Spine
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A retrospective study. ⋯ Regardless of operative techniques performed, surgical indication, and time since surgery, routine postoperative radiographs provide low utility in guiding treatment course in asymptomatic patients. Although radiographs may provide important diagnostic utility in certain individual cases, the results of this study provide further evidence that radiographs should not be considered routine during postoperative visits, thus minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure and medical costs.
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A single-center retrospective study. ⋯ Patients undergoing 1 level MIS TLIF for degenerative conditions can overall expect a short LOS postoperatively. Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and immediate postoperative factors can prolong the LOS in this group. This information should help the surgical team in optimizing their intraoperative patient management.
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We describe an unusual cause of myelopathy with a discussion of similar cases previously reported in the literature. ⋯ Spinal gout should be considered in all patients presenting myelopathy and history of gout. When progressive neurological symptoms develop, surgical decompression can provide a satisfactory outcome.
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A technical case report of direct surgery for spinal arteriovenous fistulas of the filum terminale. ⋯ Although intraoperative image guidance is certainly not a prerequisite, the concept of safe and minimally invasive surgery makes it indispensable. It can facilitate identification of crucial or important landmarks where anatomic structures may be distorted.
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The biomechanical effects of disc degeneration and hybrid fixation on the transition and adjacent segments were evaluated using a numerical approach. ⋯ The use of the hybrid fixator should involve a certain trade-off between the protection of the transition segment and the deterioration of the adjacent segments. This trade-off stiffness, which largely depends on both fixator design and disc degeneration, provides the improved rigidity and flexibility of the transition and adjacent segments.