European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Review Observational Study
Drug sensitivity patterns in Xpert-positive spinal tuberculosis: an observational study of 252 patients.
To evaluate the sensitivity patterns of anti-tubercular drugs in Xpert MTB-positive spinal tuberculosis (TB) patients and to formulate the guidelines for early start of empiric anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) in MDR-TB spine based on resistance pattern in this large series. ⋯ The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is an efficient technique for the rapid diagnosis of spinal TB and suspected MDR-TB; however, it is recommended to do culture and DST in all patients with spinal TB to guide the selection of appropriate second-line drugs when required. In cases of non-availability of culture and DST, it is suggested to use data from large series such as this to plan the best empirical ATT regimen. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Review Case Reports
Staged surgical treatment for infection of total disc arthroplasty: three cases and a narrative review of the literature.
Although total disc arthroplasty (TDA) is a common procedure for selected cases of degenerative disc disease, until today there are only two cases of TDA infections reported in the literature. We report three cases of postoperative TDA infections, two developed cutaneous fistulas. ⋯ Surgeons are challenged by (1) major retroperitoneal vessels adherent to the device, (2) surrounding scar tissue, (3) accompanying retroperitoneal abscess, and (4) technical issues when removing and replacing the implant. A staged multidisciplinary team approach involving vascular and plastic surgery as well as spine specialists is mandatory to achieve good results.
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Review Meta Analysis
Clinical course of pain and disability following primary lumbar discectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To conduct a meta-analysis to describe clinical course of pain and disability in adult patients post-lumbar discectomy (PROSPERO: CRD42015020806). ⋯ Moderate-level evidence supports clinically relevant immediate improvement in leg pain and disability following lumbar discectomy with accompanying improvements in back pain. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Review Meta Analysis
Clinical course of pain and disability following primary lumbar discectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To conduct a meta-analysis to describe clinical course of pain and disability in adult patients post-lumbar discectomy (PROSPERO: CRD42015020806). ⋯ Moderate-level evidence supports clinically relevant immediate improvement in leg pain and disability following lumbar discectomy with accompanying improvements in back pain. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.