Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique for laminoplasty in which translaminar screws are used in the thoracic and lumbar spine. ⋯ The authors found that the laminoplasty and translaminar screw technique is feasible in the thoracic and lumbar regions, but further studies are needed to analyze the biomechanical effects and long-term outcomes in a large number of patients.
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Although many cases of primary intraspinal facet cysts in the lumbar spine have been reported, there have only been a few reports of postoperative intraspinal facet cysts in the lumbar spine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical features of postoperative intraspinal facet cysts in the lumbar spine. ⋯ The prevalence of postoperative intraspinal facet cysts, including asymptomatic cysts, was 8.6% during 1 year after decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. The development of postoperative intraspinal facet cysts was related to the presence of segmental spinal instability before surgery (including degenerative spondylolisthesis) and postoperative segmental spinal instability, including a progression of spondylolisthesis and disc degeneration after surgery. A postoperative intraspinal facet cyst, which can be expected to regress spontaneously with a probability > 50%, should be recognized as one of the postoperative complications of decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.
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Comparative Study
Complications in spinal surgery: comparative survey of spine surgeons and patients who underwent spinal surgery.
Definitions of complications in spinal surgery are not clear. Therefore, the authors assessed a group of practicing spine surgeons and, through the surgeons' responses to an online and emailed survey, developed a simple definition of operative complications due to spinal surgery. To validate this assessment, the authors revised their survey to make it appropriate for a lay audience and repeated the assessment with a cohort of patients who underwent spine surgery. ⋯ Comparing responses of spine surgeons and patients who underwent spinal surgery in assessing a group of common postoperative events, the authors found significant agreement on perception of presence of a complication in the majority of scenarios reviewed. However, patients were consistently more critical than surgeons when differences in reporting were found. The authors' data underscore the importance of reconciling differing opinions regarding complications through open discussions between physicians and patients to ensure accurate patient expectations of planned medical or surgical interventions.
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Case Reports Clinical Trial
Surgery in the cervicothoracic junction with an anterior low suprasternal approach alone or combined with manubriotomy and sternotomy: an approach selection method based on the cervicothoracic angle.
The authors propose an easy MR imaging method to measure and categorize individual anatomical variations within the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). Furthermore, they propose guidelines for selection of the appropriate approach based on this new categorization system. ⋯ Imaging of the thoracic manubrium should be routinely included on MR imaging studies obtained in the CTJ. It is important for the surgeon to understand the pertinent anatomy of the individual patients and to determine the feasible surgical approaches after evaluating the CTA and vascular factors preoperatively. An anterior low suprasternal approach, or this approach combined with manubriotomy, is applicable in most of the cases in the CTJ. It should be cautioned that preoperatively unrecognized variations of the left BCV above the SSN might result in potential intraoperative trauma during an anterior approach.
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Comparative Study
Financial impact of spinal cord stimulation on the healthcare budget: a comparative analysis of costs in Canada and the United States.
Many institutions with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) programs fail to realize that besides the initial implantation cost, budgetary allocation must be made to address annual maintenance costs as well as complications as they arise. Complications remain the major contributing factor to the overall expense of SCS. The authors present a formula that, when applied, provides a realistic representation of the actual costs necessary to implant and maintain SCS systems in Canada and the US. ⋯ For budgeting purposes the institution should first calculate the initial implantation costs that then can be "grossed up" by 18% per annum. This amount of 18% should be in addition to the implantation costs for the individual institution for new patients, as well as for each actively managed patient. This resulting amount will cover the costs associated with annual maintenance and complications for every actively managed patient. As the initial cost of implantation in any country reflects their current economics, the formula provided will be applicable to all implanters and policy makers alike.