Biomechanical Evaluation of the Cross-link Usage and Position in the Single and Multiple Segment Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have neither explored the usage of cross-links nor investigated the optimal position of the cross-links in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). This study evaluates biomechanical properties of cross-links in terms of different fixation segments and optimal position in single- and multi-segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

METHODS

Two finite element (FE) models of instrumented lumbosacral spine with single-(L4/5) and multi-segment (L3-S1) PLIF surgery were simulated. On the basis of the two models, the benefits of the usage of cross-links were assessed and compared with the status of no application of cross-links. Moreover, the effects of position of cross-links on multi-segment PLIF surgery were studied in Upper, Middle, and Lower positions.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the range of motion (ROM), intersegmental rotational angle (IRA) of adjacent segments, and intradiscal pressure (IDP) regardless of the usage of cross-links in the single-segment PLIF surgery, while the cross-link increased the maximum von Mises stress in the fixation (MSF) under the axial rotation (53.65 MPa vs 41.42 MPa). In the multi-segment PLIF surgery, the usage of cross-links showed anti-rotational advantages indicated by ROM (Without Cross-link 2.35^o , Upper, 2.24^o ; Middle, 2.26^o ; Lower, 2.30^o ) and IRA (Without Cross-link 1.19^o , Upper, 1.08^o ; Middle, 1.09^o ; Lower, 1.13^o ). The greatest values of MSF were found in without cross-link case under the flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation (37.48, 62.61, and 86.73 MPa). The application of cross-links at the Middle and Lower positions had lower values of MSF (48.79 and 69.62 MPa) under the lateral bending and axial rotation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The application of cross-links was not beneficial for the single-segment PLIF, while it was found highly advantageous for the multi-segment PLIF. Moreover, the usage of cross-links at the Middle or Lower positions resulted in a better biomechanical stability.

The Predictive Value of Fear Avoidance Beliefs for Outcomes Following Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Disease: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis

BACKGROUND

Currently, evidence regarding fear avoidance beliefs as potential predictors for lumbar surgery outcomes seems insufficient and strong conclusions are not yet available.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative fear avoidance beliefs for postoperative pain intensity, functional status, and health-related quality of life following surgery for lumbar degenerative disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and best evidence synthesis.

METHODS

An extensive search was performed in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane library for articles published up until October 2021. Two independent reviewers performed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, with a third independent reviewer consulting to resolve any disagreement. Observational studies that included patients undergoing surgery for lumbar degenerative disease, as well as evaluated fear avoidance beliefs (i.e., pain-related fear, pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety) in relation to a surgical outcome measure (i.e., pain intensity, functional status and health-related quality of life) were included in the review. The CHARMS- and QUIPS-tools were used for data extraction and quality assessment, respectively. A best evidence synthesis was performed resulting in conclusions regarding strong, moderate, conflicting, and limited levels of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies (n = 17,881) were included in this review. Following best evidence synthesis, 3 included studies reported no significant predictive value of preoperative pain-related fear for postoperative pain intensity resulting in moderate evidence for this relationship. Moderate evidence was also found indicating no significant predictive value of preoperative pain-related fear for postoperative functional status, as 6 out of 8 relevant studies reported this result. Only one study reported on the predictive value of preoperative pain catastrophizing for postoperative health-related quality of life, resulting in limited evidence for the absence of this predictive relationship. All other relationships were found to have conflicting evidence.

LIMITATIONS

To evaluate surgical outcome, only patient-reported outcome measures as used by spine registries were included. Thus, our findings cannot be extrapolated to all surgery outcomes following lumbar degenerative disease and should only be interpreted in relation to postoperative pain intensity, functional status, or health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Best evidence synthesis showed moderate evidence indicating that preoperative pain-related fear is not a significant predictor for postoperative pain and function following surgery for lumbar degenerative disease. Additionally, limited evidence was found for a lack of predictive value of preoperative pain catastrophizing for postoperative health-related quality of life. As current evidence regarding the predictive value of preoperative fear avoidance beliefs following such a surgery is mixed, further research is required before more definitive conclusions can be made.

The use of novel knotless barbed sutures in posterior long-segment lumbar surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background

The study carries the aim to compare the clinical efficacy and economic outcomes of using barbed suture closure versus conventional closure for wounds after posterior long-segment lumbar surgery.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-one patients undertaking posterior long-segment lumbar surgery participated in the prospective randomized controlled trial study to receive either barbed suture wound closure (n = 91) or conventional suture closure (n = 90). Outcome measures included operating room time (ORT), wound closure time, length of incision, length of hospital stay (LOS), 90-day readmission rates, wound complications of dehiscence and infection, and costs.

Results

Barbed suture group was related with significantly lower ORT (P = 0.036), wound closure time (P < 0.001) and average wound closure time (P < 0.001), and significantly lower wound complication rates (dehiscence and infection) (P = 0.031). No significant differences were found when compared with conventional suture group in terms of length of incision (P = 0.086), length of hospital stay (P = 0.174), readmission rates up to 90 days after the surgical procedure (P = 0.232) and costs (P = 0.205).

Conclusion

The study suggested the knotless barbed suture technique outperformed the conventional suture in shortening operating room time, wound closure time and average wound closure time, and reducing wound complication rates.

Multivariate analysis of pedicle screw invasion of the proximal facet joint after lumbar surgery

BACKGROUND

To analyze the risk factors for pedicle screw invasion of the proximal facet joint after lumbar surgery.

METHODS

From January 2019 to January 2021, 1794 patients with lumbar degenerative disease, such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar spondylolisthesis, were treated at our hospital. In all, 1221 cases were included. General data (sex, age, BMI), bone mineral density, proximal facet joint angle, degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis and fixed segment in the two groups were recorded. After the operation, vertebral CT of the corresponding surgical segments was performed for three-dimensional reconstruction and evaluation of whether the vertebral arch root screw interfered with the proximal facet joint. The included cases were divided into an invasion group and a noninvasion group. Univariate analysis was used to screen the risk factors for pedicle screw invasion of the proximal facet joint after lumbar surgery, and the selected risk factors were included in the logistic model for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The single-factor analysis showed a significant difference in age, BMI, proximal facet joint angle, degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and fixed segment (P < 0.1). Multifactor analysis of the logistic model showed a significant difference for age ≥ 50 years (P < 0.001, OR = 2.291), BMI > 28 kg/m2 (P < 0.001, OR = 2.548), degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (P < 0.001, OR = 2.187), gorge cleft lumbar relaxation (P < 0.001, OR = 2.410), proximal facet joint angle (35 ~ 45°: P < 0.001, OR = 3.151; > 45°: P < 0.001, OR = 3.578), and fixed segment (lower lumbar spine: P < 0.001, OR = 2.912).

CONCLUSION

Age (≥ 50 years old), BMI (> 28 kg/m2), proximal facet joint angle (35 ~ 45°, > 45°), degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis and fixed segment (lower lumbar spine) are independent risk factors for pedicle screw invasion of the proximal facet joint after lumbar surgery. Compared with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, facet joint intrusion is more likely in isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Myocardial Infarction After Lumbar Surgery: A Critical Meta-Analysis of Cohort versus Database Studies for a Rare Complication

BACKGROUND

One potentially fatal complication of spine surgery is myocardial infarction (MI). There is still uncertainty of the true incidence of MI within subsets of spine surgeries. The aim of this study was to survey the contemporary spine literature and ascertain the true incidence of MI after lumbar spine surgery, as well as to provide commentary on the inherent assumptions made when interpreting cohort versus database studies on this topic.

METHODS

A systematic search of 4 electronic databases from inception to November 2020 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Articles were screened against prespecified criteria. MI incidence was then estimated by random-effects meta-analyses of proportions based on cohort versus database studies.

RESULTS

A total of 34 cohort studies and 32 database studies describing 767,326 lumbar procedures satisfied all criteria for selection. There were 12,170 (2%) cases from cohort studies and 755,156 (98%) cases from database studies. Cohort studies reported a significantly older patient cohort (P < 0.01) and longer follow-up period than did database studies (P < 0.03). Using cohort studies only, the incidence of MI was 0.44% (P heterogeneity < 0.01), whereas using database studies only, the incidence of MI was 0.41% (P heterogeneity < 0.01). These 2 incidences were statistically different (P interaction = 0.01). Bias analysis indicated that cohort studies were more vulnerable to small-study biases than were database studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although infrequent, the incidence of MI after lumbar spine surgery is unequivocally nonzero. Furthermore, the literature on this topic remains skewed based on study type, and translation of academic findings into practice should be wary of this.

The predictive value of preoperative paraspinal muscle morphometry on complications after lumbar surgery: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The effect of paraspinal muscles atrophy and fat infiltration (FI) on the complications of spinal surgery has not been established.

METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted from a search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception through January 2021. The literature was searched and assessed by independent reviewers based on criteria that included an assessment of preoperative paraspinal muscle morphology in addition to measuring its relationship to surgical complications. All relevant papers were assessed for risk of bias according to the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 5632 studies, of which 16 studies were included in the analysis. All included studies were at a low risk of bias. There existed strong evidence that the atrophy and FI of paraspinal muscles had an association with the development of bone nonunion (two high quality studies), pedicle screw loosening (two high quality studies), adjacent segment degeneration (three high quality studies) and proximal junctional kyphosis (five high quality studies) after lumbar surgery. Besides, there is also limited evidence for association between atrophy and FI of paraspinal extensor muscles and less local and global curve improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong evidence was found for an association between preoperative paraspinal muscle degeneration and multiple postoperative complications after lumbar surgery. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small quantity of the available literature and high heterogeneity among studies.

A perspective on wrong level, wrong side, and wrong site spine surgery

Background:

Four of the most common “errors” in spine surgery include: operating on the wrong patient, doing the wrong procedure, performing wrong-level surgery (WLS), and/or performing wrong-sided surgery (WSS). Although preoperative verification protocols (i.e. Universal Protocol, routine Time-Outs, and using the 3 R’s (i.e. right patient, right procedure, right level/side)) have largely limited the first two “errors,” WLS and WSS still occur with an unacceptably high frequency.

Methods:

In 20 studies, we identified the predominant factors contributing to WLS/WSS; unusual/anatomical anomalies/variants (i.e. sacralized lumbar vertebrae. lumbarized sacral vertebra, Klippel-Feil vertebrae, block vertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, obesity/morbid obesity), inadequate/poor interpretation of X-rays/fluoroscopic intraoperative images, and failure to follow different verification protocols.

Results:

“Human error” was another major risk factor contributing to the failure to operate at the correct level/side (WLS/WSS). Factors comprising “human error” included; surgeon/staff fatigue, rushing, emergency circumstances, lack of communication, hierarchical behavior in the operating room, and failure to “speak up”.

Conclusion:

Utilizing the Universal Protocol, routine Time Outs, and the 3 R’s largelly avoid operating on the wrong spine patient, and performing the wrong procedure. However, these guidelines have not yet sufficiently reduced the frequently of WLS and WSS. Greater recognition of the potential pitfalls contributing to WLS/WSS as reviewed in this perspective should better equip spine surgeons to avert/limit such “errors” in the future.

Two cases of supratentorial lobar intracranial hemorrhage following lumbar decompression and stabilization

Background

Lumbar spine surgery with or without intraoperative dural tear (DT) may contribute to postoperative subdural hematomas and/or cerebellar intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs). Here, we present two patients, one with and one without an intraoperative DT occurring during lumbar surgery, both of whom developed acute postoperative supratentorial ICHs.

Case Description

Two patients developed supratentorial lobar ICH following lumbar decompressions and fusion. The first patient, without an intraoperative DT, developed multiple ICHs involving the left cerebellum and left temporal lobe. The second patient, following an L4-5 decompression/instrumented fusion involving a DT, postoperatively developed a large right frontal ICH.

Conclusion

Here, two patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery with/without DT subsequently developed significant ICH.

Perspective: Early diagnosis and treatment of postoperative recurrent cerebrospinal fluid fistulas/ dural tears to avoid adhesive arachnoiditis

Background:

Intraoperative traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas/dural tears (DT) occur in up to 8.7–9.5% of primary lumbar surgical procedures. Further, they recur secondarily in between 8.1% and 17% of cases. It is critical to diagnose and treat these recurrent lumbar DT early (i.e. within 3–4 weeks of the index surgery) to avoid the evolution of adhesive arachnoiditis (AA), and its’ permanent neurological sequelae.

Methods:

Postoperative lumbar CSF fistulas/DT should be diagnosed on postoperative MR scans, and confirmed on Myelo-CT studies if needed. They should be definitively treated/occluded early on (e.g. within 3–4 postoperative weeks) to avoid the evolution of AA which can be readily diagnosed on MR studies, and corroborated, if warranted, on Myelo-CT examinations. The most prominent MR/Myelo-CT findings include; nerve roots aggregated in the central thecal sac, nerve roots peripherally scarred/adherent to the surrrounding meningeal wall (“empty thecal sac sign”), soft tissue masses in the subarachnoid space, and/or multiple loculated/scarred compartments.

Results:

Percutaneous interventional procedures (i.e. epidural blood patches, injection of fibrin glue (FG)/fibrin sealants (FS)) are rarely effective for treating postoperative recurrent lumbar CSF fistulas. Rather, direct surgical occlusion is frequently warranted including the use of; an operating microscope, adequate surgical exposure, 7-0 Gore-Tex sutures, muscle/dural patch grafts or suture anchors, followed by the application of microfibrillar collagen, and fibrin sealant/glue.

Conclusion:

Lumbar AA most commonly results from the early failure to diagnose and treat recurrent postoperative CSF fistulas. Since the clinical course of lumbar AA is typically one of progressive neurological deterioration, avoiding its’ initial onset is key.

The erector spinae plane block for analgesia after lumbar spine surgery: A systematic review

Objective

To evaluate the available evidence for the utility of Erector Spinae Plane blocks (ESPB) after Lumbar surgery.

Methods

Databases were searched until December 20, 2020. ESPB was utilized as a MesH term and terms such as: lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, decompression and lumbar spine surgery.

Results

Studies demonstrate that ESPB are consistently found to be a safe and effective method of analgesia after lumbar surgery, with limited adverse effects.

Conclusion

ESPB appear to be an effective method to relieve pain after lumbar surgery. More RCTs will be needed to further investigate the clinical effectiveness of this intervention.

Prolonged length of stay and discharge disposition to rehabilitation facilities following single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion for acquired spondylolisthesis

Background

Acquired lumbar spondylolisthesis is often treated with interbody fusion. However, few studies have evaluated predictors for prolonged length of stay (LOS) and disposition to rehabilitation facilities after posterior single-level lumbar interbody fusion for acquired spondylolisthesis.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database was queried for adults with acquired spondylolisthesis who underwent single-level lumbar interbody fusion through a posterior approach (posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion [TLIF]). We utilized multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of prolonged LOS and disposition in this patient population.

Results

Among 2080 patients identified, 700 (33.7%) had a prolonged LOS (≥4 days), and 306 (14.7%) were discharged postoperatively to rehabilitation facilities. Predictors for prolonged LOS included: American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class ≥3, anemia, prolonged operative time, perioperative blood transfusion, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and return to the operating room. The following risk factors predicted discharge to postoperative rehabilitation facilities: age ≥65 years, male sex, ASA class ≥3, modified frailty score ≥2, perioperative blood transfusion, and prolonged LOS.

Conclusion

Multiple partial-overlapping risk factors predicted prolonged LOS and discharge to rehabilitation facilities after single-level TLIF/PLIF performed for acquired spondylolisthesis.

Expectations of Lumbar Surgery Outcomes among Opioid Users Compared with Non-Users

Study Design

Matched cohort study.

Purpose

To compare and describe the effect of opioid usage on the expectations of lumbar surgery outcomes among patients taking opioids and patients not taking opioids.

Overview of Literature

Chronic opioid use is common among lumbar-spine surgery patients. The decision to undergo elective lumbar surgery is influenced by the expected surgery outcomes. However, the effects of opioids on patients’ expectations of lumbar surgery outcomes remain to be rigorously assessed.

Methods

A total of 77 opioid users grouped according to dose and duration (54 “higher users,” 30 “lower users”) were matched 2:1 to 154 non-opioid users based on age, sex, marital status, chiropractic care, disability, and diagnosis. All patients completed a validated 20-item Expectations Survey measuring expected improvement with regard to symptoms, function, psychological well-being, and anticipated future spine condition. “Greater expectations” was defined as a higher survey score (possible range, 0–100) based on the number of items expected and degree of improvement expected.

Results

The mean Expectations Survey scores for all opioid users and all non-users were similar (73 vs. 70, p=0.18). Scores were different, however, for lower users (79) compared with matched non-users (69, p=0.01) and compared with higher users (70, p=0.01). In multivariable analysis, “greater expectations” was independently associated with having had chiropractic care (p=0.03), being more disabled (p=0.002), and being a lower-dose opioid user (p=0.03). Compared with higher users, lower users were also more likely to expect not to need pain medications 2 years after surgery (47% vs. 83%, p=0.003).

Conclusions

Patient expectations of lumbar surgery are associated with diverse demographic and clinical variables. A lower dose and shorter duration of opioid use were associated with expecting more items and expecting more complete improvement compared with non-users. In addition, lower opioid users had greater overall expectations compared with higher users.

Change in the dimensions of the lumbar area muscles after surgery: MRI analysis

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to assess the change in the dimensions of the lumbar muscles in patients with chronic lower back pain using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and to determine pre/post effects of surgery.

METHODS:

We enrolled 28 individuals (13F/15M; age: 45.39±11.56 years) whose L2–S1 muscle measurements were obtained using MRI, before and at follow-up 6–12 months after surgery. The control group comprising 37 individuals (18F/19M; age: 34.41±10.72 years) who had no lumbar pathology but for whom retrospective archive images were available. In the axial MRI analysis, the cross-sections of m.multifidus, mm.erector spinae and m.psoas major on both sides were measured with the ‘closed polygon’ technique.

RESULTS:

The L2–3 and L4–5 levels of the m.multifidus on the right side, the L2–3, L4–5 and L5–S1 levels of the m.multifidus and the L5–S1 levels of the mm. erector spinae on the left side cross-sectional areas were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). The right-side m.multifidus and the left-side mm.erector spinae sectional areas were significantly lower than the pre-surgery values at the L5–S1 levels (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrated that chronic lower back pain causes atrophy in the lumbar muscles and established the existence and continuity of atrophy after surgery.

Preoperative epidural steroid injections are not associated with increased rates of infection and dural tear in lumbar spine surgery

PURPOSE

The study objectives were to use a large national claims data resource to examine rates of preoperative epidural steroid injections (ESI) in lumbar spine surgery and determine whether preoperative ESI or the timing of preoperative ESI is associated with rates of postoperative complications and reoperations.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal analysis of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for disc herniation and/or spinal stenosis was undertaken using the MarketScan® databases from 2007-2015. Propensity-score matched cohorts were constructed to compare rates of complications and reoperations in patients with and without preoperative ESI.

RESULTS

Within the year prior to surgery, 120,898 (46.4%) patients had a lumber ESI. The median time between ESI and surgery was 10 weeks. 23.1% of patients having preoperative ESI had more than one level injected, and 66.5% had more than one preoperative ESI treatment. Patients with chronic pain were considerably more likely to have an ESI prior to their surgery [OR 1.62 (1.54, 1.69), p < 0.001]. Patients having preoperative ESI within in close proximity to surgery did not have increased rates of infection, dural tear, neurological complications, or surgical complications; however, they did experience higher rates of reoperations and readmissions than those with no preoperative ESI (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Half of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for stenosis and/or herniation had a preoperative ESI. These were not associated with an increased risk for postoperative complications, even when the ESI was given in close proximity to surgery. Patients with preoperative ESI were more likely to have readmissions and reoperations following surgery.

Oxygen Embolism and Pneumocephalus After Hydrogen Peroxide Application During Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) solution is commonly used to irrigate wounds because of its hemostatic and antiseptic properties. Previous studies suggest that H₂O₂ can result in toxicity to keratinocytes and fibroblasts, but complications after H₂O₂ application, including oxygen embolism, which is one of the most severe, have rarely been reported.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 40-year-old woman was diagnosed with L4-5 lumbar spinal stenosis and subsequently underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion treatment at another hospital. Hypotension, hypoxia, and a decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure occurred immediately after H₂O₂ irrigation. After the operation, she was able to be extubated but remained comatose. Postoperative computed tomography scan revealed intracranial air trapping in the right frontal lobe and multiple cerebral infarction foci.

CONCLUSIONS

When using a knee-prone surgical position or in cases of dural laceration, the application of undiluted H₂O₂ solution should be avoided, especially in a surgical wound within a closed cavity. When hypotension, hypoxia, and a decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure occur immediately after H₂O₂ irrigation, oxygen embolism should be strongly suspected.

The New Strategy for the Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Lumbar Surgery

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a common complication of surgery involving the lumbar spine. However, although there are various therapeutic options for CSF leak, there is currently no optimal technique, and the choice of therapy often depends on the surgeon's cumulative experience. The aim of this study was to describe the successful treatment of CSF leakage using blood injection therapy along the drain removal tract.

Technical Note

We enrolled 7 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar surgery at our institute. The surgeries performed included decompression in two patients (one microendoscopic surgery), fusion in four, and an epidural cyst resection in one. After finding a CSF leak, we injected about 10 ml of blood from the patient into the drain tract. CSF leak did not recur after the blood injection in any of the seven patients. Following just one day of bed rest, the symptoms of intracranial hypotension disappeared with no instances of worsened symptoms of back pain, lower limb pain or fever.

Conclusions

We propose this route of blood injection therapy as a novel method for the treatment of CSF leak after lumbar surgery.

Giant Iliac Artery Pseudoaneurysm Mimicking Postoperative Fluid Collection and Diskitis

BACKGROUND

In this report, we describe an extremely rare case of a giant pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery causing marked destructive changes at a disk space and mimicking diskitis-osteomyelitis. Only 2 other cases of pseudoaneurysms extending into the disk space have been reported, and those arose from the aorta and were relatively straightforward to diagnose.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Our case is unique because the pseudoaneurysm arose from the internal iliac artery, an artery that is not usually included in the field of view of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. However, the pseudoaneurysm was so large that it extended to the lumbosacral junction, where it eroded a disk space and caused findings of diskitis-osteomyelitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex paraspinal fluid collections causing osseous erosions should raise the possibility of an aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm. Computed tomography or conventional angiography should be considered if the question of a vascular mass/collection cannot be answered on conventional cross-sectional imaging, as inadvertent biopsy of a pseudoaneurysm can cause catastrophic bleeding.

Impact of occupational characteristics on return to work for employed patients after elective lumbar spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Low back pain has an immense impact on the US economy. A significant number of patients undergo surgical management in order to regain meaningful functionality in daily life and in the workplace. Return to work (RTW) is a key metric in surgical outcomes, as it has profound implications for both individual patients and the economy at large.

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigated the factors associated with RTW in patients who achieved otherwise favorable outcomes after lumbar spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This study retrospectively analyzes prospectively collected data from the lumbar module of national spine registry, the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD).

PATIENT SAMPLE

The lumbar module of QOD includes patients undergoing lumbar surgery for primary stenosis, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis (Grade I) and symptomatic mechanical disc collapse or revision surgery for recurrent same-level disc herniation, pseudarthrosis, and adjacent segment disease. Exclusion criteria included age under 18 years and diagnoses of infection, tumor, or trauma as the cause of lumbar-related pain.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome of interest for this study was the return to work 12-month after surgery.

METHODS

The lumbar module of QOD was queried for patients who were employed at the time of surgery. Good outcomes were defined as patients who had no adverse events (readmissions/complications), had achieved 30% improvement in Oswestry disability index (ODI) and were satisfied (NASS satisfaction) at 3-month post-surgery. Distinct multivariable logistic regression models were fitted with 12-month RTW as outcome for a. overall population and b. the patients with good outcomes. The variables included in the models were age, gender, race, insurance type, education level, occupation type, currently working/on-leave status, workers' compensation, ambulatory status, smoking status, anxiety, depression, symptom duration, number of spinal levels, diabetes, motor deficit, and preoperative back-pain, leg-pain and ODI score.

RESULTS

Of the total 12,435 patients, 10,604 (85.3%) had successful RTW at 1-year postsurgery. Among patients who achieved good surgical outcomes, 605 (7%) failed to RTW. For both the overall and subgroup analysis, older patients had lower odds of RTW. Females had lower odds of RTW compared with males and patients with higher back pain and baseline ODI had lower odds of RTW. Patients with longer duration of symptoms, more physically demanding occupations, worker's compensation claim and those who had short-term disability leave at the time of surgery had lower odds of RTW independent of their good surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies certain risk factors for failure to RTW independent of surgical outcomes. Most of these risk factors are occupational; hence, involving the patient's employer in treatment process and setting realistic expectations may help improve the patients' work-related functionality.

Predictors of substantial improvement in physical function six months after lumbar surgery: is early post-operative walking important? A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Resuming walking after lumbar surgery is a common focus of early post-operative rehabilitation, however there is no knowledge about whether increased walking is associated with better functional outcomes. This study aimed to determine whether time spent walking in the week after lumbar surgery, along with co-morbidities, pre-operative pain duration, pre-operative physical activity or function, or surgical variables predict substantial improvement in physical function six months after lumbar surgery.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study design was utilized. Participants undergoing lumbar surgery (discectomy, decompression, fusion) were recruited between April and November 2016. Predictor variables were collected pre-operatively (age, sex, smoking status, obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety, pre-operative pain duration, neurological deficit, physical activity levels, mobility restriction, function) and early post-operatively (post-operative walking time, surgical procedure, single/multi-level surgery). Outcome variables (physical function, back pain and leg pain severity) were measured pre-operatively and six-months post-operatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish prediction of substantial improvement in outcome at six months.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 233; 50% female; age 61 (SD = 14) years) who walked more in the first post-operative week were more likely to have substantially improved function on the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire at six months (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.02-1.37), as were participants with < 12 months pre-operative pain (OR 2.71, 95%CI 1.28-5.74), and those with lower pre-operative function (OR 4.02, 95%CI 2.33-6.93). Age < 65 years (OR 2.36, 95%CI 1.14-4.85), and < 12 months pre-operative pain (OR 3.52 95%CI 1.69-7.33) predicted substantial improvement on the SF-36 Physical Component Summary. There were no significant predictors for substantial improvement in either leg or back pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Walking time in the week after lumbar surgery is one of several predictors of substantial improvement in function at six months. Further research is required to determine whether intervention designed to increase walking early after lumbar surgery results in improved longer-term recovery of function.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), registration number 12616000747426 . Retrospectively registered on the 7th of June 2016.

Transforaminal epidural injection versus continued conservative care in acute sciatica (TEIAS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sciatica is a condition that is characterised by radicular pain in the leg and primarily caused by a herniated lumbar intervertebral disk. In addition to leg pain, patients can experience back pain, leg numbness and leg weakness resulting in decreased productivity and social activity. The majority of sciatica cases recovers spontaneously and therefore patients are initially treated conservatively with oral pain medication. However, some patients experience intractable pain that severely impedes them and no consensus exists on the optimal conservative treatment to reduce this discomfort in the acute phase of sciatica. The aim of the TEIAS trial is to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and predictive capability on patient outcome of transforaminal epidural injection (TEI) compared to treatment with standard pain medication.

METHODS

This study is designed as a prospective, open-label, mono-centered, randomized controlled trial. Patients that visit their general practitioner with complaints of radicular leg pain and meet the selection criteria are asked to participate in this study. Eligible patients will be randomized to treatment with TEI or to treatment with standard oral pain medication. Treatment of TEI will comprise lidocaine with methylprednisolone acetate for L3 and below and lidocaine with dexamethasone above L3. A total of 142 patients will be recruited and follow-up will occur after 1, 2, 4, 10 and 21 weeks for assessment of pain, functionality, patient received recovery and cost-effectiveness. The primary outcome will be the average score for leg pain at 2 weeks. For this outcome we defined a clinically relevant difference as 1.5 on the 11-point NRS scale.

DISCUSSION

Adequate conservative treatment in the acute phase of sciatica is lacking, particularly for patients with severe symptoms. Focusing on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and predictive capability on patient outcome of TEI will produce useful information allowing for more lucid decision making in the conservative treatment of sciatica in the acute phase.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database under registry number NCT03924791 on April 23, 2019.

Revision Surgery after Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy Compared with Primary Open Surgery for Symptomatic Lumbar Degenerative Disease

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcome of reoperation after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) as compared with primary spinal decompression and fusion.

Methods

A retrospective study from December 2014 to December 2017 was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and comprised 39 patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative disease (LDD): 13 post‐PELD who underwent reoperation (revision surgery group) and 26 who received primary spinal decompression and fusion (primary open surgery group). The two groups were compared regarding: operative time, blood loss, transfusion, hospitalization, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) improvement rate, and postoperative complications. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was applied to analyze continuous parameters, and the χ²‐test for categorical parameters. Fisher's exact test was used for small data subsets.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in mean age (52.7 years vs 52.9 years), gender ratio (6 men‐to‐7 women vs 12 men‐to‐14 women), body mass index, medical history, preoperative diagnosis, or surgical spine level (P > 0.05). The mean operative time of the revision surgery group was significantly longer than that of the primary open surgery group (160.0 min vs 130.2 min, P < 0.05). The revision surgery group also had a significantly higher mean estimated blood loss, postoperative drainage, and length of hospital stay (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of hemoglobin and hematocrit values, preoperatively and postoperatively. The rate of transitional neurological irritation was higher in the revision surgery group (61.5% vs 3.8%; P < 0.05), as was intraoperative durotomy and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (30.8% vs 3.8%, P < 0.05). At 1 month, the VAS and ODI scores of the primary open surgery group were significantly better than those of the revision surgery group, while the improvement in JOA scores was similar. After 6 and 12 months’ follow‐up, the VAS and ODI scores and the rates of JOA improvement were comparable.

Conclusion

Patients with LDD who received primary spinal decompression and fusion experienced lower rates of perioperative complications and shorter hospitalization compared with patients who underwent revision surgery after PELD, but the clinical outcomes at the last follow‐up of both groups were satisfactory.

Changes of balance control in individuals with lumbar degenerative spine disease after lumbar surgery: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Lumbar degenerative spine disease (DSD) with neurological symptoms is the most common indication requiring lumbar surgery when nonoperative treatment is not effective. Individuals with lumbar DSD have sensory, proprioception, and musculoskeletal system alterations, which may result in balance impairment. However, evidence regarding balance recovery in individuals with lumbar DSD after lumbar surgery is limited.

PURPOSE

To evaluate balance control, pain, and functional activities in individuals with lumbar DSD after lumbar surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A prospective study with a cross-sectional control group.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Seventy individuals with lumbar DSD (DSD group) and 30 age-matched healthy adults (control group) were recruited. Participants in the DSD group were diagnosed by a neurological surgeon and received lumbar surgery according to relevant imaging findings and neurological symptoms.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical assessments, including a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), were performed in the DSD group only. Balance control was assessed in all participants using the root mean square (RMS) distance of the center of pressure (COP) in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions.

METHODS

All participants were instructed to stand in natural stance and Romberg stance with eyes open and eyes closed on a force platform for 35 seconds, respectively. The assessments were performed in the DSD group at four time points: preoperative phase (baseline), 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. In the age-matched healthy control group, only one assessment on the recruitment day was performed.

RESULTS

The VAS, ODI, and RMDQ scores of the DSD group significantly improved after lumbar surgery (p<.001). The RMS distance of COP in the DSD group significantly decreased after lumbar surgery (p<.017) compared with baseline in most of the testing conditions. However, the RMS distance of the COP in the DSD group after surgery was significantly greater than in the healthy control group (p<.05), especially 6 months and 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Balance control, pain, and functional activities of individuals with lumbar DSD showed improvement after lumbar surgery. However, balance control in individuals with lumbar DSD was still less stable than in age-matched healthy adults from 6 to 12 months after surgery. Therefore, individuals with lumbar DSD require fall prevention programs after lumbar surgery, including balance assessments and postoperative balance training.

Dura sac compression due to spinal epidural gas pseudocyst after lumbar decompression surgery: a case report

Background

Intraspinal gas pseudocyst is rare, especially following spinal surgery. Here we present a case of spinal epidural gas pseudocyst following lumbar decompression surgery, which caused dura sac compression.

Case presentation

A 52-years-old woman with chronic lumbar pain and radiating numbness of left leg was admitted to our hospital and underwent a posterior lumbar decompression surgery. 10 days later, the patient began to have dysfunction of excretion. CT and MRI were taken and epidural gas was detected, which compressed the dura sac. A huge pseudocyst encapsulated with high-tension air was found during debridement with no evidence of infection.

Results

Debridement surgery was taken to remove the encapsulated gas and cyst wall and her symptoms disappeared soon after the surgery. 2 weeks later, routine X-ray was repeated and gas pseudocyst disappeared with no signs of infection.

Conclusion

Gas pseudocyst in the spinal canal is rare, especially after lumbar surgery and causing spinal cord compression. CT and MRI can be used to detect the spinal gas. Once gas pseudocyst causes dura sac compression, proper methods should be chosen to treat this kind of intraspinal gas pseudocyst.

Lumbar Spine Surgeries Under Spinal Anesthesia in High-Risk Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine outcomes of spinal anesthesia (SA) in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery in whom general anesthesia (GA) was contraindicated.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in Bansal Hospital, Bhopal, India. SA was achieved with a heavy spinal dose of bupivacaine administered in the sitting position. After assessing sensory level, patients were placed into prone position. Throughout surgery, hemodynamic parameters were monitored. At the end of surgery, patients were placed into supine position and taken out of the operating room for monitoring in the recovery room. Postoperatively, time spent in the postanesthesia care unit, hemodynamic changes, incidence of nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, spinal headache, analgesic use, regression of sensory block, and length of hospital stay were documented. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was also assessed.

RESULTS

The study included 18 high-risk patients with lumbar spine disease. Twelve patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists IV, and 6 were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists III. Ten patients underwent microdiscectomy, and 8 patients underwent canal and lateral recess decompression. None of the patients had anesthetic or surgical complications. Postoperative pain relief was excellent. There were no incidences of postoperative vomiting or urinary retention. Only 2 patients (11.11%) developed nausea. Both surgeons and patients reported a high level of satisfaction. SA was 12% cheaper than general anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

SA is a safe, reliable, and satisfactory alternative to general anesthesia in high-risk lumbar spine surgeries. Postoperative morbidity and mortality can be reduced by SA and spinal analgesia techniques. SA allows good perioperative hemodynamic stability. It is also more cost-effective.

The summary of experience of abdominal vascular injury related to posterior lumbar surgery

PURPOSE

To study the clinical and pathophysiologic characteristics and summarize the experience of treatment of abdominal vascular injury related to lumbar surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed patients who suffered abdominal vascular injury during lumbar surgery in our hospital retrospectively and reviewed related literature in the PUBMED database from 2002 to 2017. Combined with the existing treatment options and outcomes, we investigated further and summarized our findings.

RESULTS

With the data from our hospital, four cases of injuries were included, i.e., left common iliac artery and vein (CIA and CIV), left internal iliac artery, and inferior vena cava. Almost all of the patients (one exception) manifesting unstable haemodynamics were primarily treated by traditional vessel suture. After treatment, two patients died eventually, while the others recovered well at follow-up. With the reported data, 77 patients with the most frequently type of laceration (58.4%) were included. For vascular laceration, unstable haemodynamics was diagnosed in most of the patients (88.9%); CIA and CIV accounted for the all the most common patients (78.7%). Extracted from these data, traditional surgical method was selected to repair laceration prevalently (86.7%), while arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm were treated with an interventional procedure. Negative outcomes included two deaths, two suffered lower limb deep vein thrombosis, and two suffered graft infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Different treatment choices should be conducted depending on different injury characteristics and patients' condition. Moreover, early recognition and prompt treatment are critical components to successful rescue. When a vascular injury is suspected, ultrasonography and positive abdominal exploration are recommended together with unified leadership in the rescue team.