Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
-
Minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISSs) have gained immense popularity in the last few years. Concern about the radiation exposure has also been raised. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of body habitus on the radiation emission during various MISS procedures. The authors also aim to evaluate the effect the surgeon's experience has on the amount of radiation exposure during MISS especially with regard to patient size. ⋯ Body habitus of the patients has a substantial impact on radiation emission during MISS. Severe obesity (BMI≥35) is associated with a significantly greater risk of radiation exposure compared with other weight categories. Surgical experience seems to be associated with lower radiation emission especially in cases in which patients have a higher BMI; however, further studies should be performed to examine this effect.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Biomechanical analysis of screw constructs for atlantoaxial fixation in cadavers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The unique and complex biomechanics of the atlantoaxial junction make the treatment of C1-2 instability a challenge. Several screw-based constructs have been developed for atlantoaxial fixation. The biomechanical properties of these constructs have been assessed in numerous cadaver studies. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the biomechanical stability achieved using various C1-2 screw constructs and to perform a meta-analysis of the available data. ⋯ Meta-analysis of the existing literature showed that all constructs provided significant stabilization in all axes of rotation, except for the C1LM-C2TL construct in lateral bending. There were significant differences in stabilization achieved in each axis of motion by the various screw constructs. These results underline the various strengths and weaknesses in biomechanical stabilization of different screw constructs. There was significant heterogeneity in the data reported across the studies. Standardized spinal motion segment configuration and injury models may provide more consistent and reliable results.
-
This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiological findings after open lumbar discectomy (OLD) in patients who were followed up for 10 years or longer. ⋯ This cross-sectional assessment of a retrospective cohort indicates that outcomes after OLD deteriorate over time. Increased back pain indicated a worsening of clinical outcomes, and this worsening was correlated with radiological findings of degeneration at the operated segment.
-
In sacroiliac screw fixation of unstable pelvic injuries in geriatric patients, poor bone quality often obscures important bony landmarks in fluoroscopic images. The authors analyzed the feasibility of injecting a transhiatal contrast agent (CA) into the sacral canal to improve fluoroscopic visualization in the sacral epidural space. ⋯ Injection of a transhiatal epidural CA improves fluoroscopic imaging of the sacral canal and of the neural foramina. Hence, this technique could be applied to help the surgeon identify anatomical landmarks during sacroiliac screw fixation in geriatric patients.
-
The authors investigated quality of life (QOL) outcomes after primary versus revision discectomy. ⋯ QOL, pain and disability, and psychosocial outcomes improved after primary and revision discectomy, but the improvement diminished after revision discectomy.