Neurosurgery
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Management of spinal trauma is a complex and rapidly evolving field. To optimize patient treatment algorithms, an understanding of and appreciation for current controversies and advancing technologies in the field of spinal trauma is necessary. Therefore, members of the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Trauma initiative used a modified Delphi method to compile a list of controversial issues and emerging technologies in the field of spinal trauma, and a list of the 14 most relevant topics was generated. ⋯ In summary, despite recent advances, the field of spinal trauma has many ongoing points of controversy. We must continue to refine our ability to care for this patient population through education, research, and development. It is anticipated that the new AOSpine fracture classification system will assist with prospective research efforts.
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Primary tumors originating from the spine are very complex and challenging entities to treat. Due to their rarity, a multicenter collaborative network is essential to shepherd the best research and contribute to the dissemination of the best evidence possible. Over the last few years, several advances have occurred in many different fields. ⋯ This article discusses these recent advances in detail to equip the oncologic spine surgeon and their team to better counsel and treat these patients. Most of these advances allow for a more tailored, efficient, and, most importantly, less morbid management of primary spine tumors. Some of these advances are still under investigation, however, and evidence-based oncological principles should still be strongly encouraged.
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Surgery for spinal metastases remains the mainstay treatment for pain, instability, and neurological deterioration due to tumor infiltration of the spine. However, several new therapies are emerging which may improve outcomes further, and in some cases even replace the need for surgery. We now have a better understanding of which factors influence survival and quality of life after surgery, and this underpins the development and application of new treatments, and assessment of outcome. ⋯ New surgical techniques allow smaller, quicker, and safer operations with less blood loss, pain, and quicker recovery after surgery. Radiation treatments have also leapt forward with the greater accuracy and higher doses possible from intensity-modulated photon radiation, stereotactic body radiation treatment, proton beam therapy, or carbon ion treatment. Combined with more advanced materials for vertebral body stabilization, computer navigation systems, and robotics, more can be done at earlier or later stages of the spinal disease than was previously possible, resulting in more options and improved outcomes for patients.
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There continue to be incremental advances in thoracolumbar spine surgery techniques in attempts to achieve more predictable outcomes, minimize risk of complications, speed recovery, and minimize the costs of these interventions. This paper reviews recent literature with regard to emerging techniques of interest in the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, fusion fixation and graft material, degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and thoracolumbar deformity and sacroiliac joint degeneration. There continue to be advances in minimal access options in these areas, although robust outcome data are heterogeneous in its support. The evidence in support of sacroiliac fusion appears to be growing more robust in the properly selected patient.
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Spine surgery is complicated by an incidence of 1% to 9% of surgical site infection (SSI). The most common organisms are gram-positive bacteria and are endogenous, that is are brought to the hospital by the patient. Efforts to improve safety have been focused on reducing SSI using a bundle approach. The bundle approach applies many quality improvement efforts and has been shown to reduce SSI in other surgical procedures. ⋯ Significant reduction of SSIs is possible, but requires a systems approach involving all stakeholders. There are many simple and low-cost components that can be adjusted to reduce SSIs. Systematic efforts including understanding of pathophysiology, prevention strategies, and system-wide quality improvement programs demonstrate significant reduction of SSI.