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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Multicenter Study
Artificial intelligence clustering of adult spinal deformity sagittal plane morphology predicts surgical characteristics, alignment, and outcomes.
AI algorithms have shown promise in medical image analysis. Previous studies of ASD clusters have analyzed alignment metrics-this study sought to complement these efforts by analyzing images of sagittal anatomical spinopelvic landmarks. We hypothesized that an AI algorithm would cluster preoperative lateral radiographs into groups with distinct morphology. ⋯ Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
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A prospective cohort study OBJECTIVE: To determine a classification system for cone of economy (CoE) measurements that defines clinically significant changes in altered balance and to assess if the CoE measurements directly impacts patients reported outcome measures (PROMs). Preoperative functional data is a crucial component of determining patient disability and prognosis. The CoE has been theorized to be the foundation of biomechanical changes that leads to increased energy expenditure and disability in spine patients. PROMs have been developed to quantify the level of debilitation in spine patients but have various limitations. ⋯ By classifying CoE measurements by the cutoffs proposed, clinically significant alterations in balance can be quantified. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that across spinal pathology, higher magnitude CoE and range of sway measurements correlate with worsening PROMs. The Haddas' CoE classification system in this study helps to identify patients that may benefit from surgery and guide their postoperative prognosis.
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This study aims to compare the early subsidence rate (6-12 months) of standalone novel 3D-printed titanium (Ti) versus polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody cages after lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). ⋯ Our study demonstrated that 3D-printed novel Ti cages had a significantly lower early subsidence rate compared to PEEK cages in standalone LLIF patients.
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The COVID-19 pandemic forced many surgeons to adopt "virtual medicine" practices, defined as telehealth services for patient care and online platforms for continuing medical education. The purpose of this study was to assess spine surgeon reliance on virtual medicine during the pandemic and to discuss the future of virtual medicine in spine surgery. ⋯ COVID-19 has changed spine surgery by triggering rapid adoption of virtual medicine practices. The demonstrated global interest in virtual medicine suggests that it may become part of the "new normal" for surgeons in the post-pandemic era.