TES in a single centre were reviewed retrospectively. There were 164 male and 143 female patients with a mean age at the time of surgery of 52.9 years (SD 13.3). A total of 225 patients were operated on for spinal metastases, 34 for a malignant primary tumour, 41 for an aggressive benign tumour, and seven with a primary of unknown origin. The main lesion was located in the thoracic spine in 213, and in the lumbar spine in 94 patients. There were 97 patients who underwent TES for more than two consecutive vertebrae. Major and minor perioperative complications were observed in 122 (39.7%) and 84 (27.4%) patients respectively. The breakdown of complications was as follows: bleeding more than 2,000 ml in 60 (19.5%) patients, hardware failure in 82 (26.7%), neurological in 46 (15.0%), surgical site infection in 23 (7.5%), wound dehiscence in 16 (5.2%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 45 (14.7%), respiratory in 52 (16.9%), cardiovascular in 11 (3.6%), digestive in 19 (6.2%)/ The mortality within two months of surgery was four (1.3%). The total number of complications per operation were 1.01 (SD 1.0) in the single vertebral resection group and 1.56 (SD 1.2) in the group with more than two vertebral resections. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications, along with hardware failure were statistically higher in the group who had more than two vertebrae resected. Also, in this group the amount of bleeding in patients with a lumbar lesion or respiratory complication in patients with a thoracic lesion, were statistically higher. Multivariate analysis showed that using a combined anterior and posterior approach, when more than two vertebral resections were significant independent factors. The characteristics of perioperative complications after TES were different depending on the extent and level of the tumour resection. In addition to preoperative clinical and pathological factors, it is therefore important to consider these factors in patients who undergo en bloc resection for spinal tumours. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2021;103-B(5):976-983.

Factors Related to Instrumentation Failure in Titanium Mesh Reconstruction for Thoracic and Lumbar Tumors: Retrospective Analysis of 178 Patients.

PurposeTo investigate risk factors for instrumentation failure (IF) in titanium (Ti) mesh reconstruction for thoracic and lumbar tumors.Patients and MethodsThe clinical data of patients with thoracic or lumbar tumors who received Ti mesh reconstruction via the posterior approach in our hospital from 2013 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The observation indexes included sex, age, BMI, the vertebra resection mode, the number of resected vertebral segments, application of bone cement, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, revision or primary surgery, and primary tumor metastasis. Correlations between these factors and IF were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier survival and logistics regression analyses.ResultsThe 178 patients included 108 males and 70 females with a mean age of 48.09±16.21 (6–78) years and a mean follow-up period of 51.18 (24–90) months. The data showed that 17 patients (9.55%) were inflicted with IF, involving the thoracic vertebra in 11 cases, thoracolumbar vertebrae (T12–L1) in 2 cases, and lumbar vertebrae in 4 cases. The mean interval between surgery to IF was 35.18±14.17 (14–59) months. Univariate analysis showed that total vertebral body resection, the number of resected vertebral segments, radiotherapy and multiple tumor resection were potential factors for IF, while multivariate analysis showed that only total vertebral body resection, the number of resected vertebral segments and radiotherapy were independent factors.ConclusionTotal vertebra resection, the number of resected vertebral segments (≥2) and radiotherapy before and after operation were significant risk factors related to IF.

THE RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH VERTEBRAL METASTASES

Study Objectives. The study was conducted to analyze and compare different types of surgical access in the treatment of patients with metastatic vertebral lesions to improve the outcome of surgery. Materials and Methods. The study included 108 patients with vertebral metastases who were operated on at the Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in 2015–2019. Results. The choice of surgical access depended on a few factors such as tumor location relative to the dura mater, bones, and nerve structures and was as follows: posterior access was used to resect tumors located posteriorly and posterolaterally to the brain; lateral access was used for tumors located laterally to the brain; anterior access was used to resect tumors located in front of the spinal cord. In Group I (73 patients), posterior access was used in 49 cases (67%), anterior access – in 19 cases (26%), and lateral access – in 5 cases (7%). In Group II (35 patients), only posterior access was used. Discussion. Selection of adequate surgical access for vertebral tumor resection in order to minimize nerve structure injury significantly improved the results of surgical treatment. Anterior and lateral access for ventral and ventrolateral tumors operation made it possible to completely resect the tumor, reduce the traction of nerve structures, and obtain sufficient visual control of the operating field during the surgery, which in turn had a positive effect on regression of pain and conduction disorders. Conclusions. A differential approach to the choice of surgical access reduces the neurological deficit in the postoperative period and allows radical resection of the tumor, which in turn helps to significantly reduce the number of tumor recurrences in the long-term period.

Solitary spinal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma and en-bloc resection-A case report

Renal Cell Carcinoma is a challenging condition for clinicians because of its poor response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and even immunotherapy. Spine is the second most common site of metastasis and is also an indicator of poor prognosis. There is a significant dilemma for brain and spine surgeons about when to undergo aggressive surgical treatment, such as en-bloc resection of oligo-spine metastasis compared to conventional tumor excision by curettage. Here, we report a case of 60-year old female, a diagnosed case of renal cell carcinoma who had undergone right sided nephrectomy (with adrenalectomy) 5 years ago. She presented with history of pain over upper back. MRI revealed metastatic lesion over the thoracic T-7 vertebra. She underwent en-block total vertebral resection and reconstruction with titanium cage and pedicle screw fixation of the T-7 vertebra which healed with good results.

Ultrasonic osteotome versus high-speed burr in cervical anterior vertebral subtotal resection: A retrospective study of 81 cases

AimThis study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasonic osteotome in cervical anterior vertebral subtotal resection. MethodsRetrospective clinical data were collated for 81 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who required cervical anterior vertebral subtotal resection. ResultsGroup A (n=40) was treated with an ultrasonic osteotome and group B (n=41) with a high-speed burr. Vertebrectomy time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and JOA score improvement were compared. Group A showed significantly shorter vertebrectomy time and significantly less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). In group A, dysphagia occurred in one patient, and superior laryngeal nerve injury in one. Urinary tract infection occurred in one patient in group B. JOA score in both groups significantly increased 3 days after surgery (P<0.05), and at last follow-up compared with 3 days after surgery (P<0.05). ConclusionUltrasonic osteotome was a safe and effective tool for subtotal anterior cervical vertebral resection.

Clinical outcomes and survivals after total en bloc spondylectomy for metastatic leiomyosarcoma in the spine

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is generally resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Our study aimed to examine the outcomes of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for spinal metastatic LMS and to analyze potential factors associated with survival. This study included 10 consecutive patients who underwent TES for spinal metastatic LMS at our institute between 2005 and 2016 and were followed up at a minimum of 3years after surgery. At the time of TES, all the 10 patients had solitary bone metastases in the spine. Seven patients had a lowered performance status (PS) with an eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) grade of 2 or 3 due to back pain or neurological symptoms. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) time from TES to death or last follow-up was the main endpoint. Potential factors associated with survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. Five patients underwent a single vertebral resection, and the other five patients underwent two or three consecutive vertebral resections. Three patients developed perioperative complications including pulmonary thromboembolism and pneumothorax. Nine patients improved or fairly maintained their PS with an ECOG grade of 1. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS rates after TES were 90%, 70%, and 47%, respectively. Only postoperative disability (ECOG PS grade 3) was significantly associated with short-term survival after TES. The clinical outcomes of 10 patients who underwent TES for spinal metastatic LMS were favorable without severe complications. Postoperative disability was significantly associated with short-term survival after TES.