What Happens to Sagittal Alignment Following Laminoplasty Versus Laminectomy and Fusion?

OBJECTIVE

Laminectomy and fusion (LF) and laminoplasty (LP) are 2 sucessful posterior decompression techniques for cervical myelo-radiculopathy. There is also a growing body of evidence describing the importance of cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) and its importance in outcomes. We investigated the difference between pre- and postoperative CSA parameters in and between LF or LP. Furthermore, we studied predictive variables associated with change in cervical mismatch (CM).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of adults with cervical myeloradiculopathy in a single healthcare system. The primary outcomes are intra- and inter-cohort comparison of LF versus LP radiographic parameters at pre- and postoperative time points. A secondary multivariable analysis of predictive factors was performed evaluating factors predicting postoperative CM.

RESULTS

Eighty nine patients were included; 38 (43%) had LF and 51 (57%) underwent LP. Both groups decreased in lordosis (LF 11.4° vs. 4.9°, P = 0.01; LP 15.2° vs. 9.1°, P < 0.001), increased in cSVA (LF 3.4 vs. 4.2 cm, P = 0.01; LP 3.2 vs. 4.2 cm, P < 0.001), and increased in CM (LF 22.0° vs. 28.5°, P = 0.02; LP 16.8° vs. 22.3°, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the postoperative CSA between groups. No significant predictors of change in pre- and postoperative CM were found.

CONSLUSIONS

There were no significant pre-or postoperative differences following the 2 procedures, suggesting radiographic equipoise in well indicated patients. Across all groups, lordosis decreased, cSVA increased, and cervical mismatch increased. There were no predictive factors that led to change in cervical mismatch.

The utility of vertebral Hounsfield units as a prognostic indicator of adverse events following treatment of spinal epidural abscess

Background

Spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) are a devastating condition with high levels of associated morbidity and mortality. Hounsfield units (HUs), a marker of radiodensity on CT scans, have previously been correlated with adverse events following spinal interventions. We evaluated whether HUs might also be associated with all-cause complications and/or mortality in this high-risk population.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was carried out within an academic health system in the United States. Adults diagnosed with a SEA between 2006 and 2021 and who also had a CT scan characterizing their SEA within 6 months of diagnosis were considered. HUs were abstracted from the 4 vertebral bodies nearest to, but not including, the infected levels. Our primary outcome was the presence of composite 90-day complications and HUs represented the primary predictor. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted adjusting for demographic and disease-specific confounders. In sensitivity testing, separate logistic regression analyses were conducted (1) in patients aged 65 and older and (2) with mortality as the primary outcome.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 399 patients. The overall incidence of 90-day complications was 61.2% (n=244), with a 7.8% (n=31) 90-day mortality rate. Those experiencing complications were more likely to have undergone surgery to treat their SEA (58.6% vs. 46.5%; p=.018) but otherwise the cohorts were similar. HUs were not associated with composite 90-day complications (Odds ratio [OR] 1.00 [95% CI 1.00-1.00]; p=.842). Similar findings were noted in sensitivity testing.

Conclusions

While HUs have previously been correlated with adverse events in certain clinical contexts, we found no evidence to suggest that HUs are associated with all-cause complications or mortality in patients with SEAs. Future research hoping to leverage 3-dimensional imaging as a prognostic measure in this patient population should focus on alternative targets.

Level of Evidence

Level III; Observational Cohort study.

Inpatient opioid use varies by construct length among laminoplasty versus laminectomy and fusion patients

Background

Laminoplasty (LP) and laminectomy and fusion (LF) are utilized to achieve decompression in patients with symptomatic degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Comparative analyses aimed at determining outcomes and clarifying indications between these procedures represent an area of active research. Accordingly, we sought to compare inpatient opioid use between LP and LF patients and to determine if opioid use correlated with length of stay.

Methods

Sociodemographic information, surgical and hospitalization data, and medication administration records were abstracted for patients >18 years of age who underwent LP or LF for DCM in the Mass General Brigham (MGB) health system between 2017 and 2019. Specifically, morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of oral and parenteral pain medication given after arrival in the recovery area until discharge from the hospital were collected. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-squared analysis or Fisher exact test when appropriate. Continuous variables were compared using Independent samples t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

One hundred eight patients underwent LF, while 138 patients underwent LP. Total inpatient opioid use was significantly higher in the LF group (312 vs. 260 MME, p=.03); this difference was primarily driven by higher postoperative day 0 pain medication requirements. Furthermore, more LF patients required high dose (>80 MME/day) regimens. While length of stay was significantly different between groups, with LF patients staying approximately 1 additional day, postoperative day 0 MME was not a significant predictor of this difference. When operative levels including C2, T1, and T2 were excluded, the differences in total opioid use and average length of stay lost significance.

Conclusions

Inpatient opioid use and length of stay were significantly greater in LF patients compared to LP patients; however, when constructs including C2, T1, T2 were excluded from analysis, these differences lost significance. Such findings highlight the impact of operative extent between these procedures. Future studies incorporating patient reported outcomes and evaluating long-term pain needs will provide a more complete understanding of postoperative outcomes between these 2 procedures.

Achilles Rupture in the Setting Posterior Tibial Osteochondroma: A Case Report and Guidelines for Management of Osteochondromas Adjacent to Tendons

Introduction

The presentation of the included patient is unique, and the thought process regarding management algorithms used to manage this patient is important to discuss so that other surgeons may benefit. This is the first report of its kind, to our knowledge.

Case Report

A 30-year-old healthy Caucasian male presented with acute Achilles tendon rupture after feeling a pop while playing basketball, in the setting of a known posterior tibial osteochondroma and a recent increase in physical activity.

Conclusion

The resultant injury is likely due to mechanical irritation at the tendon site, which caused wear over time and eventual acute rupture. We expanded our percutaneous repair to include an evaluation of the posterior compartment to adequately visualize and excise the large bony lesion. Therefore, we conclude that it is reasonable to counsel patients with known osteochondromas in this location due to the risk of possible Achilles injury, particularly if at all symptomatic.

What Are the Functional Outcomes and Pain Scores after Medial Clavicle Fracture Treatment?

BACKGROUND

Medial clavicle fractures are uncommon, occurring in older and multiply injured patients. The management of these fractures and the factors that predispose toward poor outcomes are controversial. Furthermore, the functional outcomes of treatment are not well characterized or correlated with fracture patterns.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) To determine minimum 1-year functional outcomes using QuickDASH scores and pain scores after medial clavicle fractures and (2) to identify factors associated with these outcome variables.

METHODS

In an institutional review board-approved, retrospective study, we identified adult patients with medial clavicle fractures at two tertiary care referral centers in a single metropolitan area in the United States from January 2010 to March 2019. Our initial query identified 1950 patients with clavicle fractures, from which 74 adult patients with medial clavicle fractures and at least 1 year of follow-up were identified. We attempted to contact these eligible patients by telephone for functional outcomes and pain scores. Twenty-six patients were deceased according to the most recent Social Security Death Index data and public obituaries, three declined participation, and 14 could not be reached, leaving 42% of the total (31 of 74) and 65% (31 of 48) of living patients included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, fracture characteristics, and clinical and radiographic union as assessed by plain radiography and CT were collected through record review. Twenty-nine patients were treated nonoperatively and two patients underwent open reduction internal fixation. Sixty-eight percent (21 of 31) of the included patients also had radiographic follow-up at least 6 weeks postoperatively; two patients had persistent nonunion at a mean of 5 ± 3 years after injury. Our primary response variable was the QuickDASH score at a minimum of 1 year (median [range] 5 years [2 to 10]). Our secondary response variable was the pain score on a 10-point Likert scale. A bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with these response variables. The following explanatory variables were studied: age, gender, race, dominant hand injury, employment status, manual labor occupation, primary health insurance, social deprivation, BMI, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, Charlson Comorbidity Index, nonisolated injury, high-energy mechanism of injury, nondisplaced fracture, fracture comminution, superior-inferior fracture displacement, medial-lateral fracture shortening, and surgical treatment of the medial clavicle fracture.

RESULTS

The mean QuickDASH score was 12 ± 15, and the mean pain score was 1 ± 1 at a mean of 5 ± 3 years after injury. The mortality rate of the cohort was 15% (11 of 74) at 1 year, 22% (16 of 74) at 3 years, and 34% (25 of 74) at 5 years after injury. With the numbers available, no factors were associated with the QuickDASH score or pain score, but it is likely we were underpowered to detect potentially important differences.

CONCLUSION

Medial clavicle fractures have favorable functional outcomes and pain relief at minimum 1-year follow-up among those patients who survive the trauma, but a high proportion will die within 3 years of the injury. This likely reflects both the frailty of a predominantly older patient population and the fact that these often are high-energy injuries. The outcome measures in our cohort were not associated with fracture displacement, shortening, or comminution; however, our sample size was underpowered on these points, and so these findings should be considered preliminary. Further studies are needed to determine the subset of patients with this injury who would benefit from surgical intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

The Role of Acupuncture in Postoperative Pain Management of Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Acupuncture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may decrease the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

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Acupuncture did not decrease visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the 0 to 48-hour interval but did decrease VAS scores at >48 hours after TKA.

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The heterogeneity of the studies prevented meta-analysis of opioid use with acupuncture after TKA; a systematic review demonstrated mixed results.

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Additional studies are needed to investigate opioid reduction with acupuncture after TKA.

Surgical Treatment of Acute Periprosthetic Knee Infection with Concurrent Presumed COVID-19: A Case Report

CASE

We report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with a late onset of acute periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty and a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction test. We describe our perioperative protocol and challenges for ensuring the safety of healthcare providers while operating on a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the incredible spread of COVID-19 globally, hospitals should anticipate perioperative protocols for the surgical management of COVID-19-positive patients with concurrent pathology to ensure safety to healthcare providers.

Cytokines and the microcirculation in ischemia and reperfusion

The intense inflammatory reaction following reperfusion of the infarcted myocardium has been implicated as a factor in extension of injury. However, this inflammatory reaction is also critical to tissue repair. The cellular responses that mediate these functions are orchestrated by sequential induction and/or release of cytokines resulting in a closely regulated cytokine cascade. This paper reviews research on these cytokine cascades, their cellular origin, and factors which control the cellular response to their presence. Factors examined include leukotaxis, phenotypic transition of leukocytes, adhesion molecule induction and the role of cytokines in tissue repair and scar formation.