Aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether early surgical treatment results in better neurological recovery 12 months after injury than late surgical treatment in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Methods. Patients with tSCI requiring surgical spinal decompression presenting to 17 centres in Europe were recruited. Depending on the timing of decompression, patients were divided into early (≤ 12 hours after injury) and late (> 12 hours and < 14 days after injury) groups. The American Spinal Injury Association neurological (ASIA) examination was performed at baseline (after injury but before decompression) and at 12 months. The primary endpoint was the change in Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) from baseline to 12 months. Results. The final analyses comprised 159 patients in the early and 135 in the late group. Patients in the early group had significantly more severe neurological impairment before surgical treatment. For unadjusted complete-case analysis, mean change in LEMS was 15.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1 to 19.0) in the early and 11.3 (95% CI 8.3 to 14.3) in the late group, with a mean between-group difference of 4.3 (95% CI -0.3 to 8.8). Using multiply imputed data adjusting for baseline LEMS, baseline ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), and propensity score, the mean between-group difference in the change in LEMS decreased to 2.2 (95% CI -1.5 to 5.9). Conclusion. Compared to late surgical decompression, early surgical decompression following acute tSCI did not result in statistically significant or clinically meaningful neurological improvements 12 months after injury. These results, however, do not impact the well-established need for acute, non-surgical tSCI management. This is the first study to highlight that a combination of baseline imbalances, ceiling effects, and loss to follow-up rates may yield an overestimate of the effect of early surgical decompression in unadjusted analyses, which underpins the importance of adjusted statistical analyses in acute tSCI research. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):400–411

Aims. Only a few studies have investigated the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with an idiopathic scoliosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall HRQoL and employment status of patients with an idiopathic scoliosis 40 years after diagnosis, to compare it with that of the normal population, and to identify possible predictors for a better long-term HRQoL. Methods. We reviewed the full medical records and radiological reports of patients referred to our hospital with a scoliosis of childhood between April 1972 and April 1982. Of 129 eligible patients with a juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 91 took part in the study (71%). They were evaluated with full-spine radiographs and HRQoL questionnaires and compared with normative data. We compared the HRQoL between observation (n = 27), bracing (n = 46), and surgical treatment (n = 18), and between thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curves. Results. The mean time to follow-up was 40.8 years (SD 2.6) and the mean age of patients was 54.0 years (SD 2.7). Of the 91 patients, 86 were female (95%) and 51 had a main thoracic curve (53%). We found a significantly lower HRQoL measured on all the Scoliosis Research Society 22r instrument (SRS-22r) subdomains (p < 0.001) with the exception of mental health, than in an age-matched normal population. Incapacity to work was more prevalent in scoliosis patients (21%) than in the normal population (11%). The median SRS-22r subscore was 4.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 3.3 to 4.4) for TL/L curves and 4.1 (IQR 3.8 to 4.4) for thoracic curves (p = 0.300). We found a significantly lower self-image score for braced (median 3.6 (IQR 3.0 to 4.0)) and surgically treated patients (median 3.6 (IQR 3.2 to 4.3)) than for those treated by observation (median 4.0 (IQR 4.1 to 4.8); p = 0.010), but no statistically significant differences were found for the remaining subdomains. Conclusion. In this long-term follow-up study, we found a significantly decreased HRQoL and capacity to work in patients with an idiopathic scoliosis 40 years after diagnosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):166–171

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type of cervical disc herniation influences the severity of symptoms at the time of presentation, and the outcome after surgical treatment. Methods. The type and extent of disc herniation at the time of presentation in 108 patients who underwent anterior discectomy for cervical radiculopathy were analyzed on MRI, using a four-point scale. These were dichotomized into disc bulge and disc herniation groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in the neck and arm at baseline and two years postoperatively. The perceived recovery was also assessed at this time. Results. At baseline, 46 patients had a disc bulge and 62 had a herniation. There was no significant difference in the mean NDI and SF-36 between the two groups at baseline. Those in the disc bulge group had a mean NDI of 44.6 (SD 15.2) compared with 43.8 (SD 16.0) in the herniation group (p = 0.799), and a mean SF-36 of 59.2 (SD 6.9) compared with 59.4 (SD 7.7) (p = 0.895). Likewise, there was no significant difference in the incidence of disabling arm pain in the disc bulge and herniation groups (84% vs 73%; p = 0.163), and no significant difference in the incidence of disabling neck pain in the two groups (70.5% (n = 31) vs 63% (n = 39); p = 0.491). At two years after surgery, no significant difference was found in any of the clinical parameters between the two groups. Conclusion. In patients with cervical radiculopathy, the type and extent of disc herniation measured on MRI prior to surgery correlated neither to the severity of the symptoms at presentation, nor to clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1242–1248

Abstract. MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rods are used in the surgical treatment of children with early onset scoliosis. The magnetically controlled lengthening mechanism enables rod distractions without the need for repeated invasive surgery. The CE certification of these devices was suspended in March 2021 due, primarily, to performance evidence gaps in the documents provided by the manufacturer to regulators and notified bodies. MAGEC rods are therefore not permitted for use in countries requiring CE marking. This was a survey of 18 MAGEC rod surgeons in the UK about their perception of the impact of the CE suspension on the clinical management of their patients. Unsurprisingly, virtually all perceived a negative impact, reflecting the complexity of this patient group. Reassuringly, these surgeons are highly experienced in alternative treatment methods. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):155–157

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after growth-friendly treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) between patients with skeletal dysplasias versus those with other syndromes.

Aims. There is little information about the optimum number of implants to be used in the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Swedish spine register was undertaken to discover whether more implants per operated vertebra (implant density) leads to a better outcome in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. The hypothesis was that implant density is not associated with patient-reported outcomes, the correction of the curve or the rate of reoperation. Patients and Methods. A total of 328 patients with idiopathic scoliosis, aged between ten and 20 years at the time of surgery, were identified in the Swedish spine register (Swespine) and had patient reported outcomes including the Scoliosis Research Society 22r instrument (SRS-22r) score, EuroQol 5 dimensions quality of life, 3 level (EQ-5D-3L) score and a Viual Analogue Score (VAS) for back pain, at a mean follow-up of 3.1 years and reoperation data at a mean follow-up of 5.5 years. Implant data and the correction of the curve were assessed from radiographs, preoperatively and a mean of 1.9 years postoperatively. The patients were divided into tertiles based on implant density. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance, logistic regression or log-rank test. Some analyses were adjusted for gender, age at the time of surgery, the flexibility of the major curve and follow-up. Results. The mean number of implants per operated vertebra in the low, medium and high-density groups were 1.36 (1.00 to 1.54), 1.65 (1.55 to 1.75) and 1.91 (1.77 to 2.00), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the correction of the curve, the SRS-22r total score, EQ-5D-3L index or number of reoperations between the groups (all p > 0.34). In the SRS-22r domains, self-image was marginally higher in the medium implant density group (p = 0.029) and satisfaction marginally higher in the high implant density group (p = 0.034). Conclusion. These findings suggest that there is no clear advantage in using a high number of implants per operated vertebra in the surgical treatment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1080–6

Aims

To report the surgical outcome of patients with severe Scheuermann’s kyphosis treated using a consistent technique and perioperative management.

Aims

To report the outcome of spinal deformity correction through anterior spinal fusion in wheelchair-bound patients with myelomeningocele.

The skeleton is the most common site to be affected by metastatic cancer. The place of surgical treatment and of different techniques of reconstruction has not been clearly defined. We have studied the rate of survival of 94 patients and the results of the surgical treatment of 91 metastases of the limbs and pelvis, and 18 of the spine. Variables included the different primary tumours, the metastatic load at the time of operation, the surgical margin, and the different techniques of reconstruction. The survival rate was 0.54 at one year and 0.27 at three years. Absence of visceral metastases and of a pathological fracture, a time interval of more than three years between the diagnosis of cancer and that of the first skeletal metastasis, thyroid carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, renal-cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and plasmacytoma were positive variables with regard to survival. The metastatic load of the skeleton and the surgical margin were not of significant influence. In tumours of the limbs and pelvis, the local failure rate was 0% after biological reconstruction (10), 3.6% after cemented or uncemented osteosynthesis (28) and 1.8% after prosthetic replacement (53). The local failure rate after stabilisation of the spine (18) was 16.6%. There was local recurrence in seven patients (6.4%), and in four of these the primary tumour was a renal-cell carcinoma. The local recurrence rate was 0% after extralesional (24) and 8.2% after intralesional resection (85). Improvements in the oncological management of patients with primary and metastatic disease have resulted in an increased survival rate. In order to avoid additional surgery, it is essential to consider the expected time of survival of the reconstruction and, in bony metastases with a potentially poor response to radiotherapy, the surgical margin

A combined anterior and posterior surgical approach is generally recommended in the treatment of severe congenital kyphosis, despite the fact that the anterior vascular supply of the spine and viscera are at risk during exposure. The aim of this study was to determine whether the surgical treatment of severe congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis through a single posterior approach is feasible, safe and effective. We reviewed the records of ten patients with a mean age of 11.1 years (5.4 to 14.1) who underwent surgery either by pedicle subtraction osteotomy or by vertebral column resection with instrumented fusion through a single posterior approach. The mean kyphotic deformity improved from 59.9° (45° to 110°) pre-operatively to 17.5° (3° to 40°) at a mean follow-up of 47.0 months (29 to 85). Spinal cord monitoring was used in all patients and there were no complications during surgery. These promising results indicate the possible advantages of the described technique over the established procedures. We believe that surgery should be performed in case of documented progression and before structural secondary curves develop. Our current strategy after documented progression is to recommend surgery at the age of five years and when 90% of the diameter of the spinal canal has already developed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1527–32

There have been few reports regarding the efficacy of posterior instrumentation alone as surgical treatment for patients with pyogenic spondylitis, thus avoiding the morbidity of anterior surgery. We report the clinical outcomes of six patients with pyogenic spondylitis treated effectively with a single-stage posterior fusion without anterior debridement at a mean follow-up of 2.8 years (2 to 5). Haematological data, including white cell count and level of C-reactive protein, returned to normal in all patients at a mean of 8.2 weeks (7 to 9) after the posterior fusion. Rigid bony fusion between the infected vertebrae was observed in five patients at a mean of 6.3 months (4.5 to 8) post-operatively, with the remaining patient having partial union. Severe back pain was immediately reduced following surgery and the activities of daily living showed a marked improvement. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected as the causative organism in four patients. Single-stage posterior fusion may be effective in patients with pyogenic spondylitis who have relatively minor bony destruction

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has issued guidelines that state fusion for non-specific low back pain should only be performed as part of a randomised controlled trial, and that lumbar disc replacement should not be performed. Thus, spinal fusion and disc replacement will no longer be routine forms of treatment for patients with low back pain. This annotation considers the evidence upon which these guidelines are based.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1003–1005.

We studied prospectively 22 young athletes who had undergone surgical treatment for lumbar spondylolysis. There were 15 men and seven women with a mean age of 20.2 years (15 to 34). Of these, 13 were professional footballers, four professional cricketers, three hockey players, one a tennis player and one a golfer. Preoperative assessment included plain radiography, single positron-emission CT, planar bone scanning and reverse-gantry CT. In all patients the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and in 19 the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) scores were determined preoperatively, and both were measured again after two years in all patients. Three patients had a Scott’s fusion and 19 a Buck’s fusion. The mean duration of back pain before surgery was 9.4 months (6 to 36). The mean size of the defect as determined by CT was 3.5 mm (1 to 8) and the mean preoperative and postoperative ODIs were 39.5 (. sd. 8.7) and 10.7 (. sd. 12.9), respectively. The mean scores for the physical component of the SF-36 improved from 27.1 (. sd. 5.1) to 47.8 (. sd. 7.7). The mean scores for the mental health component of the SF-36 improved from 39.0 (. sd. 3.9) to 55.4 (. sd. 6.3) with p < 0.001. After rehabilitation for a mean of seven months (4 to 10) 18 patients (82%) returned to their previous sporting activity

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is uncommon in youth and few cases are treated surgically. Very few outcome studies exist for LDH surgery in this age group. Our aim was to explore differences in gender in pre-operative level of disability and outcome of surgery for LDH in patients aged ≤ 20 years using prospectively collected data.

From the national Swedish SweSpine register we identified 180 patients with one-year and 108 with two-year follow-up data ≤ 20 years of age, who between the years 2000 and 2010 had a primary operation for LDH.

Both male and female patients reported pronounced impairment before the operation in all patient reported outcome measures, with female patients experiencing significantly greater back pain, having greater analgesic requirements and reporting significantly inferior scores in EuroQol (EQ-5D-index), EQ-visual analogue scale, most aspects of Short Form-36 and Oswestry Disabilities Index, when compared with male patients. Surgery conferred a statistically significant improvement in all registered parameters, with few gender discrepancies. Quality of life at one year following surgery normalised in both males and females and only eight patients (4.5%) were dissatisfied with the outcome. Virtually all parameters were stable between the one- and two-year follow-up examination.

LDH surgery leads to normal health and a favourable outcome in both male and female patients aged 20 years or younger, who failed to recover after non-operative management.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1675–82.

We describe 13 patients with cerebral palsy and lordoscoliosis/hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine who underwent a posterior spinal fusion at a mean age of 14.5 years (10.8 to 17.4) to improve sitting posture and relieve pain. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years (2.2 to 6.2).

The mean pre-operative lumbar lordosis was 108^° (80 to 150^°) and was corrected to 62^° (43^° to 85^°); the mean thoracic kyphosis from 17^° (-23^° to 35^°) to 47^° (25^° to 65^°); the mean scoliosis from 82^° (0^° to 125^°) to 22^° (0^° to 40^°); the mean pelvic obliquity from 21^° (0^° to 38^°) to 3^° (0^° to 15^°); the mean sacral slope from 79^° (54^° to 90^°) to 50^° (31^° to 66^°). The mean pre-operative coronal imbalance was 5 cm (0 cm to 8.9 cm) and was corrected to 0.6 cm (0 to 3.2). The mean sagittal imbalance of -8 cm (-16 cm to 7.8 cm) was corrected to -1.6 cm (-4 cm to 2.5 cm). The mean operating time was 250 minutes (180 to 360 minutes) and intra-operative blood loss 0.8 of estimated blood volume (0.3 to 2 estimated blood volume). The mean intensive care and hospital stay were 3.5 days (2 to 8) and 14.5 days (10 to 27), respectively. Three patients lost a significant amount of blood intra-operatively and subsequently developed chest or urinary infections and superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

An increased pre-operative lumbar lordosis and sacral slope were associated with increased peri-operative morbidity: scoliosis and pelvic obliquity were not. A reduced lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis correlated with better global sagittal balance at follow-up. All patients and their parents reported excellent surgical outcomes.

Lordoscoliosis and hyperlordosis are associated with significant morbidity in quadriplegic patients. They are rare deformities and their treatment is challenging. Sagittal imbalance is the major component: it can be corrected by posterior fusion of the spine with excellent functional results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:800–6.

We carried out a retrospective review of 155 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who had been treated surgically and followed up regularly: 77 were evaluated at a mean of 6.5 years (5 to 8) after surgery by two independent observers. The outcome was assessed using the scoring system of Roland and Morris, and the rating system of Prolo, Oklund and Butcher. Instability was determined according to the criteria described by White and Panjabi.

A significant decrease in low back pain and disability was seen. An excellent or good outcome was noted in 79% of patients; 9% showed secondary radiological instability.

Surgical decompression is a safe and efficient procedure. In the absence of preoperative radiological evidence of instability, fusion is not required.

Between 1995 and 1999, 12 patients aged 65 years or more (mean 70.2) with lumbar disc herniation, underwent partial laminectomy and nucleotomy. The results were compared with those of 25 younger patients aged between 20 and 40 years (mean 30.1), who underwent the same surgical procedure. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was used to assess the clinical outcome. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. The pre- and post-operative total JOA scores and the rate of improvement of the JOA score were not significantly different between the elderly (11.1, 24.3 points, and 74.1%), and the younger group (11.6, 26.4 points and 84.5%).

The results of this study indicate that the outcome of lumbar discectomy in elderly patients is as good as in younger patients.

Aims. The optimal procedure for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE) with posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PTLF) for the surgical management of patients with this condition. Methods. Between July 2017 and July 2019, 40 patients with cervical OPLL were equally randomized to undergo surgery with an ACOE or a PTLF. The clinical and radiological results were compared between the two groups. Results. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate in the ACOE group were significantly higher than those in the PTLF group during two years postoperatively, provided that the canal occupying ratio (COR) was > 50%, or the K-line was negative. There was no significant difference in JOA scores and rate of recovery between the two groups in those in whom the COR was < 50%, or the K-line was positive. There was no significant difference in the Cobb angle between C2 and C7, sagittal vertical axis, cervical range of motion (ROM), and complications between the two groups. Conclusion. Compared with PTLF, ACOE is a preferred surgical approach for the surgical management of patients with cervical OPLL in that it offers a better therapeutic outcome when the COR is > 50%, or the K-line is negative, and it also preserves better cervical curvature and sagittal balance. The prognosis of ACOE is similar to that of PTLE when the COR is < 50%, or the K-line is positive. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):412–421

Aims. Surgical approaches to cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain controversial. The purpose of the present study was to analyze and compare the long-term neurological recovery following anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PLF) based on > ten-year follow-up outcomes in a single centre. Methods. Included in this retrospective cohort study were 48 patients (12 females; mean age 55.79 years (SD 8.94)) who were diagnosed with cervical OPLL, received treatment in our centre, and were followed up for 10.22 to 15.25 years. Of them, 24 patients (six females; mean age 52.88 years (SD 8.79)) received ADF, and the other 24 patients (five females; mean age 56.25 years (SD 9.44)) received PLF. Clinical data including age, sex, and the OPLL canal-occupying ratio were analyzed and compared. The primary outcome was Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the secondary outcome was visual analogue scale neck pain. Results. Compared with the baseline, neurological function improved significantly after surgery in all patients of both groups (p < 0.001). The JOA recovery rate in the ADF group was significantly higher than that in the PLF group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative cervical pain between the two groups (p = 0.387). The operating time was longer and intraoperative blood loss was greater in the PLF group than the ADF group. More complications were observed in the ADF group than in the PLF group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Long-term neurological function improved significantly after surgery in both groups, with the improvement more pronounced in the ADF group. There was no significant difference in postoperative neck pain between the two groups. The operating time was shorter and intraoperative blood loss was lower in the ADF group; however, the incidence of perioperative complications was higher. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):768–775

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of instrumentation failure (IF) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), and to analyze risk factors for IF. Methods. The medical records from 136 patients (65 male, 71 female) with a mean age of 52.7 years (14 to 80) who underwent TES were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 101 months (36 to 232). Analyzed factors included incidence of IF, age, sex, BMI, history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, tumour histology (primary or metastasis; benign or malignant), surgical approach (posterior or combined), tumour location (thoracic or lumbar; junctional or non-junctional), number of resected vertebrae (single or multilevel), anterior resection line (disc-to-disc or intravertebra), type of bone graft (autograft or frozen autograft), cage subsidence (CS), and local alignment (LA). A survival analysis of the instrumentation was performed, and relationships between IF and other factors were investigated using the Cox regression model. Results. A total of 44 patients (32.4%) developed IF at a median of 31 months (interquartile range 23 to 74) following TES. Most IFs were rod fractures preceded by a mean CS of 6.1 mm (2 to 18) and LA kyphotic enhancement of 10.8° (-1 to 36). IF-free survival rates were 75.8% at five years and 56.9% at ten years. The interval from TES to IF peaked at two to three years postoperatively and continued to occur over a period of time thereafter; the early IF-developing group had greater CS at one month postoperatively (CS1M) and more lumbar TES. CS1M ≥ 3 mm and sole use of frozen autografts were identified as independent risk factors for IF. Conclusion. IF is a common complication following TES. We have demonstrated that robust spinal reconstruction preventing CS, and high-quality bone grafting are necessary for successful reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):172–179

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of patients with spinal metastasis as the initial manifestation of malignancy (SM-IMM). Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 338 patients who underwent surgical treatment for metastatic spinal disease. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups. The SM-IMM group included patients with no history of malignancy whose site of primary malignancy was diagnosed after the identification of spinal metastasis. The other group included patients with a history of treatment for primary malignancy who then developed spinal metastasis (SM-DTM). The incidence of SM-IMM by site of primary malignancy was calculated. The difference between prognoses after surgical treatment for SM-IMM and SM-DTM was established. Results. The median follow-up period was 11.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 3.2 to 13.4) after surgical treatment. During the follow-up period, 264 patients died; 74 patients survived. The SM-IMM group consisted of 94 patients (27.8%). The site of primary malignancy in the SM-IMM group was lung in 35/103 patients (34.0%), liver in 8/45 patients (17.8%), kidney in 10/33 patients (30.3%), colorectum in 3/29 patients (10.3%), breast in 3/22 patients (13.6%), prostate in 3/10 patients (30%), thyroid in 4/8 patients (50%), and ‘other’ in 28/88 patients (31.8%). On Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, the SM-IMM group showed a significantly longer survival than the SM-DTM group (p = 0.013). The mean survival time was 23.0 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.5 to 30.5) in the SM-IMM group and 15.5 months (95% CI 11.8 to 19.2) in the SM-DTM group. Conclusion. Of the 338 enrolled patients who underwent surgical treatment for spinal metastasis, 94 patients (27.8%) underwent surgical treatment for SM-IMM. The SM-IMM group had an acceptable prognosis with surgical treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1379–1384

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for adverse events following the surgical correction of cervical spinal deformities in adults. Methods. We identified adult patients who underwent corrective cervical spinal surgery between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2015 from the MarketScan database. The baseline comorbidities and characteristics of the operation were recorded. Adverse events were defined as the development of a complication, an unanticipated deleterious postoperative event, or further surgery. Patients aged < 18 years and those with a previous history of tumour or trauma were excluded from the study. Results. A total of 13,549 adults in the database underwent primary corrective surgery for a cervical spinal deformity during the study period. A total of 3,785 (27.9%) had a complication within 90 days of the procedure, and 3,893 (28.7%) required further surgery within two years. In multivariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio (OR) 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8 to 0.9); p = 0.019) and a posterior approach (compared with a combined surgical approach, OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.8); p < 0.001) significantly decreased the risk of complications. Osteoporosis (OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.6); p < 0.001), dyspnoea (OR 1.48 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.6); p < 0.001), cerebrovascular accident (OR 1.81 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.0); p < 0.001), a posterior approach (compared with an anterior approach, OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4); p < 0.001), and the use of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) (OR 1.22 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4); p = 0.003) significantly increased the risks of 90-day complications. In multivariate regression analysis, preoperative dyspnoea (OR 1.50 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.7); p < 0.001), a posterior approach (compared with an anterior approach, OR 2.80 (95% CI 2.4 to 3.2; p < 0.001), and postoperative dysphagia (OR 2.50 (95% CI 1.8 to 3.4); p < 0.001) were associated with a significantly increased risk of further surgery two years postoperatively. A posterior approach (compared with a combined approach, OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.4); p < 0.001), the use of BMP (OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.5); p < 0.001) were associated with a significantly decreased risk of further surgery at this time. Conclusion. The surgical approach and intraoperative use of BMP strongly influence the risk of further surgery, whereas the comorbidity burden and the characteristics of the operation influence the rates of early complications in adult patients undergoing corrective cervical spinal surgery. These data may aid surgeons in patient selection and surgical planning. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):734–738

Aims. Whether a combined anteroposterior fusion or a posterior-only fusion is more effective in the management of patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of these surgical approaches, and to evaluate the postoperative complications with the hypothesis that proximal junctional kyphosis would be more common in one-stage posterior-only fusion. Methods. A retrospective review of patients treated surgically for Scheuermann’s kyphosis between 2006 and 2014 was performed. A total of 62 patients were identified, with 31 in each group. Parameters were compared to evaluate postoperative outcomes using chi-squared tests, independent-samples t-tests, and z-tests of proportions analyses where applicable. Results. There were six postoperative infections in the two-stage anteroposterior group compared with three in the one-stage posterior-only group. A total of four patients in the anteroposterior group required revision surgery, compared with six in the posterior-only group. There was a significantly higher incidence of junctional failure associated with the one-stage posterior-only approach (12.9% vs 0%, p = 0.036). Proximal junction kyphosis (anteroposterior fusion (74.2%) vs posterior-only fusion (77.4%); p = 0.382) and distal junctional kyphosis (anteroposterior fusion (25.8%) vs posterior-only fusion (19.3%), p = 0.271) are common postoperative complications following both surgical approaches. Conclusion. A two-stage anteroposterior fusion was associated with a significantly greater correction of the kyphosis compared with a one-stage posterior-only fusion, with a reduced incidence of junctional failure (0 vs 3). There was a notably greater incidence of infection with two-stage anteroposterior fusion; however, all were medically managed. More patients in the posterior-only group required revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1368–1374

Aims. To benchmark the radiation dose to patients during the course of treatment for a spinal deformity. Methods. Our radiation dose database identified 25,745 exposures of 6,017 children (under 18 years of age) and adults treated for a spinal deformity between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2016. Patients were divided into surgical (974 patients) and non-surgical (5,043 patients) cohorts. We documented the number and doses of ionizing radiation imaging events (radiographs, CT scans, or intraoperative fluoroscopy) for each patient. All the doses for plain radiographs, CT scans, and intraoperative fluoroscopy were combined into a single effective dose by a medical physicist (milliSivert (mSv)). Results. There were more ionizing radiation-based imaging events and higher radiation dose exposures in the surgical group than in the non-surgical group (p < 0.001). The difference in effective dose for children between the surgical and non-surgical groups was statistically significant, the surgical group being significantly higher (p < 0.001). This led to a higher estimated risk of cancer induction for the surgical group (1:222 surgical vs 1:1,418 non-surgical). However, the dose difference for adults was not statistically different between the surgical and non-surgical groups. In all cases the effective dose received by all cohorts was significantly higher than that from exposure to natural background radiation. Conclusion. The treatment of spinal deformity is radiation-heavy. The dose exposure is several times higher when surgical treatment is undertaken. Clinicians should be aware of this and review their practices in order to reduce the radiation dose where possible. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):1–7

Aims

A variety of surgical methods and strategies have been demonstrated for Andersson lesion (AL) therapy. In 2011, we proposed and identified the feasibility of stabilizing the spine without curettaging the vertebral or discovertebral lesion to cure non-kyphotic AL. Additionally, due to the excellent reunion ability of ankylosing spondylitis, we further came up with minimally invasive spinal surgery (MIS) to avoid the need for both bone graft and lesion curettage in AL surgery. However, there is a paucity of research into the comparison between open spinal fusion (OSF) and early MIS in the treatment of AL. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes and radiological evaluation of our early MIS approach and OSF for AL.

Aims

The number of patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy has increased. In many countries, public hospitals have limited capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for elective treatment and a need for supplementary private healthcare. It is uncertain whether the management of patients and the outcome of treatment are equivalent in public and private hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the management and patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy in public and private hospitals in Norway, and to assess whether the effectiveness of the treatment was equivalent.

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Closed suction subfascial drainage is widely used after instrumented posterior spinal fusion in patients with a spinal deformity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of this wound drainage on the outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This was a further analysis of a randomized, multicentre clinical trial reporting on patients after posterior spinal fusion using segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. In this study the incidence of deep surgical site infection (SSI) and chronic postoperative pain at two years’ follow-up are reported.

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People with severe, persistent low back pain (LBP) may be offered lumbar spine fusion surgery if they have had insufficient benefit from recommended non-surgical treatments. However, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2016 guidelines recommended not offering spinal fusion surgery for adults with LBP, except as part of a randomized clinical trial. This survey aims to describe UK clinicians’ views about the suitability of patients for such a future trial, along with their views regarding equipoise for randomizing patients in a future clinical trial comparing lumbar spine fusion surgery to best conservative care (BCC; the FORENSIC-UK trial).

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Frailty has been gathering attention as a factor to predict surgical outcomes. However, the association of frailty with postoperative complications remains controversial in spinal metastases surgery. We therefore designed a prospective study to elucidate risk factors for postoperative complications with a focus on frailty.

Aims. Spinal tuberculosis (TB) remains an important concern. Although spinal TB often has sequelae such as myelopathy after treatment, the predictive factors affecting such unfavourable outcomes are not yet established. We investigated the clinical manifestations and predictors of unfavourable treatment outcomes in patients with spinal TB. Patients and Methods. We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients with spinal TB. Unfavourable outcome was defined according to previous studies. The prognostic factors for unfavourable outcomes as the primary outcome were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis and a linear mixed model was used to compare time course of inflammatory markers during treatment. A total of 185 patients were included, of whom 59 patients had unfavourable outcomes. Results. In multivariate regression analysis, the factors associated with unfavourable outcome were old age (odds ratio (OR) 2.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 5.86; p = 0.034), acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear positivity in specimens obtained through biopsy (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.80; p = 0.039), and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at the end of treatment (OR 3.85; 95% CI 1.62 to 9.13; p = 0.002). Patients with unfavourable outcomes had a significant trend toward higher ESR during treatment compared with patients with favourable outcome (p = 0.009). Duration of anti-TB and surgical treatment did not affect prognosis. Conclusion. Elevated ESR at the end of treatment could be used as a marker to identify spinal TB patients with a poor prognosis. Patients whose ESR is not normalized during treatment, as well as those with old age and AFB smear positivity, should be aware of unfavourable outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1542–1549

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The aims of this study were first, to determine if adding fusion to a decompression of the lumbar spine for spinal stenosis decreases the rate of radiological restenosis and/or proximal adjacent level stenosis two years after surgery, and second, to evaluate the change in vertebral slip two years after surgery with and without fusion.

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To report the development of the technique for minimally invasive lumbar decompression using robotic-assisted navigation.

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Symptomatic spinal stenosis is a very common problem, and decompression surgery has been shown to be superior to nonoperative treatment in selected patient groups. However, performing an instrumented fusion in addition to decompression may avoid revision and improve outcomes. The aim of the SpInOuT feasibility study was to establish whether a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) that accounted for the spectrum of pathology contributing to spinal stenosis, including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch and mobile spondylolisthesis, could be conducted.

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The aim of this study was to reassess the rate of neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications associated with L4-L5 lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) undertaken using a standardized preoperative assessment and surgical technique.

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This study aimed to evaluate rasterstereography of the spine as a diagnostic test for adolescent idiopathic soliosis (AIS), and to compare its results with those obtained using a scoliometer.

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This study aimed, through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiment validation, to identify the key extracellular proteins of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).

Aims. The direct posterior approach with subperiosteal dissection of the paraspinal muscles from the vertebrae is considered to be the standard approach for the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We investigated whether or not a minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) technique could offer improved results. Methods. Consecutive AIS patients treated with an MIS technique at two tertiary centres from June 2013 to March 2016 were retrospectively included. Preoperative patient deformity characteristics, perioperative parameters, power of deformity correction, and complications were studied. A total of 93 patients were included. The outcome of the first 25 patients and the latter 68 were compared as part of our safety analysis to examine the effect of the learning curve. Results. In the first 25 cases, with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (standard deviation (SD) 0.4), the mean preoperative major Cobb angle was 57.6° (SD 9.8°) and significantly corrected to mean 15.4° (SD 5.6°, 73% curve correction). The mean preoperative T5-T12 was 26.2 (SD 12.8) and significantly increased to mean 32.9 (SD 8.3). Both frontal and sagittal plane correction was conserved two years after surgery. The rate of perioperative complications was 12% and three further complications occurred (three deep delayed infection). In the latter cases, 68 patients were included with a mean follow-up time of three years (SD 0.6). The mean preoperative major Cobb angle was 58.4° (SD 9.2°) and significantly corrected to mean 20.4° (SD 7.3°).The mean preoperative T5-T12 kyphosis was 26.6° (SD 12.8°) and was significantly increased to mean 31.4° (SD 8.3°). Both frontal and sagittal correction was conserved two years after surgery. The perioperative (30 day) complication rate was 1.4%. Two (2.9%) additional complications occurred in two patients. Conclusion. MIS for AIS is associated with a significant correction of spine deformity in the frontal and sagittal planes, together with low estimated blood loss and short length of stay. The perioperative complication rate seems to be lower compared with the standard open technique based on the literature data. The longer-term safety of MIS for AIS needs to be documented with a larger cohort and compared with the standard posterior approach. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):506–512

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Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate whether, after correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), leaving out the subfascial drain gives results that are no worse than using a drain in terms of total blood loss, drop in haemoglobin level, and opioid consumption.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of spinal instrumentation in haemodialyzed patients with native pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Spinal instrumentation in these patients can be dangerous due to rates of complications and mortality, and biofilm formation on the instrumentation. Patients and Methods. A total of 134 haemodialyzed patients aged more than 50 years who underwent surgical treatment for pyogenic spondylodiscitis were included in the study. Their mean age was 66.4 years (50 to 83); 66 were male (49.3%) and 68 were female (50.7%). They were divided into two groups according to whether spinal instrumentation was used or not. Propensity score matching was used to attenuate the potential selection bias. The outcome of treatment was compared between these two groups. Results. A total of 89 patients (66.4%) underwent non-instrumented surgery and 45 (33.5%) underwent instrumented surgery. There were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications, except for an increased rate of wound problems in the instrumented group, which was found in the unmatched cohorts (p = 0.034). There were no significant differences in the rate of recurrent infections (p = 0.328 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.269 for the matched cohort) and mortality rate, including in-hospital (p = 0.713 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.738 for the matched cohort) and one-year rates (p = 0.363 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.787 for the matched cohort), between the groups. However, the interval between the initial diagnosis and the first recurrence was significantly longer in the instrumented group (p = 0.008 for the unmatched cohort; p = 0.032 for the matched cohort). Conclusion. Instrumented surgery for haemodialyzed patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis showed similar outcomes, including recurrence and mortality, to non-instrumented surgery, despite the instrumented group having more severe neurological deficit, a larger number of involved levels, and increased kyphotic angle

Aims. The surgical treatment of tuberculosis (TB) of the spine consists of debridement and reconstruction of the anterior column. Loss of correction is the most significant challenge. Our aim was to report the outcome of single-stage posterior surgery using bone allografts in the management of this condition. Patients and Methods. The study involved 24 patients with thoracolumbar TB who underwent single-stage posterior spinal surgery with a cortical bone allograft for anterior column reconstruction and posterior instrumentation between 2008 and 2015. A unilateral approach was used for 21 patients with active TB, and a bilateral approach with decompression and closing-opening wedge osteotomy was used for three patients with healed TB. Results. A median of 1.25 vertebrae were removed (interquartile range (IQR) 1 to 1.75) and the median number of levels that were instrumented was five (IQR 3 to 6). The median operating time was 280 minutes (IQR 230 to 315) and the median blood loss was 700 ml (IQR 350 to 900). The median postoperative kyphosis was 8.5° (IQR 0° to 15°) with a mean correction of the kyphosis of 71.6%. Good neurological recovery occurred, with only two patients (8%) requiring assistance to walk at a mean follow-up of 24 months (9 to 50), at which time there was a mean improvement in disability, as assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index, of 83% (90% to 72%). Conclusion. The posterior-only approach using cortical allografts for anterior column reconstruction achieved good clinical and radiological outcomes. Differentiation should be made between flexible (active) and rigid (healed) TB spine. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1208–13

This review provides a concise outline of the advances made in the care of patients and to the quality of life after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last century. Despite these improvements reversal of the neurological injury is not yet possible. Instead, current treatment is limited to providing symptomatic relief, avoiding secondary insults and preventing additional sequelae. However, with an ever-advancing technology and deeper understanding of the damaged spinal cord, this appears increasingly conceivable. A brief synopsis of the most prominent challenges facing both clinicians and research scientists in developing functional treatments for a progressively complex injury are presented. Moreover, the multiple mechanisms by which damage propagates many months after the original injury requires a multifaceted approach to ameliorate the human spinal cord. We discuss potential methods to protect the spinal cord from damage, and to manipulate the inherent inhibition of the spinal cord to regeneration and repair. Although acute and chronic SCI share common final pathways resulting in cell death and neurological deficits, the underlying putative mechanisms of chronic SCI and the treatments are not covered in this review.

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The outcome following the development of neurological complications after corrective surgery for scoliosis varies from full recovery to a permanent deficit. This study aimed to assess the prognosis and recovery of major neurological deficits in these patients, and to determine the risk factors for non-recovery, at a minimum follow-up of two years.

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The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS), who had undergone spinal fusion after distraction-based spinal growth modulation using either traditional growing rods (TGRs) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs).

Aims. Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) systems use non-invasive spinal lengthening for the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of these devices in the prevention of progression of the deformity. A secondary aim was to record the rate of complications. Patients and Methods. An observational study of 31 consecutive children with EOS, of whom 15 were male, who were treated between December 2011 and October 2017 was undertaken. Their mean age was 7.7 years (2 to 14). The mean follow-up was 47 months (24 to 69). Distractions were completed using the tailgating technique. The primary outcome measure was correction of the radiographic deformity. Secondary outcomes were growth, functional outcomes and complication rates. Results. The mean Cobb angle was 54° (14° to 91°) preoperatively and 37° (11° to 69°) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean thoracic kyphosis (TK) was 45° (10° to 89°) preoperatively and 42° (9° to 84°) at the latest follow-up. The mean T1–S1 height increased from 287 mm (209 to 378) to 338 mm (240 to 427) (p < 0.001) and the mean sagittal balance reduced from 68 mm (-76 to 1470) preoperatively to 18 mm (-32 to 166) at the latest follow-up. The mean coronal balance was 3 mm (-336 to 64) preoperatively and 8 mm (-144 to 64) at the latest follow-up. The mean increase in weight and sitting and standing height at the latest follow-up was 45%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The mean Activity Scale for Kids (ASKp) scores increased in all domains, with only personal care and standing skills being significant at the latest follow-up (p = 0.02, p = 0.03). The improvements in Cobb angle, TK and T1-S1 heights were not related to gender, the aetiology of the EOS, or whether the procedure was primary or conversion from a conventional growing rod system. A total of 21 children developed 23 complications at a rate of 0.23 per patient per year. Seven developed MCGR-specific complications. Complications developed at a mean of 38 months (3 to 67) after the initial surgery and required 22 further procedures. Children who developed a complication were more likely to be younger, have syndromic EOS, and have a single-rod construct (6.9 versus 9.3 years, p = 0.034). Conclusion. The progression of EOS can be controlled using MCGRs allowing growth and improved function. Younger and syndromic children are more likely to develop complications following surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1187–1200

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Open discectomy (OD) is the standard operation for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), however, has shown similar outcomes to OD and there is increasing interest in this procedure. However despite improved surgical techniques and instrumentation, reoperation and infection rates continue and are reported to be between 6% and 24% and 0.7% and 16%, respectively. The objective of this study was to compare the rate of reoperation and infection within six months of patients being treated for LDH either by OD or PELD.

Aim. Many aspects of the surgical treatment of patients with tuberculosis (TB) of the spine, including the use of instrumentation and the types of graft, remain controversial. Our aim was to report the outcome of a single-stage posterior procedure, with or without posterior decompression, in this group of patients. Patients and Methods. Between 2001 and 2010, 51 patients with a mean age of 62.5 years (39 to 86) underwent long posterior instrumentation and short posterior or posterolateral fusion for TB of the thoracic and lumbar spines, followed by anti-TB chemotherapy for 12 months. No anterior debridement of the necrotic tissue was undertaken. Posterior decompression with laminectomy was carried out for the 30 patients with a neurological deficit. Results. The mean kyphotic angle improved from 26.1° (- 1.8° to 62°) to 15.2° (-25° to 51°) immediately after the operation. At a mean follow-up of 68.8 months (30 to 144) the mean kyphotic angle was 16.9° (-22° to 54°), with a mean loss of correction of 1.6° (0° to 10°). There was a mean improvement in neurological status of 1.2 Frankel grades in those with a neurological deficit. Bony union was achieved in all patients, without recurrent infection. Conclusions. Long posterior instrumentation with short posterior or posterolateral fusion is effective in the treatment of TB spine. It controls infection, corrects the kyphosis, and maintains correction and neurological improvement over time. . Take home message: With effective anti-TB chemotherapy, a posterior only procedure without debridement of anterior lesion is effective in the treatment of TB spondylitis, and an anterior procedure can be reserved for those patients who have not improved after posterior surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:834–9

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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.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of changes in parameters of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. We also investigated the correlation between the severity of neurological symptoms and these parameters. . Patients and Methods. A total of 13 patients with unilateral radiculopathy due to herniation of a lumbar disc were investigated with DTI on a 1.5T MR scanner and underwent micro discectomy. There were nine men and four women, with a median age of 55.5 years (19 to 79). The changes in the mean FA and ADC values and the correlation between these changes and the severity of the neurological symptoms were investigated before and at six months after surgery. . Results. The mean FA values were significantly lower (p = 0.0005) and mean ADC values were significantly higher (p = 0.0115) in compressed nerves than in intact nerves. Although the FA values increased significantly at six months after surgical treatment (p = 0.020), the ADC values decreased but not significantly (p = 0.498). There were strong correlations between the DTI parameters such as the FA value and the severity of the neurological symptoms as assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). . Conclusion. This preliminary study suggests that it may be possible to use DTI to diagnose, quantitatively evaluate and follow-up patients with lumbar nerve entrapment. Take home message: DTI is a potential tool for functional diagnosis of lumbar nerve damage. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:387–94

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To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with three-column osteotomy by posterior-only approach.